ELLE China proudly unveils its highly anticipated New Year issue featuring Marina Chumakova as the face of its 2026 cover—an artistic celebration that attempts to merge beauty, emotion, and forward-looking elegance. This special edition marks a defining moment in Marina’s international career and positions her as one of the key women influencing the visual language of the coming year.
The New Year issue centers on a bold creative concept: beauty as an emotional expression rather than a cosmetic technique. In the new editorial, makeup becomes storytelling—a medium through which a woman may reveal her strength, intuition, mystery, and inner radiance. Marina effortlessly embodies this vision. Her presence, marked by deliberate poise and magnetic softness, transforms each image into a narrative of confidence and modern femininity.
The editorial draws upon the winter beauty trends of 2025, showcasing dramatic, sculpted eye looks combined with a subtle yet refined golden glow. Marina’s portrayal is both powerful and vulnerable: a sweeping cat-line adds depth and emphasis to her gaze, while warm metallic accents illuminate her features with a cinematic quality. This interplay of light and shadow reflects the evolving aesthetic of global beauty—one that honors both sophistication and emotional candor.
Central to the visual storytelling is the theme of illumination. Instead of showy glitter, the editorial embraces a quiet, refined radiance that appears to emerge naturally from the skin. Soft gold highlights the contours of the face, creating an ethereal shine that conveys self-assurance without excess. Marina brings this concept to life with her signature grace, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of glamour rooted in simplicity and intention.
The shoot’s styling builds upon contrasts: structured silhouettes paired with serene facial expressions, deep greens evoking introspection, and iconic reds symbolizing passion and renewal. These shades serve as emotional codes woven throughout the New Year narrative. Marina channels each of them intuitively—her look becoming a metaphor for transition, courage, and the promise of a new beginning.
A standout element of the editorial is the emphasis on texture. Lightweight matte foundations, creamy luminous finishes, and sculptural highlights blend seamlessly, creating depth while maintaining a natural feel. Marina’s ability to inhabit these looks with authenticity elevates the story beyond fashion; it becomes a reflection of a woman who steps into her power quietly yet unmistakably.
The New Year message woven through the ELLE China issue appears to be clear: beauty in 2026 is likely to be deeply personal. It is not about performance or the gaze of others, but about self-recognition. It celebrates the rituals that may make a woman feel grounded, expressive, and aligned with her true identity. Marina’s portrayal perfectly reflects this shift. Her appearance feels less like an editorial pose and more of a declaration of self: confident, luminous, and emotionally present.
The creative team—photographer Damir Zhukenov, stylist Ksenia Raiskaya, hair artist Albina Baghramyan, and makeup artist Yulduz Kallasova—crafted a visual universe where modern beauty meets timeless elegance. Their collaboration with Marina resulted in a series of images that feel intimate and iconic all at once, highlighting her versatility and emotional depth.
For ELLE China, the New Year issue traditionally highlights figures who represent upcoming cultural currents. With Marina on the cover, the magazine suggests a clear message: 2026 could be a year defined by intentional beauty, refined sensuality, and a return to inner strength. Marina appears to stand at the forefront of this movement, representing a generation of women who are redefining what it means to be seen.
More than a fashion milestone, this cover signals Marina Chumakova’s expanding influence in international markets. Her presence resonates with audiences across Asia, Europe, and the United States, positioning her as a model whose appeal lies not only in her striking features but in her ability to convey emotion, narrative, and modern symbolism through visual art.
The New Year cover of ELLE China invites readers to step into a world where beauty is both a mirror and a compass—reflecting identity and guiding personal evolution. Marina Chumakova brings that world to life with clarity and grace, setting the tone for a year filled with bold creativity and heartfelt inspiration.
- Cover Star: Marina Chumakova
- Photography: Damir Zhukenov
- Styling: Ksenia Raiskaya
- Hair: Albina Baghramyan
- Makeup: Yulduz Kallasova