Have you read The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov? It’s a precious gift I received when I was a teenager by my Russian friend and it’s always been a favourite book of mine since then.
A fantasy novel that is also a political satyre of Moscow in the 1930s, it features the devil, a giant cat, Pontius Pilate, the Master – a writer who is creating a story about Jesus and Pontius Pilate and who loves Margarita – and indeed Margarita, who loves the Master and will become a witch.
When I was in Moscow back in November 2018, I performed a short literary pilgrimage by trying to visit a few locations linked to the novel and Bulgakov.
The following pictures of Moscow are by me:
Patriarshy pond 
the Master’s house 
Satan’s Ball location 
Sparrow Hill 
Mikhail Bulgakov
It left me with quite a surreal impression of Moscow, well suited to the atmosphere of the book.
Manuscripts don’t burn
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
I also spent a day in front of Isabelle Touyarou’s camera. Expect more articles from Moscow soon!
This specific session was loosely inspired by Margarita.
Shooting on the Patriarch’s Bridge, under the snow, with these amazing views on the Kremlin and St Saviour was an unforgettable experience.
… what would the earth look like if all the shadows
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
disappeared?
Actually, I do happen to resemble a hallucination. Kindly note my silhouette in the moonlight.
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
The fir trees parted and Margarita gently floated through the air towards a chalky hillside. Below it lay a river
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
Discovering the hipster neighbourhood around the disused Red October chocolate factory was quite inspiring as well.
The tongue may hide the truth but the eyes—never!
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
But as soon as the dirty snow disappeared from the sidewalks and streets, as soon as the slightly rotten, disquieting spring breeze wafted through the window, Margarita Nikolaevna began to grieve more than in winter.
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
I found an actual broom and couldn’t resist playing around with it.
Margarita is supposed to be naked and invisible when she flies over Moscow, but it was about -5 and invisibility isn’t interesting for a photo session 😉
Instead, I’m wearing a gorgeous dress I actually bought in Moscow at Freak Butik, my faux-fur cape from Hatfield House, a hooded coat from Rogue and Wolf, vegan Moondust shoes from Rogue and Wolf as well, and warm black and white galaxy leggings from BlackMilk clothing.
Also, maybe she can also teleport, as this portal is actually in Flacon and not in Red October? …
Or fly like an actual Cosmonaut?
No, broom it is then!
I’m not a nail artist, but Isabelle liked the patterns I drew on my hands 🙂
For my make up, I use cruelty free brand Kat Von D.
References
Pictures by Isabelle Touyarou: @isabkkmockba/ http://louettom3.blogspot.com/
Model, styling: me, @lyraophelia
👗 Dress by @fb42_official @freakbutik_spb
🧥 Hooded coat by @rogueandwolf and faux-fur cape bought in Hatfield House
👖 Leggings #bmgalaxymonotoasties by @blackmilkclothing
👄 Labret piercing by @magdapiercing from @nemesistattoo
💄 Everlasting liquid lipstick by @katvondbeauty
👁️ Tattoo liner in Trooper, shade + light eye palette, lash liner, highlighter and eyeshadows from theFetish palette by @katvondbeauty
😊 Lock it foundation, concealer and setting powder by @katvondbeauty
highlighter from the Fetish palette by @katvondbeauty
Hair by @pedro_plasticfrom @miemanihair
Ophelia Autumn 
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