By: Alva Ree
Following the release of the highly anticipated New Year issue of ELLE China, we met with international model Marina Chumakova to discuss her emotions, creative process, personal reflections, and what this milestone means for her evolving career.
Interviewer: Marina, the entire industry has been talking about your New Year cover for ELLE China. What was your reaction when you finally saw the printed issue?
Marina Chumakova: It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. Seeing the final cover felt like seeing a version of myself I had been growing into for years. There was a sense of pride, softness, and gratitude all at once. I think every model dreams of a moment like this, but when it actually happens, it hits much deeper than you expect.
Interviewer: This cover is already being called one of the most elegant New Year visuals of the season. What do you feel made it so special?
Marina: The intention behind it. The ELLE China team wasn’t just creating a pretty picture—they were creating a message. We talked a lot about emotional makeup, inner radiance, and the idea of celebrating a woman’s energy rather than decorating her face. That philosophy shaped everything: the eye look, the lighting, the posture. It became more than fashion; it became a reflection of a woman entering a new year with confidence and honesty.
Interviewer: The editorial emphasizes illumination and emotional beauty. Did you feel that concept while shooting?
Marina: Very much. It was one of the most intuitive shoots I’ve done. The makeup—especially the gold tones—felt like it blended with my own energy. The dramatic eyes, the soft glow on the skin, the deep greens… they weren’t just styling choices; they shaped my mood. I wasn’t performing; I was embodying something. That kind of harmony between the concept and the model is rare.
Interviewer: Many readers commented on the strength of your gaze in the photos. What were you thinking about in those moments?
Marina: I wanted the gaze to feel alive. Not cold, not distant, but full of quiet intensity. I thought a lot about the past year—everything I overcame, everything I learned. I also thought about stepping into the new year with a sense of grounded confidence. Those emotions helped me create a look that wasn’t just posing; it was storytelling.
Interviewer: The beauty look was minimal yet incredibly powerful. Is this close to your personal aesthetic?
Marina: Yes, absolutely. I love beauty that enhances rather than hides. I think the most captivating looks are the ones that allow your natural features—and your emotions—to breathe. The makeup artist created something refined, almost meditative. It reminded me that elegance often lives in simplicity.
Interviewer: How has your life changed since the cover was released?
Marina: The response has been overwhelming—in the best sense. I’ve received messages from women all over the world saying the images inspired them. New collaborations are already being discussed, and I feel my international presence growing. But the biggest change is internal. This cover reaffirmed that I’m on the right path, and it gave me a sense of creative freedom I’ve never felt before.
Interviewer: What was the most memorable moment from the shoot?
Marina: It was quiet—between shots, when the team adjusted the lighting. I was standing there in that green dress, the gold reflecting softly on my skin, and I suddenly felt this wave of calm confidence. It was like the cover already existed, and we were just bringing it into reality. I’ll never forget that feeling.
Interviewer: ELLE China framed you as a symbol of the new year. How do you interpret that personally?
Marina: I think the new year represents renewal, intention, and truth. To me, being the face of this issue is about embodying thoughtful beauty—beauty that comes from self-awareness, inner balance, and emotional depth. If that resonates with other women, then this cover has done something meaningful.
Interviewer: And finally, what’s next for you in 2026?
Marina: Growth. Exploration. I feel that this cover has opened a new chapter. I want to work more internationally, collaborate with visionary creatives, and continue projects that allow me to express who I am—not just as a model, but as a woman. 2026 already feels bright.
The post Marina Chumakova Shares Her Journey Behind ELLE China Cover appeared first on Miami Wire.