VALERIA LUKYANOVA

Valeria Lukyanova: The Multifaceted Journey of the 'Real-Life Barbie'​

Valeria Valeryevna Lukyanova, born on August 23, 1985, in Tiraspol, then part of the Moldavian SSR in the Soviet Union (now Transnistria), is a Ukrainian model, singer, actress, and spiritual teacher. She gained international attention for her striking resemblance to a Barbie doll, a look she achieved through a combination of makeup, contact lenses, and selective cosmetic procedures. Beyond her doll-like appearance, Lukyanova has cultivated a diverse career encompassing music, film, and metaphysical teachings. ​

Early Life and Education

Raised in a family with a military background—her mother worked in the defense sector, and her father was a builder and part-time DJ—Lukyanova developed an early interest in spirituality and aesthetics. She pursued higher education at the Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, where she earned a bachelor's degree in architecture. ​

Modeling Career and Public Image

In 2007, Lukyanova won the "Miss Diamond Crown of the World" beauty contest, which had no restrictions on plastic surgery or body modifications. Her photos, showcasing her Barbie-like appearance, went viral on the internet, leading to widespread media coverage. While she has admitted to undergoing breast augmentation, she maintains that the rest of her physique is natural, achieved through rigorous exercise and a strict diet. Lukyanova has expressed discomfort with the "Human Barbie" label, considering it somewhat degrading, but acknowledges its role in her public persona. ​

Music and Artistic Pursuits

Under the spiritual name "Amatue," Lukyanova has explored her musical talents as a composer and opera singer. She has released two new-age music albums, "Sun in the Eyes" (2009) and "2013" (2013), and has produced music videos for her songs "Venus" and "Endless Eternity." ​

Acting and Media Appearances

Lukyanova ventured into acting with her debut role in the 2017 horror film "The Doll," directed by Susannah O’Brien. In the film, she portrays an escort made from doll parts, created by a doctor to recruit others for nefarious purposes. The movie was presented at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Additionally, she was featured in the 2013 documentary "The Phase," which delves into out-of-body experiences. ​

Spiritual Teachings and Lifestyle

A proponent of metaphysical practices, Lukyanova serves as an instructor at the School of Out-of-Body Travel, teaching students how to achieve spiritual journeys beyond the physical realm. She authored the book "Astral Travel Amatue" in 2012, sharing her insights into astral projection. Her lifestyle includes strict vegetarianism and meditation, and she has experimented with breatharianism—the belief in living without food or water—though she later discontinued this practice. ​

Personal Life and Relocation

Lukyanova married Ukrainian businessman and childhood friend Dmitry Shkrabov. In 2014, due to the conflict in Donbas, she relocated from Odesa to Moscow. She has since acquired property in Mexico but currently resides in her Russian hometown. ​

Valeria Lukyanova's journey from architecture student to international sensation encompasses a blend of visual artistry, musical expression, and spiritual exploration. While her Barbie-like image has garnered both admiration and criticism, her multifaceted career reflects a commitment to personal transformation and self-expression.​