Fashion Editor Olga Yanul stylte Top Nadja AUERMANN c/o VIVA MODELS Berlin für die Februar 2015 Ausgabe der ukrainischen VOGUE. Fotografiert wurde das Editorial von Arcin Sagdic. Mit im Einsatz waren Hair Stylist Hauke Krause, Make-up Artistin Ninni Nummela und Casting Director Jürgen Schabes. Wir nutzen die Gelegenheit und befragten die gebürtige Ukrainerin Olga Yanul zu Land, Leuten, Mode - und Nadja.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background? Are you originally from Ukraine - and how did make it to your glamorous position as fashion editor of Vogue Ukraine?
I was born in Ukraine, although I have a lot of family stories about my origins. That's a question I would really like to explore when I have some time. I believe that knowing your family history is as important in your life as the DNA given to you. I studied Economics at Kyiv Taras Shevchenko National University, but to tell the truth was never into maths and numbers, I wanted to pursue a more creative aspect like marketing or PR. At the same time I was modelling a little bit (just some local shows and events). But I guess this is where my love of fashion and magazines stems. After graduation I was trying to find a job in magazines and got one in a super small lifestyle glossy newspaper. This was followed by the Ukrainian edition of Hello! magazine, Playing Fashion magazine, lots of designers, even tv-shows.
You are also working for other magazines like PF MAG and JETSETTER. Are these magazines from Ukraine as well? And you are also working as a Creative Director? Can you give us some more information please? Are you working on international clients or are you focused on Ukraine?
Currently I'm based in Kiev, but already have some suggestions to move on for collaboration. My main position at the moment - is the Fashion Editor at Vogue Ukraine, which means I have to be careful in taking other job assignments. I worked for Playing Fashion magazine as Fashion Director for three years, when it has its print version. Jetsetter.ua is one of the biggest on-line platform for fashion and lifestyle in Ukraine. I worked as a Fashion stylist there, doing all the stories for them. I also do creative direction, for example - I’m in charge of the special newspaper for one of the retailers here in Ukraine and now is helping to launch new fashion brand. I'm also thinking about expanding my art practice (I’ve always been interested in the lines between fashion, art and consumption), - and am currently preparing a special installation for a group show here in Kiev later this month.
Less than 20 years after the rise of the Soviet Union your beautiful country Ukraine has fashion magazines, designers, ….. and since 2013 Condé Nast is publishing the VOGUE Ukrainian issue. How important is fashion for the people in the Ukraine and can you tell us a little bit about this - or would you say it is just like everywhere else?
Ukrainians like to be beautiful, that's for sure! We have dozens of creative minds - very talented designers, beautiful models, young photographers, stylists and a lot of fashion events. It’s only a matter of time and economical situation to make it work in full bloom. Despite the current unstable situation, a lot of designers are establishing themselves in Paris, Milan, London and New York. Here, at Vogue Ukraine we're focused on the most interesting personalities, events and trends - balancing between the international context and Ukrainians involved in it.
Are there fashion hot spots where you would say your VOGUE readers live in the Ukraine?
If you mean cities, then I would say its all about big ones, like Kiev, Odessa, Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkiv.
Your favourite hang outs in Kiev?
I'm sure it's all about people you're hanging out with. But usually we go to cosy bars or tiny restaurants.
And where should we go, what is a must-see in Ukraine?
Ukraine has a rich history, so I would definitely suggest visiting Lviv and its surroundings with lots of beautiful castles and fortresses. Beautiful Odessa by the seaside is great both for its vibe and architecture. A small village close to Odessa - Vilkovo, also called "Ukrainian Venice" for its location. Obviously its not so beautifully made as Venice, but has a unique nature and is very peaceful. We actually had a shoot in this village - "Aqua Vita" by Jeff Bark with model Othilia Simon in the September 2013 issue. The shoot itself was an interesting journey! Considering other historical places we used as locations - I would name Crimea and its palaces (story by David Armstrong), gorgeous university building in Chernivtsi ( "Sentimental Education" story with model Alina Baikova). There are a lot of attractions in Kiev as well, - they were very well captured by the photographer Yelena Yemchuk in our premiere issue. Using these kinds of locations is very important for our magazine, as we would like to show how beautiful our country is not just for foreigners but for locals too.
Vogue Ukraine editor-in-chief Masha Tsukanova promised to focus not only on big international brands and designers but to highlight also local designers. Is this still the concept of VOGUE Ukraine? And do you also try to push upcoming designers in your fashion editorials?
Yes, the course is the same. Every season we shoot the story, based on Ukrainian designers collections. I'm always keeping an eye on up-coming designers, the market evolves so quickly that in one year up-comer can easily be a star. Its all about the collection this designer shows, if he/she is unknown yet, but still can easily compete with big labels with its design ideas and quality, it would be a shame not to use it in editorials. Probably that is one of the most exciting things about Ukrainian fashion.
What are the most important fashion events in the Ukraine you attend?
We have two fashion weeks here - Ukrainian Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Kiev Fashion Days. I attend both, as I am trying to follow all the most interesting collections and designers. I also believe, Vogue Ukraine events are one of the most important despite fashion weeks. Fashion's Night Out became one of the most revered shopping experiences here, even though we had it only twice. Annual Vogue parties we hold are also full of stylish and beautiful guests.
Is there a big fashion photographer's scene? Any bigger photo agents for example or talented photographers we should watch?
We definitely have some good names to watch. Since we have a lot of features on local culture scene and personalities, we do often try different photographers. Some of them are extremely young, some not. But it is an honour to give them a chance to show their creativity and their vision. Unfortunately we don't have any photo agents here, the market is still too young. We think that Vasilina Vrublevskaya, Ksenia Kargina, Catherine Nikolaichuk, Dima Honcharov are the ones to watch.
Where do you get your inspiration? Berlin, Paris, London, New York? Which fashion weeks do you attend?
I usually attend Paris and Milan for fashion week. And my inspiration comes from any point. Travelling and meeting new people is perfect for this, anyway!
In the February Issue you’ve chosen Nadja Auermann as the cover model. What was the idea behind the series and how was the shoot?
We all have the idea of Nadja' s beauty and image back to her legendary pictures in the ‘90s - they are iconic! And this time, we wanted to show her beauty but in terms of 2015: to make her look a bit more sharp, edgy, dynamic and seductive. As if she's someone who could be a part of the Matrix, but still real and accessible.
Das Ergebnis mit Nadja AUERMANN c/o VIVA MODELS Berlin für Euch erneut hier auf GoSee.
