As the world enters a new chapter, ELLE China unveils its anticipated covers of the year—its New Year edition, featuring the captivating Marina Chumakova. Her appearance marks not just a new milestone in her international career, but a redefinition of modern beauty as a language of emotion, confidence, and quiet power.
In this special issue, ELLE China shifts the conversation about beauty toward something deeper and more instinctive. Makeup, the magazine suggests, is no longer simply the finishing touch of a look—it becomes an emotional extension of the woman wearing it. Every line, every glimmer, every shade tells a story. Marina embodies this narrative with striking precision, making her presence feel both monumental and intimately human.
This winter’s beauty trends set the stage for a bold and cinematic interpretation. Dramatic eye makeup dominates the editorial: strong lines that sculpt the gaze, delicate cat-shaped contours that add depth, and shadows that suggest vulnerability and fearlessness all at once. Marina’s eyes, framed by this artistry, communicate far more than visual style—they convey curiosity, courage, and the intoxicating desire to be seen.
Illumination becomes the leitmotif throughout the spread. But this is not the loud, glitter-heavy shine of past seasons. Instead, ELLE China embraces a sophisticated form of radiance, one that melts into the skin naturally and seems to glow from within. Gold appears as a quiet whisper of luxury—not shouting, but lingering in elegant layers. It touches the eyelids, slides along the cheekbones, and softens the jawline, creating a soft aura around Marina that mirrors the emotional warmth of the New Year season.
The skin, too, becomes a storytelling element. A fresh matte finish enhances natural contours, while creamy textures merge seamlessly with the face, producing a soft-focus effect. The result is a look that feels international, refined, and deeply feminine—qualities that Marina channels effortlessly. The editorial’s aesthetic balances classic elegance with a modern understanding of subtle glamour, highlighting Marina as its ideal muse.
Color plays a symbolic role. Deep greens evoke inner calm and introspection, reflecting a woman’s ability to stay grounded while embracing change. Classic reds appear as accents of temptation, passion, and emotional presence—themes strongly associated with the beginning of a new year. Marina carries these colors not just visually but emotionally, giving the editorial a multidimensional feel.
At the heart of this New Year issue lies a message: beauty in 2026 is no longer about pleasing others or performing perfection. It is about honoring one’s own identity—celebrating the strength, femininity, curiosity, and spiritual intuition that live beneath the surface. Marina’s appearance on the cover captures this shift with remarkable authenticity. She does not portray beauty; she inhabits it.
Behind the images stands a creative team that shaped the narrative with precision and artistry. Photographer Damir Zhukenov captures Marina in sculptural poses that emphasize both softness and intention. Stylist Ksenia Raiskaya creates a visual dialogue between structure and fluidity, aligning the wardrobe with the editorial’s emotional tone. Hair artist Albina Baghramyan and makeup artist Yulduz Kallasova complete the concept with refined technical execution, enhancing Marina’s natural features while elevating her into an emblem of modern elegance.
For ELLE China, the New Year edition is not just a magazine release—it is a cultural statement. The women who grace this cover help define the spirit of the coming year. With Marina as the face of 2026, the magazine sends a clear message: the future belongs to women who lead with presence, intuition, and artistic expression.
Marina Chumakova’s cover debut in ELLE China’s New Year issue marks her as one of the emerging global beauty icons. Her look, her aura, and her emotional intelligence resonate far beyond the fashion industry, inspiring women across continents to embrace their own glow—delicate or bold, whispered or roaring.
As 2026 approaches, Marina’s presence signals renewal. She represents the woman who steps forward with courage, who embraces her layers, and who radiates from within. In her, ELLE China has found not just a cover star, but a symbol of a beautifully evolving world.
Her story is only beginning—yet her impact is already unmistakable.
