Valeria Costello on Jewellery, Beauty & Motherhood

This month, we’re delighted to feature Valeria Costello, a Russian-born model and marketing manager living in Australia. A mother to two young boys, Valeria balances creativity, career, and the quiet chaos of family life with style and wit. In this candid interview, she shares her reflections on beauty, parenting, and the small rituals that keep her grounded.

Name: Valeria Costello
Date of Birth: 5 December 1989
Place of Birth: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Occupation: Model and Marketing Manager

What is your personal style signifier?
Currently, it's a blazer. When in doubt, I throw one over jeans and a simple T-shirt—it pulls everything together.

What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?
My “push” present from my husband—a pair of sapphire earrings. One for each child. It was a heartfelt surprise, and something I’ll always treasure.

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?
My Ganni track pants from The Outnet. They fit perfectly and looked exactly like the online photo—a small online shopping win!

What is currently on your wish list?
A 1:1 online breathwork session with a Melbourne-based breath specialist. Her “Breakthrough” sessions sound transformative.

Your earliest fashion memory?
As kids, my friend and I would do fashion shows for our parents—piling on clothes and perfecting our runway walks. It was more about the strut than the style!

The beauty staple you're never without?
I'm only now getting into skincare. I love caffeine-infused under-eye patches from Mecca and a Vitamin C version from Kmart—perfect before early morning shoots.

What will we always find in your fridge?
Prosciutto and avocado—open sandwich essentials.

How do you stay healthy, physically and mentally?
Right now, it’s hard to prioritise exercise, but I try to eat home-cooked meals and nourishing fats daily. Mentally, I’ve learned to notice when I’m at my limit and step out for a reset—getting my nails done or grabbing breakfast with a friend.

Any great discoveries recently?
I’ve just started the podcast Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried. I don’t understand crypto, but the story is fascinating!

What object would you never part with?
My AirPods. I used to think they were ridiculous—now I use them daily for podcasts. I also can’t sleep without my wedding rings; if I forget, I wake up in a panic!

What are some of the challenges of being a working mother and how do you juggle it all?
Logistics! It feels like I’m running a production company. I’m lucky to have family help and flexible work, but I’ve had to let go of a lot—perfection, routines, and even screen-time rules. Silence is rare, but I’ve come to cherish it when it arrives.

Valeria wears Aquamarine Collier Necklace here

Film photography: Gabriel (3) Iggy (2)