I was born in St Petersburg, then, at 11, moved to Siberia where I have lived for 12 more years, graduated from a local university before returning to my hometown in 1998. I took various jobs there before finally turning to photography. From last August I am based in Moscow, a mad metropolis full of contrasts, energy and drama at every corner. In terms of urban design and architecture, many consider it a failed city, and you really have to know it from the inside to be able to appreciate its vibrance and dynamics. In this nostalgic picture (by Savva Bogatyrev), I am on a tram back in St Pete with my wife Veronika.

photography

A creative director running a film production company based in London. Passionate about travel, food, food, art and design and some more food.

Photographer Mia Haggi is a seasoned global nomad, moving through countries with the ease of someone who, as a former model, changes outfits. Originally from Tallinn, Estonia, Mia attended art school to study fashion design and photography before pursuing a modelling career — a step that allowed her to traipse around the world and lead her back, eventually, to photography.  Heavily inspired by dreams, darkness and fantasies, the photographer expertly weaves narratives into her imagery, getting close enough to her subjects to decrypt the intensity in their expressions and the vulnerability of their posture. Her unforgettable work leaves a lasting impression on her audience, leading to collaborations with brands like Nike, Adidas, Lulu Lemon, Lane Crawford and more, as well as numerous exhibitions and features worldwide. While it’s hard to pin down her exact location, her Instagram hints that she’s currently bouncing between Bangkok, Lisbon and Hong Kong … Words by Kala Barba-Court

Tanya is a multilingual and bicultural Design Director based in New York with experience in branding, art direction, advertising, packaging, print design and web.