MODEL MENTOR: MARINA ROMASHINA’S IMPACT ON THE NEXT GENERATION

BY IRVIN RIVERA

When Marina Romashina walks into a room, there's an unmistakable air of confidence and authenticity that immediately draws you in. From her early admiration of Kate Moss, whose unapologetic uniqueness inspired Marina to embrace her own individuality, to her relentless work ethic ingrained since childhood, Marina’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself. "I never tried to adapt to standards," she shares, "my height did not prevent me from achieving success, but only gave me confidence and understanding that I am unique." This ethos not only shaped her modeling career but also informs her creative process behind the canvas, where each frame is imbued with a story that resonates deeply with viewers.
Los Angeles, with its eclectic blend of cultures and artistic visions, has become a fertile ground for Marina’s artistic growth. "What I really like about modeling in Los Angeles is that this city includes people from different countries and with completely different visions of fashion and art," she notes, highlighting how the city’s vibrant arts scene fuels her creativity. Whether it’s collaborating on a natural, restrained shoot for a cosmetics brand or donning a crazy wig and dress for a more avant-garde project, Marina thrives in the dynamic, collaborative environment. As she reflects on her journey and aspirations, she reveals, "Chanel and Saint Laurent have become reality, only Celine and Dior remain." With such a promising trajectory, one can only anticipate the incredible art and stories Marina will continue to share with the world.

Growing up, which artists or works had a profound impact on your artistic sensibility?

Since I work as a model, it would be worth mentioning who from this model world inspired me the most. Her name is Kate Moss. I really loved watching her shoots and watching her walk along the catwalk. So different from others and so unique. She didn’t care about the standards of that time and for this she attracts even more. I am very inspired by people who change the world. She was one of them. I mean modeling world for sure. This was reflected in my work, I never tried to adapt to standards, for example, when I started, height was very important and I was always shorter than others. At first it worried me, but then I stopped being afraid and accepted this fact. My height did not prevent me from achieving success, but only gave me confidence and understanding that I am unique. I think Kate's example inspired me

How do you think your heritage influences your art, and how has living in Los Angeles expanded or transformed these influences?

I was raised this way since childhood that if you want to get something, do something for it, for which I am very grateful to them. This has greatly affected my life and work. I never sat and waited for something to come to me, but always took the first step if I felt stagnant. And was never afraid to work. This helped me in my model career, you need to remain professional on every shoot, on every trip and never assume that anyone owes you anything. Working in Los Angeles helped me relax to some extent, not run anywhere, but just enjoy the moment.

How do your experiences in front of the camera inform your creative process behind the canvas?

I express my emotions on every shoot, what each frame conveys is a small moment of a certain story, which allows people to feel the whole story and feelings that I wanted to convey in the frame. I love hearing when people are inspired by images starring me, want to do something similar, or simply admire the work I've done. this is a credit to the whole team

Can you describe your creative process? How do you transition from an initial idea to a finished piece of art?

I'm the kind of person who doesn't plan. I don’t like learned poses or being told what to do. When the camera is on, I live inside of process, in my own world. It happens that there is a certain idea that needs to be followed, I respect and take this into account, but I do it in my own way. I play a certain role and show the story when the camera is on. It is important to convey the meaning in the shots. It’s important to capture a shot that will make people think and admire. Modeling is an art that not everyone masters

Photo: Glamour Hungary Editorial June 2019 Print Issue

Are there recurring themes or motifs that you find yourself drawn to in your artwork? What personal or cultural significance do they hold for you?

Certainly! I love it when the main idea of a shoot is a strong and sophisticated woman, a little serious but at the same time with her own thoughts inside. Often this is exactly what is asked of me. And I understand why, these are reflections of myself. I also love the idea of playing a bad girl. Most likely because this side also lives in me, which sometimes asks to come out. Kidding I am a SUCH GOOD GIRL haha

What does this mean to me? Living life in front of the camera, an outpouring of all emotions. This is magical!

Los Angeles is known for its vibrant arts scene. How has the city itself served as a muse or a hindrance in your artistic endeavors?

What I really like about modeling in Los Angeles is that this city includes people from different countries and with completely different visions of fashion and art. This opens up opportunities to do completely different projects: for example, one day I was doing a shoot for a cosmetics brand, where everything was very natural and restrained, and the next time I was running around the city in long crazy dresses with a big wig on my head. This is wonderful!

What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced as an artist and model in the U.S., and how have you addressed them?

I won't say that I had any challenges. I just don't take anything as a problem. I take it as "time of improving". But wait, the only problem at the beginning was the huge distances between castings and shoot locations and constant heat, but I got used to it

In what ways do you believe the worlds of high fashion and fine art intersect and influence each other?

These two worlds are very connected with each other. They don't exist without each other. For me high fashion is art

As an artist, do you prefer to create in solitude or do you find more energy in collaborative environments? How has this preference evolved over the years?

My work somehow involves interacting with other people so the answer is obvious. I soo grateful to work with such amazing and talented people. We create art all together with photographers, stylists, videographers, creative directors, make up artists, hair stylists, assistances and each single person on set

How important is representation in art and fashion for you, especially as an immigrant artist?

Representation in art and fashion is crucial, especially for immigrant artists. It provides a platform to share diverse stories and perspectives, fostering understanding and empathy. For immigrant artists, representation can affirm their identity, celebrate their cultural heritage, and challenge stereotypes. It also opens doors for others from similar backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and vibrant creative industry. By seeing themselves reflected in art and fashion, they can feel a sense of belonging and empowerment, making their unique voices heard on a global stage.

What direction do you see your art taking in the next few years? Are there new mediums or themes you are eager to explore?

I remember at the beginning of my career I didn’t even dream that I could reach the international level. Now I look at what I managed to achieve and understand that dreams can be real. I remember that I always wanted to shoot for Chanel and Dior beauty, especially after I saw an advertisement for Dior with Natalie Portman, and also to work with Celine and Saint Laurent. I really love these brands and everything they do. Chanel and Saint Laurent have become reality, only Celine and Dior remain, which means there is room for achievements! Besides of my own goals, it gives me great pleasure to help aspiring models. I have been doing this throughout my entire career, and recently, the number of my mentees who have achieved great results in modeling has become very large! I am very glad that my experience now works not only for me but also helps others. And I plan to help even more people. it is very important not only to take but also to give

What advice would you give to young immigrants in Los Angeles who aspire to make a mark in the arts or modeling industries?

Always remember that you are unique and never give up. Believe in what you are doing and if someone stops you and tells you that you can’t, then it’s time to change your environment. You can do everything! And remain professional and respectful of others. You can be infinitely talented, but who will be interested if no one wants to work with you?

L’oreal for D - La Repubblica - Album Beauty Cover Story

If You were a book, what book would you be and why?

Biography of a fictional character who is real. Story about a little girl, who, despite all obstacles, was able to achieve her dream. and there will definitely be a separate chapter with words of gratitude