Kristina Menissov is rewriting the script on modern femininity. With the release of her unapologetically romantic single, “Anyway You Want,” the global artist is trading “armor” for silk and satin, embracing what she calls her “Princess Era.” But don’t mistake her newfound softness for weakness; for Menissov, vulnerability is a tactical choice and a source of profound strength.
Supported by Universal Music Group and Virgin Music, her career is reaching new heights, yet she remains anchored by motherhood and a deep-seated commitment to social advocacy. From honoring the stories of Black women to navigating the pressures of a curated digital world, Kristina remains fiercely authentic. In this candid Q&A, she opens up about her evolving style, the discipline of global success, and why she’s ready to step into a season defined entirely by her own terms: “My Turn.”
Kristina Menissov, welcome to Blackbird News, and this Valentine’s season you’ve released a song that feels unapologetically romantic and confident. What inspired you to celebrate love so openly right now?
Because I’m in love 😍 and I wanted to share it with the world. I think we live in a time where romance is often treated as naive or outdated. I wanted to challenge that. Loving openly, choosing someone every day, being devoted without losing yourself… I think that’s powerful.
“Anyway You Want” is my way of saying that love doesn’t need irony to be relevant. It can be soft and still be strong.
You’ve said that openly loving someone is a strength. How do you define modern femininity today, both in your music and in your everyday life?
Modern femininity, to me, is choice. It’s not about proving independence or performing vulnerability, it’s about knowing you can do both.
In my music, especially from “Geisha” to “Anyway You Want,” I’ve explored that balance between strength and softness. In everyday life, it means being self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and grounded enough to love without fear.
Softness isn’t weakness. It’s self-control, presence, and confidence.
Your visual style has always been polished and expressive. Did your fashion choices evolve alongside this softer, more confident love era?
Absolutely. When your inner world shifts, your style reflects it. I’ve always loved structured, powerful silhouettes, but recently I joke with my friends that I’m in my “Princess Era.” I’ve embraced more fluid fabrics, softer textures, and romantic details.
There’s still elegance, but now there’s more warmth. It’s less about armor and more about glow.
If this song were translated into a fashion aesthetic, what would it look like in terms of colours, textures, and silhouettes?
It would be ivory, soft blush, maybe deep red accents. Silk, satin, something that moves when you walk. Clean silhouettes with subtle sensuality nothing loud, just intentional. Think candlelight, or morning dawn, flowing fabric, and quiet confidence. A look that doesn’t beg for attention but naturally holds it.
With major distribution through Universal Music Group and Virgin Music, how has your lifestyle shifted as your career continues to expand globally?
The scale has changed, but my core hasn’t. Having distribution through Universal and Virgin has opened global doors and elevated the expectations around each release. There’s more strategy, more precision, more deadlines. But at the end of the day, I still write from the same place… my real life. Success has made me more disciplined, more focused, and more intentional about the legacy I’m building.
Dress: Pitusa Clothing
Valentine’s season can often feel commercial, yet this track feels deeply personal. How do you keep your art authentic in a highly curated digital world?
By asking myself one question: “Does this track make me feel anything?” If it doesn’t, I don’t release it.
“Anyway You Want” wasn’t created for an algorithm. It was created because I felt something real. I think authenticity shows when you’re not chasing a trend, you’re documenting your evolution.
Beyond music, what does balance look like for you? What keeps you grounded outside the spotlight?
Being a mother keeps me grounded more than anything. My son reminds me what really matters.
Outside of music and fashion, I value quiet moments, reflection, and personal growth. Balance for me isn’t perfect, it’s knowing when to push and when to pause.
Your tribute project for Black History Month honors real women and real stories. How important is it to you to use your platform to promote cultural awareness?
It’s very important. Music has influence, and influence carries responsibility. The solo version of Her Story honors women like Alesia Thomas and Sandra Bland, and all women whose lives deserve remembrance and justice even if it’s no longer trending.
I believe art should not only entertain but also elevate awareness. Celebrating love and acknowledging pain can exist in the same artistic universe.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect next from you, not just musically, but in terms of your style, vision, and personal growth?
Oh next we are going to have fun
With very fun summer records like “It’s Summer”, and empowering tracks like “Workdat” and “Lights Camera Action”.
Of course, they’ll be topped off with sexy visuals.
Personally, I’m stepping into a season called “My Turn”.
