I live a very different life now, with incredible privileges, but looking back I realise that growing up in Russia gave me tools that other people don't necessarily have - such as the will to push that bit further, to make things happen, to succeed.

It's better to be skinny than to be fat.

I think protecting your family and giving to them is so important. It’s the most important achievement.

Before I left Russia in 1999, I was living in a very poor factory town with my family and friends, and nothing was ever going to change.

When I was a teenager, I remember I wanted to put so much makeup on - it was just a natural thing over there. Why they do it, I guess, is because historically, there were twice as many women as there were men after the World War II.

Russian women are very friendly with makeup, almost too friendly sometimes.

If you are ambitious you can have a moment of glory but it will most likely be temporary. But talent always finds its way out.