Meet The Russians: Exclusive Interview With Masha Pogrebnyak
Meet The Russians series on Fox. The show provides viewers with an inside look at a world “dripping in lashings of luxury, opulence, exclusive events and private jets”.
The press release reads: “The series will give viewers unprecedented access and take them into the heart of a fascinating, glamorous, super-rich world we know exists but have never really witnessed.
“From the mega rich to the beautiful fashionistas, the high-end party planners and the hottest properties and private schools, Meet the Russians will gain an understanding of the Russian ‘scene’ in London.”
“They make Made In Chelsea look like paupers”.
Having met the lovely MASHA POGREBNYAK before during one of her fashion shows, -using her maiden name Maria Shatalova- it was great to meet her again, albeit for the interview, in a less hectic scenario at a plush London hotel. The 25 year old blonde bombshell from Russia and I -who I think looks a blonde doppleganger of Angelina Jolie, sans the boney knees-. Fully attired in black with leather jacket, pleated skirt, black tights and moccasins making her bright blond locks really stand out. Married to Reading FC’s Pavel POGREBNYAK, they have three children. Yes three! So not only is she a fashion and jewellery designer, but a housewife chef and mum. Her routine starts early morning where she makes breakfast for her entire family, school run is followed by lunch, then is working on her fashion designs before the dinner routine for four comes. She even bakes them cake for afters…. If you’re not exhausted already read on.
How did you get into fashion?
I started off making jewellery. I had some clients among celebrities and among footballers wives and they started asking if I could make clothes too. So I started experimenting with bright things with reds, with embellishments. Not too much of those boring blacks.
Are you based in London or Moscow?
Both. I have production in Moscow and I get orders there and I live in the UK and take orders over here. I have been here for 18 Months so not very long, but I am opening a studio over here very soon and I want to take part in London Fashion Week.
In May, the first collection was presented at Moscow fashion week and we want to take part in London this year.
What was your motivation?
Once I came to London, the dynamic of London and the atmosphere and the people I met inspired me so much I wanted to do something. All the colours and beauty you have and people are very open-minded over here.
When Pavel, my husband, played in Germany, I wanted to launch my collection there but the people there are very hard-nosed and very conservative. I showed them a dress and they kept saying they wouldn’t have an opportunity to wear it.’
How do you find time to do it?
I have three children so it is difficult. I sleep for 4 hours a night. I have a husband who is hungry all the time and I cook. Each night at 6pm we all sit round the table and have a meal and after the meal we have tea and cake as a family. I’ve made all the cakes. Cupcakes, Russian cakes – everything! When the children are in bed, I sit down and I work on the designs. Obviously I would like to sleep but I think you can sleep when you’re dead.
My whole day is taken up with kids, taking them to school, taking them to activities like judo, doing homework, extra lessons, other kids birthday parties. If I do have a spare moment, I design or look at fabrics rather than sleep.
What’s the label going to be like?
It’s going to be tailor made. We’re not going to be mass market. We will tailor all dresses to the client so everyone looks as good as they can. We will find the fabric especially for them and make sure it is as quality as it can be.’
Who are your favourite designers?
Masha Pogrebnyak Designs
I like Victoria Beckham.
I like how she keeps it simple, classic. I like Chanel. It’s also classic. Some women, especially Russians, won’t have an item of clothing unless it is designer. I was the same. I would only buy Marc Jacobs or Gucci or Versace. But since I started my own clothing range, I would never spend £5000 on a Gucci item when I know the production costs are £125. I would rather spend more on the fabric and make it myself.
What’s next?
I’d like to experiment with fabric. Make something out of alligator or python. My husband has asked me to make him a python jacket. He’s very fashionable. I’m lucky as I know not all footballers think the same.
What else are you working on now?
I’m going to be a judge for the Miss USSR pageant that is happening in London. Girls from all 15 Soviet countries will all be judged in London – it’s a really prestigious competition and I’m excited to be judging.
Do you ever find time to socialise in London?
My husband Pavel plays for Reading FC but once a week after the game we like to go out to dinner with friends in London. I like London a lot. I like your private members clubs. The people are more relaxed. If you go out in Russia, there are too many girls. And all the girls want men with money. It’s obvious. But over here, there’s less attitude and it’s more relaxed. In Russia we can’t relax, as the exclusive clubs here are exactly that. In Russia anyone that pays can get in clubs so we’re never left alone.
I like The Arts Club, I like Annabels. For eating, maybe Novikov.
Do you you get time to relax?
I have a masseuse that comes to my house in the mornings. That helps.
How has the show been received so far?
So far so good, Its been fun shooting it, Pavel’s friends couldn’t believe it at first, they saw us in private jets, throwing money, until we said it wasn’t exactly like that. But once they were filming me cooking at home, and I ordered specially a 6kg fish and lobsters. It took me all day to cook. What they ended up showing was me driving around Chelsea for two minutes taking my kids to private school. NONE of the cooking or family time made the edit.
That last paragraph my dear readers gave you a tiny glimpse into how reality TV works.
Over and out.
Masha Pogrebnyak designs
