Exclusive Interview with Netflix’s Madina Archakova: The Power of Style, Strategy and Narrative

We met the radiant Madina Archakova (web username @madina_marisposa) at the exclusive Alice + Olivia party at New York Fashion Week, a glitzy invitation-only celebration of industry insiders, designers, and rising stars of the fashion world. Among the many talents, Madina stood out effortlessly. With her attractive demeanor and impeccable style, it’s clear that she’s not just an influencer, she’s a visionary storyteller.

In this interview, Madina talks about her experience as a top American influencer, her work with iconic American brands such as Michael Kors, Alice + Olivia, and SOREL, as well as her reasoning for staying relevant in the fast-moving world of fashion media!

Q: Madina, it was great to meet you during New York Fashion Week! Tell us how your journey as an influencer began and how you’ve built such strong relationships with top American brands.

Medina Akakova:

Thank you – it was a magical evening! My journey started very naturally. I’ve always loved fashion, photography and storytelling. I think brands recognize authenticity and when I create content, I always do it with intention. I’m not just showing the product – I’m telling the story around it. That’s why brands like Michael Kors, Alice + Olivia and SOREL trust me not only to represent them, but to interpret their collections through my own creative lens.

Q: That’s a great point. Can you tell us a little bit about what it’s like to work with a giant like Alice + Olivia?

Medina:

Absolutely! I was selected to create a paid content partnership with them between September and October 2024 as part of their dark ad campaign. They provided the look of their latest collection and I created high-end editorial visuals – a set of still images, a vertical movie for Instagram Reels and a TikTok Spark ad. The most unique part? None of these needed to be live on my channel. It was all for their paid media. That trust – executing a vision purely for their brand – means a lot to me. It shows that they don’t just see me as an arriviste; they see me as a visual storyteller.

Q: You’ve worked with Michael Kors a number of times – what makes this collaboration special for you?

Medina:

Michael Kors is one of the classic American brands that continues to evolve, and I love that. In August 2024, I shot a series of street style photographs highlighting their fall handbags, incorporating my own urban aesthetic into the shoot. Earlier that year, in March and April, I created rotating content highlighting their spring collection – bags and shoes. They gave me usage rights flexibility, which shows that they value creator-driven content. I’ve always felt they have a modern glamor and clean design feel.

Q: One of your most passionate collaborations seems to be with SOREL. What makes this relationship so meaningful?

Medina:

SOREL has undergone a real transformation over the last few years. They’ve gone from being known for their sturdy winter boots to designing fashion-forward, functional footwear that can be worn from day to night. I’m wearing their stylish casual shoes right now! But it’s not just about the aesthetics – they align with values I deeply respect: sustainability, ethical production and intelligent design.

One of the best parts for me was seeing their collaboration with Proenza Schouler at New York Fashion Week. It felt like a turning point. Seeing SOREL’s work on the runway in such a simple and elegant style was a fashion moment I won’t forget. The brands I choose reflect who I am and where I’m going – and SOREL represents all of that.

Q: What’s the hardest part about being a fashion influencer? What keeps you going?

Medina:

People often think it’s just pretty pictures. But it takes consistent effort to stay ahead of trends, maintain authenticity and develop a personal brand. You have to know what’s next before anyone else does, and you have to always be inspired. I study trends, I travel, and I stay curious. Most importantly, I stay true to myself. That’s what keeps me going.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring influencers looking to work with major fashion brands?

Medina:

Be professional. Be consistent. But most importantly, be intentional. Don’t chase every trend – know your beauty, your voice and your audience. Brands are looking for storytellers who know how to add value and not just take up space. Stay on top of fashion trends and never stop learning. It’s not about being omnipresent, it’s about being in the right place at the right time with the right energy.

At the end of our conversation, it became clear that Madina’s rise to the top of the Netflix scene was no accident, but rather the result of vision, strategy, and a strong sense of self-awareness. With her finger on the pulse of fashion and a heart with a clear purpose, Madina Archakova not only follows trends, she creates them.