Valentyna Zhytnyk

Valentyna Zhytnyk is a Ukrainian jewelry designer and fashion model based in New York City. She is the creator and author of the ART OF GEMS project, which explores gemstones as a form of visual art, and the founder of the fine jewelry brand L’Impératrice.

She gained international recognition as Miss Ukraine Earth 2010 and as a finalist at the Miss Earth 2010 competition held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Valentyna built an international modeling career working with agencies across New York, Milan, Beijing, Shanghai, Hamburg, and Istanbul. She was represented by Major Models in New York and Milan, ESEE Models in China, Donna Models in Hamburg, Flash Models in Istanbul, and ITM Models in Milan.

She collaborated with global brands including L’Oréal Paris, Pierre Cardin, Dolce & Gabbana, and Roberto Cavalli. She also appeared as an actress in Turkish television series, including Küçük Ağa and Aşk ve Ceza.

She became the first Ukrainian model to work with Victoria’s Secret on the 2014 PINK online campaign. Her work has been featured in international publications such as ELLE, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, and GMARO Magazine.

Valentyna received her education in Ukraine and in the United States, including studies at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where she focused on jewelry design and jewelry manufacturing.

Her experience in the fashion industry led her to develop her work in jewelry. She began her professional journey in New York with Tiffany & Co., and later joined the Harry Winston jewelry house.

She is the founder of L’Impératrice, a fine jewelry brand focused on artistic expression, individuality, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Each creation is designed as a unique object, reflecting a personal narrative and a strong connection between jewelry and art.

Her work has been presented internationally, including at exhibitions in the United States, and one of her pieces was acquired into the permanent collection of the House of Ukraine museum in San Diego.

Valentyna Zhytnyk has also been involved in international initiatives and was recognized as a representative of the Ukrainian creative community, including participation in projects associated with the United Nations.

Today she lives and works in New York City, developing projects at the intersection of jewelry, art, and fashion.