Marina Toybina’s journey through life and fashion has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Moscow, Russia, she embarked on her creative path early, immersing herself in the world of design. Her passion for fashion eventually led her to Los Angeles, where she pursued a degree in Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). This significant move marked the beginning of a legendary career that has earned her six Emmy Awards.
Marina is often described as “driven, loyal, innovative, forward thinker, intelligent, creative, outgoing, level-headed, honest, hard worker, diligent, fair, loving, legendary” paints a vivid picture of her multifaceted personality. Her dedication to her craft and her unrelenting pursuit of excellence are evident in every project she undertakes.
Outside of her demanding work schedule, Marina finds joy and fulfillment in various activities. As a mother, she cherishes quality time with her children, always seeking new ways to make their lives fun and exciting. She’s an avid hiker and traveler, and she enjoys the thrill of thrift shopping and staying active. Her passion for exploring new places extends to her love for discovering exciting and diverse cuisines.
Marina’s journey to Los Angeles was fueled by her acceptance into FIDM, a pivotal moment that set the stage for her illustrious career. Her educational foundation laid the groundwork for her success, but her story is also deeply inspired by the creative world around her.
Among her many inspirations, Marina counts costume designer Eiko Ishioka as a significant influence on her work. Ishioka’s ability to create art that sparks conversations resonated deeply with Marina and fueled her own desire to produce innovative and impactful costume designs.
While actors and the characters they portray have often served as sources of inspiration, Marina’s primary muse has always been music. From Motown to rock ‘n’ roll, iconic musicians and their distinctive styles have been constant sources of creativity. Artists like Grace Jones, Elton John, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Cher, and many more have left an indelible mark on her designs, showcasing the interconnectedness of music and fashion.
Marina Toybina’s astounding success, marked by six Emmy Awards, is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her achievements are a testament to her team, her unwavering commitment, and her dedication to constant growth and innovation. Collaborations with numerous talented individuals and a diverse range of projects have broadened her horizons and allowed her to merge various artistic elements into her work, pushing the boundaries of creativity.
The creative process behind designing costumes for different shows and characters is a complex and dynamic one, with each project requiring a unique approach. When designing characters, Marina emphasizes intention, purpose, narrative, and impact, ensuring that every element contributes to the character’s identity and the project’s storyline. In live shows, collaboration is key, as a multitude of factors come together to create a seamless final product. Pre-production and initial creative discussions are crucial steps in ensuring that all departments align their efforts to achieve a harmonious result.
Marina Toybina’s career has seen its share of challenges, with resource constraints and limited budgets often presenting obstacles. Overcoming these challenges requires creativity, a resourceful team, and the ability to think ahead. Some of her most demanding designs have arisen from the elaborate costumes featured on “The Masked Singer.” Marina’s ability to meet tight deadlines and execute designs within 72 hours showcases her resilience and determination.
The world of television costume design has evolved over the years, but not without its challenges. As expectations for creativity and execution grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to align timelines and budgets with these expectations. Marina emphasizes the need for the industry to meet creatives halfway, providing the necessary tools and resources to fulfill these heightened demands.
Marina Toybina’s work has had a significant impact, from captivating audiences to influencing performers and even touching her personally. One standout moment was the 2015 Superbowl halftime show with Katy Perry, where the iconic Left Shark costumes broke the internet. This performance demonstrated the unpredictable power of art to evoke emotions and resonate with viewers.
One deeply personal project for Marina was designing the Russian Dolls on “The Masked Singer.” This project allowed her to pay homage to her Russian heritage and collaborate with the beloved band Hanson. It was a special experience that allowed her to infuse her identity into a costume.
Collaboration is a vital aspect of the entertainment industry, and working with talented individuals often influences Marina’s designs. When working on “Beauty and The Beast: A 30th Celebration,” Marina had the opportunity to collaborate closely with H.E.R, who influenced her designs by bringing her Filipino heritage into the creative process. This collaboration resulted in Belle’s apron featuring beautiful ancient Filipino script, a moment that Marina is immensely proud of.
The entertainment industry is known for its demanding schedules, and Marina navigates the pressure and tight deadlines by prioritizing necessary steps and maintaining transparent communication with other departments. This approach ensures the successful achievement of creative demands, even when last-minute changes arise.
Despite her impressive track record of six Emmys, Marina remains open to new opportunities and projects. Her success allows her to be more selective, choosing projects that align with her creative vision and energy.
Marina’s journey into costume designing for musicians, rather than other mediums like film or theater, was a natural progression. Music has always been a significant part of her life, making it a perfect avenue for expressing her art through collaboration with musicians and artists who continually inspire her.
Musicians often have unique personal styles that evolve over time. Marina’s approach to incorporating their individuality into her designs involves collaboration and an open dialogue. She strives to find new ways to marry existing and new styles, ensuring that the artist’s core identity remains intact while infusing a fresh creative approach.
Creating costumes that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, especially for dynamic live performances, is a nuanced process. The choice of fabrics and the garment’s construction are paramount, with creative aspects and details taking a backseat to functionality. The right textiles are crucial to ensuring durability and functionality during performances.
Staying relevant in the fast-paced world of music and fashion is a challenge that Marina approaches by not fixating on trends. She believes in creating unique, artist-specific designs that may deviate from popular trends. In doing so, she contributes to setting new trends rather than following them, creating designs that stand out and become iconic.
Marina believes that visually stimulating art can elevate a performance when it aligns with the artist’s vision. Her creative aesthetic is so distinctive that she strives to imbue every project with intention and a clear vision, ensuring that the costumes and the performance seamlessly come together to captivate the audience.
While Marina’s career has allowed her to design for various genres of music, she naturally gravitates towards rock and roll and music that exudes raw energy and excitement. The presence of a live band on stage adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with her, capturing the essence of a true performance. Despite her preference, Marina has demonstrated her adaptability by infusing her unique design approach across all genres throughout her career.
In the face of challenging situations that require last-minute adaptations or redesigns, Marina relies on her team’s collective effort and dedication. The industry demands flexibility and quick responses, and Marina is no stranger to the demanding nature of her work. When unexpected changes arise, the team comes together, working tirelessly to ensure the successful execution of the project.
Balancing a thriving career with motherhood is a constant juggling act for Marina. She prioritizes her children and family, always striving to be the best version of herself as a mother and a businesswoman. Maintaining a sense of self amid the demanding seasons of work is essential, and Marina credits her loved ones for grounding and motivating her.
To other working mothers navigating the delicate balance between career aspirations and family obligations, Marina emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting personal boundaries. Understanding one’s limitations and prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being lays the foundation for achieving a healthy work-life balance. By showing up for oneself first, it becomes possible to show up for those you love, creating a blueprint for managing the intricacies of work and family life.
Marina Toybina’s illustrious career is a testament to her unwavering passion, resilience, and creative brilliance. Her ability to seamlessly integrate diverse influences and experiences into her designs highlights her versatility as an artist. With each project, she continues to push the boundaries of creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and costume design. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers and artists, encouraging them to embrace their unique visions and create art that transcends time and trends.
