The current muse of fashion’s top photographers happens to be quite an artist herself.

Name: Sasha Pivovarova
Agency: IMG
Age: 20
Where are you from?: I was born and raised in Moscow, where I studied art history at university before I started modelling.
Nickname: Sashulya
When did you start modelling?: Six months ago, in the spring of 2005. A friend of mine was a photographer, and he introduced me to someone at IMG. Prada’s fall/winter show was the first one I ever walked. I guess I lucked out!
What did you want to be when you grew up?: I wanted to be an artist. I always drew and made art at a young age, and continue to do so today, even when I’m just passing the time between shows.
What’s on your iPod?: I like many types of music depending on my mood at the time, but mainly trance, classical, ethnic, and dub.
Favourite book: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
What are you most inspired by?: At the moment, the work of the Austrian Expressionists, and films by the great Federico Fellini.
Travel essentials: Prada sunglasses, and a stuffed bunny named Zaichika. It is my favourite and I never leave home without it.
Style icon: The model/ actress Veruschka, who starred in Blow-Up. Some people have told me I look like her.
If you weren’t a model, what would you do?: I would be an art historian. In fact, I haven’t given up that goal!