Keeping up with Taras Romanov and his latest moves can be tough, as you never know where you’ll spot the Ukrainian-American model and DJ next. Having first been discovered by VMAN and Steven Klein during an online search for the next male supers back in 2020, Taras has gone on to find himself building his modeling portfolio while performing as a musical artist under the name REIGN. Fresh off a whirlwind year as the face of Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s hotly anticipated relaunch and even having a cameo in Linda Evangelista’s comeback cover for V, a soon-to-be-dropped EP will have the world adding REIGN to their playlists before you know it.

Taras wears custom virgin wool suit AMIRI / Mega Balorama sunglasses RAY-BAN / Serpenti Viper earring and B.zero1 ring BVLGARI

V MAGAZINE: What are three “golden rules” you try to live by? 

TARAS ROMANOV: The first golden rule that I live by, for as long as I can remember is to get better and improve everyday. An ideology I developed from my early years of crafting music on instruments and learning the game of basketball performing physically. The second, equally as important, adopted from the words of Bruce Lee, “ be like water, flow formless and shapeless.” Be able to improvise, adapt, and overcome any situation. Last but not least the third golden rule that I live by is to have fun and enjoy the process. Rise up with the people around you and trust the universe , trust your path. 

V: Where do you think your ambition comes from?

TR: I have always loved the challenge. Whatever that was, to prove to myself that I could actually do it despite the odds. I’m so competitive, I always have been. A determination to win. My ambition is to breakthrough and overcome the most difficult but enthusiastic challenges. 

V: What motivates you to strive for your best in what you do?

TR: My motivation comes from a burning desire to reach my full potential. I realize the blessings that I have received in life and the opportunities that come my way. I need to prove to myself and to everybody that believes in me that I can go above and beyond. 

V: Are there any self-motivation techniques/tricks you do to build yourself up?

TR: Growing up as an athlete , I adopted motivation techniques early on that helped me build , push through and succeed. Every day, I like to wake up and go fasted for a few hours, drinking nothing but black coffee. The caffeine stimulation hits me like waking up the beast inside. It helps when I’m going on long walks or runs where I visualize where I want to be and who I want to be. Mentally, I use the big goal I’m going for as motivation. Listening to techno music or hip-hop has always hyped me up. As well as audio messages / quotes from living legends that I respect. 

Suit THE TAILORY CUSTOM SUITS / Shoes JIMMY CHOO

V: What helps you lock in your confidence during moments when you need “go for the gold”?

TR: The preparation I take builds my confidence. When preparation meets opportunity, that’s when the magic happens. So I stay ready and when it’s time to go for the gold, I’ve already visualized it so clearly and consistently in my head that I already believe it is mine for taking. 

V: What is the most rewarding part of modeling? What is the least rewarding? 

TR: Personally, I feel the most rewarding part of modeling is bringing a concept to life. Whether it be a campaign or a story, nothing beats bringing the character to life, and everybody getting together, being excited and proud of this moment. The post shoot celebratory dinners are also definitely the best vibe! If I had to choose something least rewarding it would probably be the time I spend away from my family. I could be gone for long periods of time and not get to see them as much as I used to. 

V: Tell us about a “golden age” in your life—a time you look back on super fondly. 

TR: I’m sure most would argue against it but for me it was during Covid. This isolation period was crucial for my growth. I moved back home with my father and lived a very disciplined lifestyle. There seemed to be no distractions and every day was about getting better physically and mentally.  It was also when I entered the VMAN Model search and the possibility of winning was clear in my mind and it happened. So I am grateful for this time because I elevated in a golden way.

V: What do you consider to be the “golden age” of fashion?

TR: Definitely the 90s was the golden age of fashion. When I look back , this was the age of supermodels. So many inspirational men and women, too many to name. It felt like they ruled the world along with the most genius photographers and creators. A lot of these images are still used to reference ideas today. 

V: In the spirit of going for the gold, what are you hoping to manifest for yourself both personally and professionally within the next 5-10 years?

TR: Well I can list so many things for this question. I’ll try to summarize with just some big ones in mind. Personally, I would like to start a family and provide for them the best way possible. Travel the world for adventure and to perform in the biggest music shows. Build business empires. Live acting out the best characters on film sets and fashion sets. I manifest living my dream life. 

V: What, if anything, has already surprised you the most in 2025? 

TR: So far, this year I’ve been traveling a lot and exploring new places. It’s been successful and adventurous. Things are flowing nicely. 

This cover story appears in the pages of V154: now available for purchase!

Photography Lufré

Fashion Nicola Formichetti

Hair Peter Gray (Home) using Oway USA

Hair color for Taras Romanov Gary Levin at Arco Salon using Oway Hair Color 

Makeup Maki Ryoke (Walter Schupfer) using Bobbi Brown

Manicure Mo Qin (The Wall Group) using Aprés Nail 

Set Designer Robert Taylor 

Production Ernesto Qualizza (Locals Worldwide) 

Retouching Teu Freitas / Telhas Retouch ( M.Lages)

1st photo assistant Fernando Freire 

2nd photo assistant Daniel dos Santos 

Stylist assistants Arut Arustamyan, Vera Pun, Joan Reidy, Dylan Gue

Hair assistants Josie Tippman, D’Xenia, Rebecca Velez 

Makeup assistants Brenda Garcia Jaramillo, Talitha Daeng Situju, Tarina Meaders 

Manicure assistant Qin Huang

Set design assistants Cory Nelson, Buddy Kennedy 

Production assistant Amanda Winn 

Studio Satellite Space