The public first took notice of Alesya Kafelnikova back in 2001, when her parents—legendary tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov and model Maria Tishkova—went through a highly publicized divorce. For years, tabloids followed her every move. Still, time has a funny way of sorting things out. Today, Alesya isn’t just a famous surname. She’s a successful international fashion model who built a career on her own terms.
Early Life and Childhood
Alesya was born in October 1998 in Moscow. Her parents separated when she was just one year old, and her early childhood unfolded in Sochi, where she lived with her grandparents on her father’s side. At six, her life shifted again when she moved to Moscow to live with her father and enrolled in School No. 1234.
Later, she continued her education in England, a move that quietly set the stage for what was coming next. Even as a teenager, her petite frame, striking features, and natural presence caught attention in fashion circles.
Growing up, Alesya was often described as part of Moscow’s golden youth. She attended elite social events, fashion shows, and high-profile gatherings. Outside the spotlight, though, she had a softer passion: horse riding. Her father once gifted her a horse, which she lovingly named Kotik—a small detail that says a lot about her personality.
Entering the Modeling World
Alesya has repeatedly said that she did not rely on her famous father to launch her modeling career. In fact, she claims he initially opposed the idea entirely.
In 2013, while studying in England, she was invited to an open day at Elite Model Management. She passed two test shoots and clearly made an impression—but she was still under 16, which paused things temporarily.
A year later, in 2014, she appeared at a runway show for designer Kira Plastinina, marking her first major fashion appearance. That same autumn, she debuted at the Tatler Ball, wearing a Dior gown and dancing with her father—an image that quickly made headlines.
By September 2015, Elite officially offered her a five-year contract. There was one catch: at 176 cm tall and 43 kg, she was told to gain weight to meet industry standards. Around this time, she also worked with the Russian agency Avant, though she later chose to end that collaboration on her own.
Media Appearances and Career Highlights
In 2016, Alesya appeared on the popular Russian talk show Let Them Talk, acting as a brief on-screen assistant to host Andrey Malakhov. While her role was minimal, it added to her growing visibility.
A year later, she caused a stir after starring in a La Perla lingerie campaign shot in London. Fans speculated about cosmetic surgery, comparing the images to older photos, though nothing was ever confirmed.
By 2019, she was walking the runway at Moscow Fashion Week, sharing the catwalk with global supermodel Irina Shayk—a clear signal that her career had reached an international level.
Controversies and Public Backlash
With fame came criticism. In 2016, media outlets accused Alesya of being dangerously underweight, pointing to her 48 kg weight at 176 cm height. Some went as far as suggesting she was promoting anorexia. When the issue was discussed on television, Alesya responded with a video message explaining her genetics and healthy eating habits.
That same year, another controversy erupted after she posted a harsh video criticizing Russia. Public reaction was swift and unforgiving. In response, she released evidence showing she was financially independent and later issued an official apology through her representative.
In 2017, rumors spread that she had been hospitalized, followed by a shocking comment from her father hinting at drug addiction. Alesya fired back bluntly on social media, asking others to stay out of her personal life.
In 2021, she faced global backlash after posing nude on an elephant during a photoshoot in Bali. Animal rights activists called it exploitation. She later deleted the photo, issued a heartfelt apology, and explained that she had also supported the local village involved in the shoot.
Love, Relationships, and Personal Struggles
Alesya’s personal life often attracted as much attention as her career. In 2014, she briefly dated Nikita Novikov, the son of famous restaurateur Arkady Novikov. Their relationship ended quietly, despite online rumors of infidelity.
Soon after, she entered a high-profile relationship with rapper Pharaoh (Gleb Golubin). The two lived together and even posed for Tatler. However, their lifestyles clashed. During this period, Alesya later admitted she struggled with drug addiction, leading to a painful breakup and a difficult chapter in her life.
Recovery and Healing
Alesya eventually entered a rehabilitation center, where she underwent treatment, including therapy and antidepressants. More importantly, she learned emotional control, discipline, and structure. Today, she follows a strict routine, exercises regularly, attends support groups, and has even spoken about wanting to help others facing addiction.
Marriage and Motherhood
In 2020, news broke of her relationship with businessman Georgy Petrishin, previously linked to actress Svetlana Khodchenkova. Their story didn’t begin smoothly—Alesya initially brushed him off—but persistence, a massive bouquet of flowers, and time changed things.
By February 2021, she announced her pregnancy. In May, she shared wedding photos, and in July, she gave birth to a daughter named Chiara Petrishina. Alesya later revealed that childbirth went smoothly and that she returned to her pre-pregnancy shape in under a month.
In 2023, her mother publicly accused Petrishin of emotional abuse. Alesya responded by posting a photo with her husband, making it clear—at least publicly—that their family life was stable.
Alesya Kafelnikova Today
Motherhood didn’t slow her down. Alesya quickly returned to international runways and signed new contracts abroad. Still, balancing work and parenting proved challenging. Eventually, she made the decision to leave her daughter with her mother, who had settled in Bali, while she continued working.
Today, Alesya Kafelnikova stands as a complex, resilient figure—a woman who stumbled, learned, and rebuilt herself. Not just a celebrity child, but a professional who carved her own path in a demanding industry.