In celebration of Mother’s Day, Urbanic captures the beautiful everyday moments of women living fully as mothers.

To all mothers around the world, we send our deepest gratitude and love.

Irina Martynenko, Paris

Russian-born actress and model Irina Martynenko welcomed us into her home in Paris, where she lives with her family.

She shared a warm and joyful afternoon with Urbanic alongside her children, Leon and Sarah—whose charm and warmth filled the space like wisteria in bloom.

Irina’s outfit, sterling silver jewelry, and shoes are by Urbanic.

The children’s denim trucker hats are by The H.W. Dog & Co.

U: Please introduce yourself.

I: My name is Irina. I’m an actress and model, and also a mother of two—Leon and Sarah—a wife, and a daughter. I was born in Khabarovsk, moved to Moscow when I was 19, and now I live in Paris with my family.

U: Are there any routines or moments with your children that feel especially meaningful?

I: Since my husband has been working in another city, the moments when we're all together in Paris feel especially precious. Morning breakfasts before school, walks after class, preparing dinner together, and sometimes dancing spontaneously to music.

One memory stands out. When Leon was about three, I would ask while driving him to preschool, “Leon, do you know something?” and he would look at me, curious. Then I’d say, “I love you very much.” He’d always reply, “I love you too, Mom.” Now that he’s six, he knows the game and sometimes teases me, sometimes answers sweetly. It’s how he came to understand what love means. I’ve started saying it the same way to Sarah too. Moments like that are so special to me.

U: Since becoming a mother, have you discovered anything new about yourself?

I: It’s a question that feels easy to answer with a “yes,” but I still ask myself daily and discover new answers.

The strongest realization is that the feeling of love that is born with a child is unlike any other. I often feel a kind of ‘mother wolf’ instinct to protect them fiercely from unnecessary words, actions, even people.

Finding balance and maintaining perspective is essential. I try to be patient every day, but it's hard when I’m tired. Recognizing and calming destructive emotions is important, and yoga, breathing practices, reading, interviews, and therapy have all helped me.

One thing is certain - being a parent is both the hardest and most rewarding responsibility.

U: How do you maintain balance between your role as a mother and your personal dreams and identity?

I: Yoga has been key in helping me find balance and stay grounded in the present. Deep breathing helps me return to myself “Yes, this is who I am. This is what I feel, what I want, what I need to do.”

Without help from my parents or a babysitter, being with my kids 24/7 leaves little room for anything else. So for me, support and time management are everything.

Since the film industry involves long projects and hours, I’ve become more selective with my work. I try to bring my family along whenever possible. Recently, I’ve also been reconnecting with long-paused dreams.

I truly believe staying deeply connected to my children while not losing myself is important for both of us. In the end, the key word is balance.

U: Who has inspired or mentored you most as a mother?

I: My mother and grandmother, absolutely. Their love transformed me—it gave me confidence, self-awareness, and identity. That kind of love is the most powerful gift you can give a child. To care for someone is a true superpower.

U: Are there any places or moments in your current city that make you feel most like yourself?

I: Places shape us to some extent, but I believe true emotion always comes from within. It’s important to find joy wherever you are. The idea that “life will begin in LA” or “I’ll be truly happy in Tokyo” is an illusion. When we commit to the present moment, that’s when everything starts to align.

U: Which outfit from today’s shoot did you feel best represented you?

I: The white embroidered dress was my favorite. I love pieces with a vintage feel - they suit everyday life with my kids, are easy to throw on, look effortlessly beautiful, and feel comfortable too.

U: Do you think mothers in Paris have a particular approach to parenting?

I: From what I’ve observed, French parents have a great sense of balance between personal life and parenting. I’m not exactly a “Parisian mom”. I used to enjoy taking the kids to cafés, though I do that less now. When I go out for dinner with friends, I rely on a babysitter or family for help.

U: What values do you hope your children will carry into adulthood?

I: Above all, to live as genuine human beings and share that with the world. I want them to value simplicity, kindness, and creativity. I hope they remain honest with themselves, stay confident, and shine in their own way. And I especially hope they keep a sense of childlike wonder in their hearts and continue seeing the world with fresh eyes.

U: How do you dress when you're with your kids?

I: Honestly, I enjoy styling my kids more than myself. I love dressing them in relaxed, comfortable clothes. They look their most natural and beautiful that way. Kids can pull off combinations no one else can.

As for me, when I have time, I take care with my look. But realistically, I often just throw on whatever I find in the morning. Ironically, those looks often suit me best!