Valeria Lukyanova on her 'Human Barbie' nickname: It's 'degrading'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Over the last few years model Valeria Lukyanova has become an Internet celebrity for her often-criticized appearance, as she's popularly referred to as the "Human Barbie."
Recently, Lukyanova -- who now goes by the name Amatue -- agreed to a Skype interview with Cosmopolitan where she opened up about her life, the strange mystique she's built up around herself, and her popular nickname.
NEWS: 'Human Barbie' Valeria Lukyanova Fires Back at Haters With Most Shocking Photos Yet
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I don't think they are right," she said, when asked what she thought about people referring to her as “Human Barbie.” "I think it's even a little degrading and insulting, but I'm used to it now, since that's what my work demands and this is precisely the image most fans request. So I have to comply with it because it's become part of my aesthetic image, but I don't like it."
Despite not liking the "degrading" moniker, she often tags her own photos with #Barbie. According to Lukyanova, this is so that she can easily be found online.
PHOTOS: Hollywood's Hottest Bikini Bods!
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"When people look for me, they look for me with that hashtag," she explained. "I'm the most popular [Barbie] copy in the world. When people say 'Barbie,' it's clear that it's associated with me, not anyone else. So that's why I use that hashtag — so people can find me this way."
The Eastern European model's tiny waist, disproportionately large bust, long blonde hair and intricate makeup have generated a lot of controversy among people who claim the images are Photoshopped and/or blame Lukyanova for perpetuating stereotypes and impossible beauty standards.
In May, Lukyanova posted a message to her critics online, along with new photos that were some of the model's most controversial yet. Despite claiming that she doesn't alter her photos -- and that the only surgery she's had is breast implants -- Lukyanova did later admit that the pictures she posted that day had been altered, but she argued that it was mostly "color correction."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WATCH: Jennifer Lawrence Reveals 'Barbie Girl' is the Soundtrack to Her Life
In her interview with Cosmo, Lukyanova concluded with a message of love, aimed at those who say she perpetuates a negative body image for young girls. "I want to wish for everyone to learn to love themselves. And when they learn to love themselves, they will be loved by others."