INTERVIEW: IEVA LAGUNA'S TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO THE RUNWAY

Photos Polina Viljun Style Alyona Dubovska

Ieva Laguna has a calm and captivating presence. Chances are, you have admired her stunning images in fashion magazines or watched her glide gracefully down the runway. She has collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Christian Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Versace, to name a few. After stepping back from the spotlight, the Latvian supermodel surprised us all with a radiant return on the Balmain SS25 runway. Renowned for her ethereal beauty and tranquil demeanor, Ieva has been embracing a quieter, nature-filled life as a mother, while staying deeply connected to her passions for travel, beauty, and the natural world. Leopard Magazine had the privilege of sitting down with Ieva to discuss her triumphant comeback, her favorite travel destinations, beauty secrets, and how she manages to balance it all with such grace.

Style and creativity are more than aesthetics — they’re ways of being. At Leopard Magazine, we embrace this philosophy. Ieva Laguna reflects it beautifully, blending her work as a model, artist, designer, and doula into a unique and inspiring life.

Leopard Magazine: You recently returned to the runway for Balmain’s 25th anniversary show. It was such a beautiful surprise to see you there. What inspired you to return to modelling?

Ieva Laguna: Thank you so much! Honestly, it was quite unexpected. I had left the fashion industry three times already — the last time very consciously, feeling that chapter was truly closed. Then one day, I was having coffee with a friend, and they asked me,

"Have you ever thought of returning?"

It was like a spark. My perspective on everything had shifted — my values, my priorities. I had no expectations because I had already achieved so much of what I wanted in modeling. My life felt full, but I thought, why not? We sent some Polaroids, and from there, it just happened — almost out of the blue.

Leopard: Was it emotional stepping back into the fashion world?

Ieva Laguna: Absolutely. It felt surreal right up until the last moment. I realized how much inner work I had done over the years, going through therapy, learning to accept myself in new ways.

What really struck me

was seeing so many beautiful women — women

with gray hair, women with bodies that weren’t “perfect”

in the traditional sense — but full of

charisma and life.

There’s a different energy that comes with experience, and it’s deeply inspiring. It felt like stepping into a world that was richer, deeper, and much more meaningful than before.

Leopard: Fashion seems to be changing — embracing authenticity more and more. How do you see this shift?

Ieva Laguna: I think people are tired of the perfect, polished image. They crave authenticity. That’s why we’re seeing older women on runways, women who radiate real life and experience. It’s refreshing.

Leopard: It's beautiful to hear you speak about it with so much passion. Now, you’re also working in interior design and studying to become a doula. Could you tell us more about these new paths?

Ieva Laguna: Yes! Right now, I’m juggling three worlds:

modeling

interior design

doula studies.

When I moved back to Latvia, I wanted to invest my savings in something meaningful. I had traveled so much, stayed in beautiful hotels, seen amazing homes and film sets, and I realized how deeply those environments had impacted me. I wanted to create spaces where people could feel truly at home — places filled with soul and character. So I started working in interior design, and little by little, I’m building it up. It’s a very slow, organic process, especially with children in the mix.

Leopard: And what about your work as a doula?

Ieva Laguna: My journey there started very personally.

My first birth experience wasn’t easy, and I realized how deeply birth can impact a woman’s life — not just physically, but emotionally too. I wanted to understand more, to heal, and also to help others. I believe birth deserves just as much attention and celebration as weddings or other milestones. Right now, I'm studying and dreaming of one day opening my own doula practice — a place where women feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Leopard: That’s incredibly inspiring. It feels like everything you’re doing — from fashion to interiors to birth work — is about creating beauty and authenticity in people's lives.

Ieva Laguna: Exactly. It’s all about connection, about warmth, about creating spaces — whether physical or emotional — where people feel truly themselves. That’s what inspires me every day.

Leopard: Going back to your modeling career, has modeling left you with any key life lessons that you carry into your life now?

Ieva Laguna: Definitely. Some lessons I want to keep — and some I'd love to unlearn. Modeling shaped my self-esteem in ways I’m only fully realizing now. I learned how to portray a version of myself, to embody what a client needed. But at some point, it became very difficult to simply be myself again. I had to remember who I really was. I sometimes think about how Beyonce creates a persona when she steps on stage — it’s almost like stepping into character. I learned how to do that too. I researched clients, understood what they needed, and then molded myself accordingly.But along the way, I lost parts of my true personality. They were still there, just buried somewhere deep. It took a lot to stay mentally healthy and keep my distance from those pressures.One of the biggest things I've learned — and am still learning — is to simply let myself be. To stop worrying about whether people will like me, or what emotions I might trigger in others. To be myself more fully.

Leopard: That’s incredibly powerful. And it sounds like it has influenced your work ethic as well.

Ieva Laguna: Very much so. I’m grateful to modeling for teaching me discipline and resilience. Getting up at four in the morning, being ready at five, pushing through fear — again and again. There’s a certain kind of confidence that comes from stepping over yourself a million times. You learn that no matter how hard things are, you get up and keep going. You fall, but you get up again. And in the end, those who don't give up are rewarded. It builds both physical and mental strength — a kind of spirit and passion for life that stays with you.

Leopard: This year, Victoria’s Secret revived their iconic fashion show. You walked in their shows in the past. Did you watch their comeback? Would you consider returning?

Ieva Laguna: I watched some highlights.I think it's cool that they're trying to embrace more diversity — different women, different ages, different energies. 

Leopard: If you could reimagine something for the fashion world today, what would you love to see?

Ieva Laguna: I would love to see more storytelling — maybe a Netflix-style series that follows the lives of the top women, shows their journeys, their worlds beyond the runway. Not just selling an image, but showing the depth behind it. Each woman has so much inside her — so much hidden strength, creativity, resilience. I think audiences today would connect with that far more.

Leopard: You also mentioned your love for travel. Can you share some of your favorite destinations?

Ieva Laguna: So many unforgettable places! Six Senses resorts are absolutely breathtaking.

Amanjiwo — from the AMAN chain — was another epic experience.

One of the most magical trips was in Kenya, staying in a private house right in the middle of a national park, accessible only by helicopter. You’re fully immersed in nature; it feels like civilization doesn't even exist. Switzerland is like a second home to me — I no longer stay in hotels there, I stay with friends. And Costa Rica… it’s pure wildness and beauty. La Perriere is a special eco-lodge surrounded by untouched nature. If you love nature and kindness, Costa Rica is an incredible place.

Leopard: If you could recommend just one place everyone should visit at least once, what would it be?

Ieva Laguna: Definitely Costa Rica — deep in the jungle. There, nature rules everything. It’s raw, it’s alive, it changes in minutes. Sun, rain, life all around you. It’s brutal in the most beautiful way.

Leopard: That sounds amazing. Do you have any personal travel tips for our readers?

Ieva Laguna: Yes, three things! First — be open. Don’t over-plan. Let yourself experience the local life, find the little restaurants, live like the locals.Second — take an empty suitcase. You’ll find incredible things — crafts, antiques — that are unique to each culture.And third — stay longer. If possible, plan to add two or three extra days beyond work or schedule. That’s when the real magic of a place starts to reveal itself.

Leopard: Now, turning back to fashion — what advice would you give to young women starting their careers in modeling today?

Ieva Laguna: Listen — but trust yourself. Take what resonates, but don’t try to fit into a mold that isn’t yours.This is your one life. Even if you make mistakes, they should be your own. Don’t live trying to fulfill someone else’s expectations — whether it’s your parents, trends, or society.

Leopard: Thinking about your modeling career, do you have a favorite memory or a special moment that stands out?

Ieva Laguna: There are so many beautiful moments — celebrating after fashion weeks with friends, sharing real connections with peers. Victoria’s Secret was of course unforgettable — such a grandiose, surreal experience. But more than the shows themselves, it’s the friendships and shared moments that have stayed with me over the years.

Leopard: Today you carry such a calm and peaceful energy. How have you managed to maintain it, balancing motherhood, work, and everything life brings?

Ieva Laguna: It hasn’t been easy. The last few years have been incredibly challenging. But I have an amazing team — my coach, my therapist, my friends, my neighbors. They’re a huge part of my support system. Physical health and emotional health are deeply connected. Having that network, and staying physically active, has helped me enormously. My biggest treasures in life are the people around me — my family, my friends — and I'm deeply grateful for them.

Leopard: You mentioned earlier the importance of finding calm. What helped you most through the challenges you've faced?

Ieva Laguna: Honestly, it's been a huge inner journey. Through pain we grow. We change our paths. We become stronger. You stand up, you walk forward, and suddenly, you realize you can handle so much more. It's not easy. Balancing everything is a lot. Especially for women, we often put ourselves last. But when you find the right team around you — whether it’s a coach, a therapist, friends — it gives you so much. It's gratitude. Pure gratitude. I see the people in my life now as angels, really — not just my children, but also friends and mentors, like grandmothers, like mothers. It’s a process of nurturing, and it’s beautiful.

Leopard: That's so powerful. You talk a lot about self-care. How do you define that today?

Ieva Laguna: I think real self-care is about responsibility. As women, as mothers, as partners, as leaders, we are responsible for taking care of ourselves first — not waiting for someone else to do it. A big realization for me was this: In any relationship — whether it's love, friendship, or work — the question is not

“Will they meet my needs?”

but

“Can I meet my own needs

within this relationship?”

If the answer is yes, then the relationship is healthy. If not, it's honest to admit it and move forward. That has been a huge shift for me.

Leopard: Let's talk beauty! You look incredible — what are your favorite rituals or products?

Ieva Laguna: I recently discovered the Sensai line — and it’s fantastic. Their products feel luxurious and really work. I don’t do injectables or any heavy treatments — I’m very natural in that sense. Just good skincare at home, a consistent routine, and really listening to my body. And I truly believe: when you feel good inside — when you're moving, sleeping well, eating well — it shows on the outside. Beauty starts with inner balance.

Leopard: Has motherhood changed your approach to beauty and self-care?

Ieva Laguna: In a way, yes — but maybe not in the traditional sense. I try to integrate self-care with my kids. They see me doing my skincare routine and we even train together at home! My personal trainers come to my house, and we all move around together — I have photos with my kids climbing all over me during workouts. It's chaotic but real, and I love it. Motherhood taught me to surrender to the moment. You don't always get the perfect “me time,” but you make it work — and that's beautiful too.

Leopard: What type of sport or training do you enjoy the most?

Ieva Laguna: I do a kind of multi-functional pilates — strengthening the body and focusing on weaker spots too. I also love group classes at the gym when I can go in the evenings — it really helps to clear my head. And I adore nature — hiking, cycling, swimming, mountain climbing. I could hike for hours!

Leopard: That sounds amazing! Do you have a “guilty pleasure” when it comes to fashion?

Ieva Laguna: Oh, definitely! (laughs) I do love shopping for new things too — even though I really treasure items that last a long time. Like this sweater I'm wearing — I've had it for ten years, and it still looks brand new. I love clothes that are soft, comfortable, and feel good on the skin. That's my weakness. And I absolutely love Andele Mandele [Latvian second-hand platform] — finding hidden treasures there. I enjoy giving clothes a second, third, even fourth life. It's not about saving money, but about the feeling — that an item has its own story and journey. That feels much more meaningful to me.

Leopard: That's beautiful. Has that mindset influenced how you shop for your kids too?

Ieva Laguna: 100 percent! With my children, I try to buy high-quality, neutral things that can be passed down. It’s such a wonderful feeling — that a beloved item continues to live on. Of course, buying is easier than selling — I wish there were better systems for reselling, like a person who could organize it all for you! (laughs)

Leopard: You've spoken a lot about giving things a second life — repairing, reusing. Why is that important to you personally?

Ieva Laguna: I guess it's because I've really started to feel the weight of all the stuff we throw away. I see how much beauty and value is still left in things — in clothes, in furniture, even in old toys. It feels wrong to just get rid of them. Especially when you realize how much energy, effort, and materials went into making them.

I love the idea that something

can keep living — even after its first purpose.

And honestly, some of the things I've repaired or refreshed, they have even more character now. They tell a story.

Leopard: Ieva, what are your future plans, and what else can we expect from you?

Ieva Laguna: I continue to work as a model. It's interesting to see how everything will unfold, because right now a lot of it is still unspoken and uncertain. I’m currently signing contracts with agencies to shape my next steps. But there's also this whole new path for me — interior design. I’ve been offered an opportunity to further develop Blackbird, a brand I created, and it's something I really want to pursue.

I've also been invited to design furniture for a special project: three apartment buildings in Switzerland. It’s a creative challenge — I'll be designing pieces that incorporate lines and curves, almost treating the furniture as a platform for artistic expression. It’s very exciting, like having a "friends in space" feeling — constantly creative energy around.

Another big project I’m passionate about is the renovation of an old house facade in Riga. It’s a huge endeavor — a lot of paperwork, a lot of effort — but I believe it will turn out beautifully. It's something I always dreamed of doing: restoring a small part of Riga, bringing back its original beauty.

Working on these restoration projects has taught me a lot — especially patience and resilience. Dealing with builders, convincing them about the quality standards, fighting for the results you’ve paid for — it’s not easy. But it's necessary. It’s a little bit of the "Swiss way" of thinking: precision, quality, perseverance.

Riga’s historical wooden buildings have so much character. Even though renovations are costly — the final result is worth every effort. There's something magical about preserving that natural wood feeling, about maintaining a true, breathable microclimate inside homes.

This attention to authenticity reminds me of neighborhoods like the West Village or SoHo in New York. It's not about flashy skyscrapers, but about small, soulful buildings that make a city feel alive.

Leopard: Many people today seem disconnected from the places they live. You seem very passionate about the buildings you're restoring — could you tell us more about that?

Ieva Laguna: Absolutely. I think people feel it immediately when they step into a building that's been cared for with love and intention. It’s a completely different energy, and you can't help but notice it. That’s the building itself — one of the most beautiful wooden houses we have in Riga. 

Sure, wooden buildings have their issues. You never really know what's hidden beneath until you start the renovation — it's like peeling back layers of history. That uncertainty makes signing contracts and setting budgets so difficult. No one can give you a final estimate until the work really begins.

There are always those who would rather tear these places down and build something new and modern, but preserving what we already have — that's so much more meaningful. Every restored building tells a story. It's living history.

Modern buildings are beautiful too, of course, but preserving our heritage gives future generations a sense of place, of continuity. I imagine children walking past these homes one day, being told stories about what used to happen there. That's something you can't buy with money.

Leopard: There's definitely a special energy in old places. It feels like you’re creating more than just buildings — you're creating an atmosphere.

Ieva Laguna: Yes, exactly. You can't artificially recreate the feeling that time, the sun, the rain, and life itself have given to these places. That natural aging process brings a kind of authenticity that no modern construction can match.

I truly believe that energy is tangible. When a good person puts heart and thought into a place, it resonates. It creates a warmth and sincerity that you can immediately feel when you walk in. That's what I'm trying to achieve —

not just to make something trendy or modern,

but to create real, livable homes

that are warm and inviting.

Leopard: It sounds like you’ve found a real calling beyond modeling.

Ieva Laguna: Thank you. Yes, this has become a real passion. I want to build functional, beautiful environments that have soul. It’s important to me that the buildings aren’t just restored to look nice, but that they feel right — that they have that cozy, lived-in feeling.

Leopard: Thank you so much for your time, your openness, and for sharing this beautiful vision with us.

Ieva Laguna: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to talk — it almost felt like talking to myself through you. When you meet like-minded people, it just clicks. Even if our conversation inspires just one person, it’s worth it.

Leopard: It definitely will. We can't wait to see how your projects develop. 

Ieva Laguna: Thank you! We've built a small but strong team here — people who have been through the whole process, from start to finish. It's good to know there’s a community out there.

Leopard: We wish you all the best with your new projects and look forward to seeing how your beautiful work transforms Riga — and beyond.

Ieva Laguna: Thank you so much. See you soon!

IEVA

LAGUNA