Elegance, Adventure and Inna Skomorokhova's Courage to Begin Again

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5 min read

The Courage to Begin Again

Interview with Inna Skomorokhova

Inna Skomorokhova A Lady with a Sense of Adventure or Elegance, Confidence and a Touch of Vintage Charm – MALVIE Magazine digital cover 1 of 3 with Inna Skomorokhova, photographed by Michael Skomorokhov

Welcome back to MALVIE. How has your creative journey changed since we last spoke?

It has become even more dynamic, inspiring, and full of unexpected opportunities. Over the past year, my work has reached new audiences through international fashion publications, and I have had the pleasure of participating in exciting creative projects. Taking part in Paris Fashion Week 2026 with CMG was another wonderful milestone. Every new experience opens new doors, introduces me to fascinating people, and reminds me that creativity has no age and no boundaries.

Over the past year you have reached 85 publications and more than 30 covers. What do these milestones mean to you personally?

These numbers are much more than statistics to me. They represent dedication, countless creative ideas, new experiences, and the courage to keep moving forward. Every publication is a small story, and every cover is a moment to celebrate. I am especially grateful that my work has reached readers around the world. Most importantly, these achievements remind me that it is never too late to discover a new passion and begin an exciting chapter in life.

This is your fifth interview. Is there something about yourself or your work that you feel has not been said yet?

Perhaps the most important thing is that behind every photograph there is a real person, with a life story, dreams, doubts, and hopes. My journey into fashion has been about much more than modelling. It has been about rediscovering myself, embracing change, and finding new ways to express who I am. And, of course, I still have a few stories that are not ready to be told. Some things are more interesting when they remain behind the scenes!

You describe fashion and photography as a source of creativity that fills your days. What does a creative day look like for you?

A creative day can begin with a simple idea, an interesting outfit, a beautiful location, or even the changing Scottish weather. I enjoy imagining the atmosphere of a shoot, choosing clothes and accessories, and thinking about how everything might come together in front of the camera. Sometimes the smallest detail becomes the starting point for an entirely new concept. For me, the creative process is just as exciting as the final photographs because it allows me to turn imagination into reality.

How do you turn an idea or a vision into a finished photoshoot? Where does the process usually begin?

It usually begins with a feeling or an image in my imagination. I might be inspired by a location, a particular outfit, a colour, or the atmosphere I want to create. From there, I start bringing the elements together, considering the styling, accessories, background, light, and overall mood. I love when a concept develops naturally and sometimes takes an unexpected direction. Photography is a collaboration between imagination and reality, and the final result often becomes something even more interesting than the original idea.

You have said creativity offers you a welcome escape from difficult times. How has your work helped you stay strong and inspired?

Life as a refugee has brought challenges and emotions that are not always easy to put into words. Creativity has helped me find moments of lightness, beauty, and purpose amid uncertainty. Planning photoshoots, exploring new places, working with talented people, and seeing my photographs published around the world give me something positive to look forward to. Fashion does not erase life's difficulties, but it helps me maintain my connection with myself, my dreams, and the person I still want to become. It reminds me that even when life changes unexpectedly, we can continue creating beauty.

Inna Skomorokhova A Lady with a Sense of Adventure or Elegance, Confidence and a Touch of Vintage Charm – MALVIE Magazine digital cover 2 of 3 with Inna Skomorokhova, photographed by Michael Skomorokhov

Paris also brought new connections and a reunion with designer Tanya Shakhmatova of kolo.fashion. What makes your friendship and creative connection with her special?

Meeting Tanya again in Paris was one of the most delightful parts of the experience. She is a talented Ukrainian designer and the creator of the brand @kolo.fashion, but our connection goes beyond fashion. There are people who seem to appear in your life at exactly the right moment, and Tanya has that wonderful talent! Now based in Canada, she continues to be a special part of my story.

Our friendship reminds me how valuable it is to meet people who understand your creative spirit and encourage you to turn the page when life is ready for a new chapter. As for the details of that chapter, I think I shall keep a little mystery alive!

What have collaborations with photographers, designers and publishers taught you about working as a team?

They have taught me that the most beautiful results often come from a meeting of different visions, experiences, and talents. Everyone brings something unique to a project, and the magic happens when people respect one another's ideas and work towards a shared goal. Collaboration also requires trust, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment. I am grateful to the photographers, designers, and publishers who have been part of my journey. Their creativity helps me see new possibilities in my own work, and every collaboration teaches me something valuable.

What qualities do you think make an image or a cover truly memorable?

For me, a memorable image needs more than beautiful styling or perfect composition. It needs character, emotion, and a story that makes the viewer want to look twice. I love photographs that leave room for imagination rather than explaining everything. Sometimes it is a glance, a gesture, an unusual combination of clothes, or the atmosphere of a location that makes an image unforgettable. The strongest photographs reveal something of the person behind the image while leaving the viewer free to discover their own meaning.

Inna Skomorokhova A Lady with a Sense of Adventure or Elegance, Confidence and a Touch of Vintage Charm – MALVIE Magazine digital cover 3 of 3 with Inna Skomorokhova, photographed by Michael Skomorokhov

What message would you like to share with the MALVIE readers who follow your work?

I would encourage everyone to remain curious about life, to give themselves permission to dream, and never to believe that new beginnings belong only to the young. Life may change in ways we never expected, but we can still find beauty, inspiration, and opportunities to grow. For me, fashion and photography have become ways to express myself, connect with people, and embrace life with renewed enthusiasm.

I hope my journey inspires others, especially those who are entering a new chapter of life, to remain open to possibilities and to create something beautiful in their own way. We do not need to have all the answers or reveal all our plans. Sometimes, it is enough to keep moving forward, follow our inspiration, and leave a little room for magic.

Thank you, MALVIE, for welcoming me back into your pages. It is always a pleasure to be part of your creative world, and I look forward to our next meeting!