an afternoon with Russia

Having reached my late twenties, it is so easy to disconnect from the so-termed ‘youth’ and neglect speaking with any young ‘hoodlums’, thus shutting our mind off to the future and what we will ultimately become.

I had the pleasure of styling & speaking with Russia recently - a charming young lady who enjoys art, classical music + reading actual books (who would have thought!)

I wanted to capture Russia in the essence of 90’s digital shots - edgy, cool and low key (just like Russia herself) and selected the styling with this feeling in mind. Forever thankful to my team - Eddie on the lens + Meg on brushes + Russia from People Agency.

Singlet - Witchery
Skirt – Farfetch
Leggings -
Boots - Bottega Veneta
Accessories – Sue Sensi

So Russia, what are you reading right now?
I have been reading some old classics recently, Emma by Jane Austen and A Room of Ones Own by Virginia Woolf. I am trying to brush up as best I can on my feminist literature as it’s piqued my interest recently.

Eye look created with Benefit & Makeup By Mario

A classic question, but if you could have dinner with any three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
I would choose Salvador Dali, Robin Williams and my childhood dog Millie.

Crop Top – IVY PARK
Cashmere Turtleneck – Saint Laurent
Necklace – Cult Gaia
Eye look created with Sephora Water Ink Liquid Eyeliner

What songs are currently on repeat on your playlist?
It’s so funny to say this, but I actually am a huge fan of classical music! I’ve been listening to loads of Bach, a classical singer called Maria Callas and also a touch of Bjork for good measure!

Black Dress – Dion Lee
Textured Dress – Honorine
Boots – Helmut Lang

When it comes to your personal style, how would you describe it?
I am a thrift shop girl through and through! I love the ‘tomboy’ style: big baggy shirts, oversized jeans and sneakers 24/7. I am a fan of some designer items but moreso accessories than clothing.

Top – Vintage Prada
Neck Accessory – Tyes by Tara
Eye look created with MECCA

What’s the colour that you resonate the most with and why?
I love navy blue and feel it is aligned with my spirit and energy. I am a deeply introverted person who loves being alone with my cat - spending too much time with other people saps my energy! My friends say I am calm and focused, so I feel like Navy blue is right on point.

Walk me through your morning routine.
I am normally woken up by my cat quite early because she wants to go outside and eat! Then I have my morning shower, eat a piece of fruit for breakfast and do some stretches. Then it’s coffee time and, ideally, I try and get about 20 minutes of reading done before starting my day.

Asymmetrical Bow Top – Coperni
Dress Layer – LOVER
Eye look created with Mecca Max Pencil Eyeliner

Would you rather live by the ocean, in the city or in the mountains?
Absolutely the mountains! That is actually my dream - I would love to live in a house in the woods and have a huge vegetable garden.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser
Kosas Concealer
Mecca Max Eye Pencil
OPI Nails
Ere Perez Cheek & Lip Stain

What inspires you day to day?
I love reading am find myself inspired by other people’s words, thoughts + ideas. I also adore art and music which are both rich sources of inspiration for my work in modelling and also my own personal clay sculpture work.