Hi Vova, could you start by telling us which country are you from?
Hello! I’m from the very cold Russia. I was born in Germany, in Potsdam. At the age of 4, I moved to a quiet town near Moscow, but now I live in Moscow.

How did you get into modeling?
I’ve never given any thought about modeling, let alone being involved in it. It all happened by a chance encounter, being at the right place at the right time.

What do you love about being a model?
Modeling is a great opportunity to see the world, meet with wholly different cultures, people and to learn English. (laughs) Also, it’s great to earn some money, and I enjoy the freedom modeling offers. But we must remember, this is a job which I have to take seriously.

No doubt! What do you think is your best feature?
I like my eyes, I think I’m able to convey emotions through them, which is especially important in my job!

What is your proudest achievement in your career as a model?
I am proud of every job I’ve done. To me, it’s a kind of victory! But most of all, I am proud of the work with Paolo Roversi for Miharayasuhiro. It is just the beginning. I think at this moment, the best thing for my future is to not think about it too much and enjoy what I’m doing now, otherwise the experiences now will pass me by.

You’ve worked with Paolo Reversi and Mariano Vivianco. How was that experience like for you?
Of course at this point, it’s two of the shoots I’ve done that I am so proud of! After shooting with Paolo, I became more conscious during the shooting with Mariano. I became more liberated. It is not easy to act in the nude in extreme temperatures! (laughs)

If you were not a model, what would you see yourself working as?
I study in the Russian Customs Academy, so I have “insurance” besides modeling! In general, I would like to be an actor. I do not see myself in a ’regular’ job, but understandably my parents have a different opinion on this subject. But I definitely want to make a career in this business as a model, otherwise why would I be one?

What songs are playing on your iPod now?
I appreciate vast genres of music, however I have quite a soft spot for techno and as it happens I dabble in a little bit of composition.

Who inspires you?
My family, and especially my mother, who is my mentor and teacher all rolled into one.

What is the toughest modeling job you’ve ever done?
Probably shooting with Mariano Vivanco and Daria Strokous - who is from Avenue too! - for Vogue Russia. It was freezing weather, I was naked, which was a first for me. I knew that I would be so numb from the cold! The other extreme was for Style: Men in Singapore 2 years ago, which one of my first shoots. It was filmed on the roof of a 35-storey building at 2pm in the heat, dressed in clothes from the winter collection! Plus, I was asked to look at the sun. I wouldn’t say these experiences were tough, but they were definitely ones to remember!

What do you do in your spare time?
I go to the gym, read, talk with friends, do yoga or play football. I always have something to do!