English Version | In Bloom

That's more or less how you can describe the resilience and strength of Arina Maksimova, the petite model who is as sweet as a daisy and as fighter as a vine, never letting her height be an impediment to her dream of making it in the world of Fashion. In an era where there is so much talk about inclusion, Maksimova wants to show – she already does – that there is room in this industry for her gigantic meter and a half.

She’s petite, but the space that her resilience and strength takes up is huge. What she lacks in height (for the model standard, which starts at 1.70 meters, more or less), she makes up for in talent and the desire to make it. From a height of 1.58 meters, she looks with humility and gratitude at the industry in which she managed to succeed, without regrets or resentment regarding the obstacles she had to overcome. Quite the contrary: she is the first to point out how much it taught her to never give up. Today she manages to be a reference for other young women fighting for the place of petite models in the world of fashion and does not shy away from talking about how there are still few examples of this genre in the area. Still, there is at least this voice that is Arina Maksimova, with whom we spoke to find out more about the journey, the difficulties and the achievements in the profession.

Tell us a bit how it all started for you. First of all, was being a model something you always wanted?

I started when I was a teenager, and yes I can say that it was something I always wanted. I lived in a small town which was very close to China border, you could just come there by car in 2 hours. I think you can imagine how many girls from my townhouse were traveling to all Asian countries for modeling. I was influenced by it a lot. I could see that there is a very strict height requirement which seemed to be impossible to overcome for me. Back then there was no body positive movements. I decided that it will be a goal of my life to change it even though no one believed it could be possible.

How did you start in the industry and at what age?

I started texting photographers and brands myself at the age of 14 in order to start creating my portfolio. Whatever money I was making on a side I was investing in my career. I was saving to go to China on my own, but with girls who were on contracts there. I was just following them everywhere, to all castings, shootings, everywhere. I was trying to learn as much as I could, I was working for free doing whatever was asked, helping everyone with everything 24/7 for YEARS just to be around and gain some experience.

You’re a petite model that has made a name for herself in the industry - did you struggle in the beginning because of your height? Was it something that the industry viewed as an obstacle?

I’ve never had direct access to the industry. Model agencies have never had an option in their applications to choose a height shorter than 175cm. Therefore I had to find my own way to make it to the modeling. I couldn’t just come to a casting to tempt fate, so I had to learn how to become my own producer first of all. I had to get deep into researching agencies’ ways to work from the inside out so I could work without the one.

And, on the other hand, did you ever see it as an obstacle for your career or not at all? How so?

It was a huge obstacle, but also a huge opportunity to grow in all ways, in all different spheres of life, to prove to yourself that there is nothing impossible in this world. I started seeing the results only 2 years ago, even though I’m the industry for 8 years already, but I’ve never had a thought to give up. I believe it’s because I was enjoying every single moment of my journey. I always had this goal, however it wasn’t all about the final point, but about the way to this point. So in the end of the day I’m happy that I have such an unique experience. My career is very deferent from career of other models, but this is the only way to start something new, to open a new era.

In a world where inclusion is a beacon and a buzzword, do you feel that this is true in reality, do you feel you have much more opportunities than when you started? Or is there still a lot of obstacles? That do you feel changed most in all your years as a petite model?

I can say there is definitely more inclusivity regarding the weight and skin color, but still not regarding the height. Modeling is screaming about body positivity, but they completely ignore the parameter people can’t change in their body, no matter how much effort you put. You can loose or gain weigh, but you can’t become taller or shorter, so if you boast of inclusivity, start finally paying attention to shorter people as well.

What piece of advice would you share with girls that aren’t as tall as the model standard and want to pursue a career in the industry?

No matter what people are saying just keep going. I worked so hard to change the industry for all of us, so you can’t just give up.

What was the best piece of advice someone said to you, whilst you were growing as a professional model?

No matter what, stay kind. Everyone is tired and exhausted in modeling, you are not an exception, so be the one who makes the day brighter, and people will appreciate it.

If you weren’t a model, what do you think you’d be doing - or would like to be doing?

I would still be in the fashion industry for sure. I was designing clothes and making money with it, so I believe that’s the answer.

When you’re off duty, what do you most like to do to relax?

I love reading. I read every free second, it’s my way to relax from the childhood. I have a huge library and the whole list of all books I’ve ever read. It’s never less than 3 per month. I don’t even listen to music, honestly, if i want to listen something it will be audiobook as well.

What’s always in your bag, besides your phone and wallet?

Well, the list is pretty weird, but since you asked everything inside is for spontaneous work trip. I have pillowcase, so in the airplane I can sleep not worrying about my skin. I have a tiny humidifier, because it’s extremely dry on board. There are always camomile tea bags and quick porridge packs, so if i have to travel unexpectedly, I don’t starve.

What’s your favorite accessory?

My small gold necklace and bracelet from my parents. I love gold, and I never take off these guys.

And what’s something kitsch that you love - a trend, a piece of clothing, decor, etc - that some people may think it’s way too retro?

I love tiny toys. Tiny houses, tiny furniture. I collect Sylvanian Families, even though I don’t play with these toys as I used to do when i was kid, I still find them very attractive and buy all the new ones. I just place them everywhere around my apartment and they warm my heart.

You were in Lisbon for a couple of days - what did you love most about the city?

I loved people the most. I travel for work a lot, but not everywhere people are so caring. I had a very tight schedule here because of our project, but I hope to come back one day as a tourist during the warm season to enjoy the city itself.

Who’s your fashion icon?

I can’t say I have someone specific in mind, but I love Jane Birkin vibes. So effortless, but elegant at the same time.

What do you love most about yourself?

Diligence.

What do your friends love most about yourself?

I have two close friends, I know them for years and I treat them like family. I think that’s exactly what they like the most. I’m always emotionally available for them, I would fly to another part of the planet if they need me.

A mantra you live by or repeat to yourself when you need some pick me up?

What you missed hurts worse than what you’ve done. Catch every opportunity and always give it a try.

Translated from the original in The Blossom Issue, from march 2024. Full credits and stories in the print issue.