Valeria Lukyanova, a Ukrainian model who came to internet fame a few years ago, has been shocking the world with her Barbie-like appearance. Labeled the “Real-Life Barbie,” many assume that Valeria has undergone numerous surgical procedures to achieve such doll-like characteristics. However, Valeria insists that she has only had breast surgery, and that heavy make-up use is what really achieves her look. She claims that she does not use her appearance simply for attention, but that she is a spiritual being using her “perfection” to enlighten people about the need to advance themselves from simple humans, to human gods. Valeria believes that her “unusual” appearance helps attract clients to her spiritual practice, in which she teaches people how to communicate with aliens and spirits.
Although Valeria may not have undergone many surgical procedures to achieve her Barbie-like appearance, other women trying to perfect themselves are taking plastic surgery to the extreme. Sarah Burge, a British woman also marketing herself as a Barbie lookalike, has spent $800,000 on plastic surgery procedures, and even allows her teenage daughters to receive Botox injections. In a society where women are constantly comparing themselves to celebrities and models, attempts to be “perfect” are becoming extremely dangerous. Valeria may be using her looks for good intentions – to teach others about her spiritual beliefs and practices – but it cannot be ignored that her famous appearance also has negative consequences. As women all over the world are idolizing Valeria for her doll-like features, they may also be trying to imitate her; depending on plastic surgery to accomplish their desires.
Valeria’s newest goal is to survive solely on air and light. Although she tries to portray this in a positive way, asserting that reincarnation exists and that she is only promoting her spiritual ideas, the fact is that she is starving herself. How much longer will she be able to survive while on this “diet?” A practice known as Breatharianism, this “diet” has been attempted by others before. Naveena Shine from Seattle, Washington maintained this fast for 47 days before stopping due to a “message from the universe.” The scariest possibility is that one day, someone may not stop. Women who idolize people like Valeria will follow her influence until they cause permanent damage to themselves. Comparing yourself to others is always easy, but women who recognize their natural beauty are much stronger than people like Valeria, who rely on their looks for success and happiness.
Watch Valeria’s documentary on Vice.com, where she talks about how her physical appearance helps deliver her opinions about spirits and the human race.