We published an interview with Marina Linchuk a bit over a year ago, when she was already a famous model and in high demand. The biggest development of the past year has been that Marina passed from the category of a top model into the supermodel category. We were able to speak to Marina when she came to Moscow, and also with Pavel Zotovy, who revealed her to the world.

Marina, what new impressions do you have?

A great deal has happened, and there has been so much work. I can’t even remember specifically. What has changed in the past year? I don’t have auditions anymore. They call me and say: Tomorrow you’re working. I’ve even forgotten what my portfolio looks like.

Has the schedule become more stressful?

Of course, I am in much greater demand.

Pavel: There’s a certain frenzy around her, so Marina’s foreign agents have it tough – the schedule is now very loaded down and stressful. Besides, there is more responsibility in terms of clientele, since Marina is working with individuals of such a level, that you simply don’t turn them down. Basically, if John Galliano or Sofia Coppola asks for something, how do you refuse?

Marina: Recently, there was an incident when I was working for Christian Dior on the set of a video, the director of which was Sofia. On the same dates there was a shoot with Steven Meisel, the most important photographer today, who works for the American ‘Vogue.” But I had to cancel the photo-shoot.

What have you learned? What new acquaintances have you made?

Marina: When you work a lot with designers, they become your friends. Domenico (Dolce) came to visit us in New York. He is a very good friend of my and my boyfriend’s. I worked with Galliano last year no less than 10 times, and we are in contact. You work, you interact, people start to like you and friendships are formed.

Pavel: You enter a new circle of interaction, and perhaps the greatest result from this is their acknowledging you as an equal. This is very important. You know, it’s no secret that most often stars have to wear a mask and hold most of those around them at a distance…

Marina: All the same, you should be yourself.

Are you able to do that?

Marina: Well, yes. Pavel knows (laughs).

Pavel: It’s part of her success, the system that she devised for herself. I can describe in a few words: she has been able to preserve her childishness while being an unbelievably organized, hardworking individual.

Marina: Meaning I never get tired; I never say I’m tired.

Pavel: Marina is always smiling. She is not like others. This is the epoch of individuality, and here she is, one of these individuals. She has thought up this trend and is the head of it. It’s like Marina has remained Pippi Longstocking…

Marina: You know, the stylist Karl Templar called me “the girl next door.”

Pavel: Moreover, Karl Templar is a very closed person. He is probably among the top three stylists, or maybe the top two, or maybe the top one. It’s hard to say who’s the best, but this person is really an Olympian in our business.

Tell us more about the fashion houses and brands you work with now?

Miss Dior Cheri (Galliano’s creative director), Versace, Dolce&Gabbana and Gap. Gap posters with me on them are hanging all over New York right now. The caption reads: “Marina Linchuk for Gap.”

And which designers have you most enjoyed working with?

Marina: They are all unique individuals, you understand? They are all extraordinary. Well, the first time I worked for Versace.

Pavel: Donatella perceived a kindred soul in her…

Marina: Yes, when I did the first season, I closed the show. Dolce&Gabbana are my favorites. We are simply friends. John Galliano is just an astonishing person, and yet very straightforward.

Are there designers with whom you’d like to work, but haven’t?

Pavel: We got them all this season! (laughter all around) The last bastion – Jean-Paul Gaultier – fell not long ago.

You have achieved a certain height. Have you thought about what’s next?

Marina: It’s still early to think about that.

Pavel: I think that she has another five or six years left to understand what’s ahead.

Have you never ever regretted doing this?

No! Not once! Not for a second! I can say that I am happy. I now have my beloved work and my beloved person.