“Fashion has always been a form of self-expression for me. Even as a child, I was captivated by how clothes could tell a story or reflect a personality,” Gledia Preka begins, sharing her passion for fashion. From a young age, watching fashion shows, flipping through magazines, and experimenting with different styles helped her realize just how much creativity is involved in the industry. “That passion only grew stronger over time,” she says with a smile.
Explore this “Fluid Perfection” editorial to see how Gledia captures the fluidity of beauty, merging artistic vision with modern fashion. In her conversation with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, she also shares how travel, sports, and her admiration for strong women influence both her career and personal growth.
Dress, Federica Fusco. Earrings, Radà. Shoes, Ovyé.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): How has your work as a model shaped your understanding of self-expression?
GLEDIA PREKA: Modeling has taught me that self-expression isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you carry yourself, how you move, and the energy you bring to a shoot. Every pose and outfit is an opportunity to communicate a mood or message. I’ve learned to embrace my individuality and use fashion as a tool to showcase different sides of myself.
Total look, Dolce & Gabbana.
HBZVN: Balancing your studies with a busy modeling career must be challenging. How do you manage to stay focused and find time for both?
GLEDIA PREKA: My passion for modeling is what keeps me going. No matter how busy things get, I always find the energy and motivation because I truly love what I do. Modeling doesn’t feel like work to me—it’s an outlet for creativity and self-expression. That passion pushes me to stay disciplined with my studies so I can excel in both areas. When you love something, you make time for it, and that’s exactly how I approach balancing my career and education.
Dress, Balestra. Necklace, Radà.
HBZVN: When you’re in front of the camera, how do you feel? Is there a certain pose or expression you love to do that makes you feel confident and fun?
GLEDIA PREKA: When I’m in front of the camera, it feels like stepping into a new character every time. Each shoot is a chance to transform—to tell a different story through my expressions, movements, and energy. One moment, I can be bold and powerful; the next, soft and dreamy. That’s what I love most about modeling—the ability to constantly evolve, explore new sides of myself, and bring different emotions to life. The more I embrace each character, the more confident and free I feel.
Dress, Balestra. Necklace, Radà.
HBZVN: You’ve mentioned an admiration for free-spirited women who fight for their goals. Can you share an inspiring story of a woman who has had a significant influence on your life choices?
GLEDIA PREKA: One woman who has had a great impact on me is my mother. She raised me by herself and has always fought through life with incredible strength and determination. No matter how many challenges she faced, she never gave up—she built her career from the ground up while balancing everything on her own with grace and resilience.
Dress, Babylon. Headpiece, Lariulà. Shoes, Ovyé.
Beyond teaching me the value of perseverance and the strength of women, she also showed me the importance of finding something positive even in the hardest moments. Thanks to her, I’ve learned to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and to approach life with optimism and confidence in the future.
Dress, Versace Dress found on Vinted. Hat, Lariulà. Earrings, Radà. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman. Gloves, Etro.
HBZVN: In your downtime, you love traveling and engaging in sports. How have these hobbies helped shape the way you approach both life and your career?
GLEDIA PREKA: Traveling and sports have shaped me in ways I never expected. Traveling has taught me to embrace the unknown, step outside my comfort zone, and find beauty in different cultures and perspectives. It reminds me that growth happens when you allow yourself to experience new things—something I carry into my modeling career, whether it’s adapting to different creative visions or working in unfamiliar places.
Dress, Versace Dress found on Vinted. Hat, Lariulà. Earrings, Radà. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman. Gloves, Etro.
Sports, on the other hand, have given me a deep appreciation for discipline and resilience. The feeling of pushing past my limits, even when I think I can’t go any further, has taught me that hard work and perseverance always pay off. That same mindset helps me stay focused in my career, knowing that every challenge is just another step toward becoming the best version of myself.
Total look, Annakiki. Earrings, Oz Objects. Shoes, Ovyé.
HBZVN: What is one book or music album that has had a lasting impact on you, either personally or professionally?
GLEDIA PREKA: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés has had a profound impact on me. This book made me reflect on the times I’ve doubted myself, held back, or felt the need to fit into expectations that weren’t truly mine. It explores the wild, intuitive side of women—the part of us that is strong, creative, and free.
Dress, Alma Sanchez. Earrings, Radà. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman.
Reading it felt like a reminder to trust myself more, embrace who I am without fear, and see challenges as part of my growth. It’s helped me approach both life and my career with more confidence, reminding me that staying true to myself is the most beautiful thing I can do.
Dress, Atelier Adamian. Earrings, PD Paola.
HBZVN: You’ve started using social media to build your future career. How do you see it helping you grow as a model and connect with people in the fashion industry?
GLEDIA PREKA: I’ve never been someone naturally drawn to social media, but I recognize how important it is in the fashion industry. It’s an incredible tool for showcasing my work, building connections, and opening doors. While I don’t see it as a personal priority, I appreciate how it allows me to share my journey, express creativity, and engage with brands and professionals in a way that helps me grow as a model.
Dress, Alma Sanchez. Earrings, Radà. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman.
Model: Gledia @whosgledia.
Photographer: Veronika Orlova @lolorlova.
Stylist: Giulia Fiadino @Giuliafiadino.
Styling Assistant: Rachele Chiappini @raechelechi.
Light Assistant: Filippo Federici @filofedfafot.
M.U.A.: Nicole Melillo @nicolemelillo_mua.
Hair: Matteo Sciannimanica @matteoscianni_.
PR: @say__media.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
