A rare and refined beauty, Ruth Deng is fresh from her runway debut this past spring: the modeling newcomer is already making a name for herself at just 18 years old. With an artistic soul, paired with a passion for drawing and nail art design, the world will soon learn why she’s on the rise. 

V: What do you want people to know about modeling that you don’t think they do?

Ruth Deng: I want people to know it’s harder than it looks. I came in thinking I would just show up and take pictures, but no — it’s more than just taking pictures. It’s the confidence you bring into the room, your drive, and your ambition that make the pictures!

V: How do you think modeling will change moving forward? 

RD: I think it’s only going to get more diverse than it is at the moment, opening the doors to all girls no matter their height, size, tattoos, or scars. Everyone will soon see the true beauty in everybody because we all truly have no flaws.

V: What does growth mean to you as a person and as a model?

RD: To me, growth means constantly evolving, being open-minded to what others have to say, and always finding the positive even when things don’t look that way. ‘No’ is very common in this world, but it’s your point of view that can change that no into a yes.

This cover story appears in the pages of V161: now available for purchase!

Photography Luigi & Iango

Fashion B. Åkerlund

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Model Ruth Deng (The Society)

Casting Maxime Valentini (2b Management)

Makeup Tayler Treadwell (Streeters)

Hair Mari Watase (87 Artists) using Oribe

Manicure Leanne Woodley (See Management) using CND

Fashion Market Editor Copelyn Bengel

Styling Support Elanur Erdoğan (Forward Artists)

Producer Louis Guillemain (2b Management)

Cinematographer Santiago Montes

Photo Assistant Francisco Betancourt

Makeup Assistants Chloe Yang, Jack Titcomb

Production Assistants Juliet Lloyd, Angelina Aliano, Maksim Doraev