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“Start Small.” – Russian Pinup Marianna Koshka Talks All Things Pinup Fashion

A lot of women are hesitant to try vintage/pin-up fashion because it’s very bold and flamboyant. Even though they enjoy how it looks, the attention it attracts can be very pretty off-putting. That’s why it’s always good to start small. Whether it’s with a bold lip, earrings or simply just a hairstyle.

Sometimes, it takes years before you start wearing the full look. At Least that’s how long it took for Marianna Koshka, a vintage model from Russia with a love for classic movies. I spoke to her about her alternative fashion journey, and the advice she had for women that are just starting theirs.

A lot of women are hesitant to try vintage/pinup fashion because it’s very bold and flamboyant. Even though they enjoy how it looks, the attention it attracts can be very pretty off-putting. That’s why it’s always good to start small. Whether it’s with a bold lip, earrings or simply just a hairstyle.  Sometimes , it takes years before you start wearing the full look. At Least that’s how long it took for Marianna Koshka, a vintage model from Russia with a love for classic movies. I spoke to her about her alternative fashion journey, and the advice she had for women that are just starting theirs.    Q: How and why did you first start wearing vintage style fashion?  A: “ As a child, my parents and I watched old Hollywood movies that featured stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn. They inspired me. When I was little, I used to wear my mother's dresses. I would  pick up one of her purses and imagine myself walking along the Thames embankment. But, I didn’t really start my alternative fashion journey until I was in my late twenties.”  Q: What are your must-haves for completing your look?  A: “The perfect foundation, matte eyeliner, the right shade of red lipstick and of course a smile! I try to do suitable daily hairstyles that are mostly ‘40s inspired.”  Q: Where are you originally from? And how do people react to the way you dress?  A: “I’m from Russia. Most people come up to me, give compliments and admire my style. But there are some who consider it inappropriate, and outdated. What can I say? For me, vintage fashion is always in fashion!”  Q: What Old Hollywood actress inspires your look the most?  A: “Oh, I can't pick one! My style is like a jigsaw puzzle! (with many details!) When I look at photos from the ‘30s and ‘60s, I'm looking for inspiration in each of them. Recently I often revise "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" - I love the costumes in it!”    Q: What’s your advice for women who’d like to start dressing in vintage fashion but are too afraid to?  A: “Start small - Gradually expand the boundaries of your style. Add a bit of vintage gloss to your everyday style. If you like it then wear it!”  Q: What’s your advice for maintaining a pinup look?  A: “Be sure to purchase a pair of playful heels. When you do your makeup, add a little blush on the cheeks, and a drop of transparent lip gloss on the lipstick. And yes, pin-up is always fun, perky, attractive. It is always an invitation to play a game, the rules of which are set by you!”  Q: Where do you usually shop for your clothing?  A: “Some of the outfits I choose from the range of modern stores. But I mostly shop online. There is such a large variety - Collectif, Belle Poque, Miss Fortune, Aisize, Grace Karin, Lady V London, Corset Story, Vivien of Holloway and many others - here you can find things for every taste and budget. I also go to vintage resale shops - because can add authentic vintage clothing to my collection.”   Q: What’s your favorite era to recreate?  A: “It depends on the mood. It can be the severity and feminine minimalism of the ‘40s, and maybe the brightness and tenderness of the ‘60s. And of course the classic Dior ‘50s out of competition - lush skirts, narrow waist, high hairstyles... it’s just Perfection!”  Q: Any up and coming projects we can look forward to?  A: “Ahead of several filming in the style of pin-up in lingerie exclusively for Patreon. Bright and seductive shooting for a Haunted Cathouse calendar.”

Q: How and why did you first start wearing vintage style fashion?

A: “ As a child, my parents and I watched old Hollywood movies that featured stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn. They inspired me. When I was little, I used to wear my mother's dresses. I would  pick up one of her purses and imagine myself walking along the Thames embankment. But, I didn’t really start my alternative fashion journey until I was in my late twenties.”

Q: What are your must-haves for completing your look?

A: “The perfect foundation, matte eyeliner, the right shade of red lipstick and of course a smile! I try to do suitable daily hairstyles that are mostly ‘40s inspired.”

Q: Where are you originally from? And how do people react to the way you dress?

A: “I’m from Russia. Most people come up to me, give compliments and admire my style. But there are some who consider it inappropriate, and outdated. What can I say? For me, vintage fashion is always in fashion!”

Q: What Old Hollywood actress inspires your look the most?

A: “Oh, I can't pick one! My style is like a jigsaw puzzle! (with many details!) When I look at photos from the ‘30s and ‘60s, I'm looking for inspiration in each of them. Recently I often revise "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" - I love the costumes in it!”


Q: What’s your advice for women who’d like to start dressing in vintage fashion but are too afraid to?

A: “Start small - Gradually expand the boundaries of your style. Add a bit of vintage gloss to your everyday style. If you like it then wear it!”

Q: What’s your advice for maintaining a pinup look?

A: “Be sure to purchase a pair of playful heels. When you do your makeup, add a little blush on the cheeks, and a drop of transparent lip gloss on the lipstick. And yes, pin-up is always fun, perky, attractive. It is always an invitation to play a game, the rules of which are set by you!”

Q: Where do you usually shop for your clothing?

A: “Some of the outfits I choose from the range of modern stores. But I mostly shop online. There is such a large variety - Collectif, Belle Poque, Miss Fortune, Aisize, Grace Karin, Lady V London, Corset Story, Vivien of Holloway and many others - here you can find things for every taste and budget. I also go to vintage resale shops - because can add authentic vintage clothing to my collection.”

Q: What’s your favorite era to recreate?

A: “It depends on the mood. It can be the severity and feminine minimalism of the ‘40s, and maybe the brightness and tenderness of the ‘60s. And of course the classic Dior ‘50s out of competition - lush skirts, narrow waist, high hairstyles... it’s just Perfection!”

Q: Any up and coming projects we can look forward to?

A: “Ahead of several filming in the style of pin-up in lingerie exclusively for Patreon. Bright and seductive shooting for a Haunted Cathouse calendar.”

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