“I believe in the power of thought and imagination!” declares our March Face of the Month.  Walking down Melrose Avenue, she could easily be pegged as either a rock and roll singer, the girl from your college history class, or a mysterious foreign operative.

Our versatile model Sabina Akhmedova began her career in her home country of Russia. When she was 14 years old, she invited herself to a casting and, after being rejected, made a beeline for the runway and insisted on walking it again. “I really wanted to work with this legendary Russian designer,” she explains.  “I definitely didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer . . . and still didn’t get it but was marked as a ‘fearless brunette’ from then onward.”

Until recently, Akhmedova has been modeling and acting across Europe. “London and New York inspire me tremendously,” she says. “Both have a very unique style and plenty of opportunities for any kind of artistic expression.” But the sunshine and new opportunities brought her to Los Angeles, where she met photographer Ash Gupta and the team at 838 Media Group. On being in front of the camera, Akhmedova remarks, “I love it!  If you’re staying true to the moment and to your feelings, then the camera becomes your biggest friend, and miracles happen.”  Modeling hasn’t been without its share of challenges, however.  “Those moments when I had to shoot in freezing weather while wearing a small piece of clothing definitely were the most unpleasant,” she discloses.  “I’m still figuring out the larger meaning of those unforgettable moments.”

While in Los Angeles, Akhmedova is concentrating on her acting.  But fashion is always at the forefront, “I love vintage,” she says, “I like clothing that has a uniqueness and story behind it.  I also like to mix and match. I can take a soft, light summer dress and wear it with a pair of short, rough boots.”

And that sort of funky style looks great on any catwalk.

Sabina at a Glance

Must have items, makeup and clothing:  concealer and a pair of jeans

Favorite Designers:  Marc Jacobs clutches, Valentino gowns, Alexander McQueen

Cats or Dogs:  Definitely dogs!

5 words to describe yourself:  passionate, tenacious, stubborn, compassionate, emotional

Electro, Pop, or Rock-and-Roll: Rock-and-Roll, Baby!

See the fashion editorial photographed by Ash Gupta and 838 Media Group