Yulia Ivanova: Every Stylist Has Great Taste, But Not Everyone with Great Taste is a Stylist

Yulia Ivanova: A Fashion Icon in the Spotlight

Yulia Ivanova, a renowned stylist, is always at the center of media attention, fashion industry events, and creative circles. Her unique styles captivate onlookers and exemplify intellectual fashion. Yulia’s work is mesmerizing, offering fresh perspectives in the fashion world. Her appearance in pink Balenciaga boots was a topic of discussion for many. Read on to learn more about her photoshoots, stylistic direction, and favorite brands.

Is Fashion an Art?

Fashion is a complex blend of art and business. While it has a significant artistic component, it is primarily a business.

The Journey into Fashion and Styling

Yulia has always been interested in fashion, although it was not initially part of her professional interests. Her journey into styling began thanks to two individuals: Yulia Gilevich, a close friend and designer for the brand Fur Garden, and Tania Keizerova, the editor-in-chief of Salon375.by. It all started with styling advice for photoshoots, and word-of-mouth recommendations led to more opportunities as people began to trust her taste.

The Importance of Education in Styling

A specialized education is crucial for stylists. It is essential to understand the specific area of styling one plans to pursue. Yulia focuses on fashion photoshoot styling, which she finds particularly appealing. Many stylists work with private clients, helping them build their wardrobes and offering personal shopping services. A strong foundation, from understanding body types to color theory, is necessary. Therefore, an artistic education is always a plus.

Yulia attended masterclasses by stylists and studied at the Rebel School in Moscow, where she was the top student in her course. Her primary education, however, is in law and logistics.

The Influence of Literature on Yulia’s Work

Yulia is an avid reader, and books are an integral part of her daily life. She not only reads but also collects albums featuring the works of famous photographers and designers, which serve as her primary source of inspiration. Her love for books was instilled by her grandmother, who was a philologist and a Russian language teacher.

Reading is essential for personal growth and imagination. People who do not read or explore cannot be fully educated or profound, regardless of their field.

Favorite Books

Among professional literature, Yulia’s favorite is “On Photography” by Susan Sontag. Recently, she enjoyed “The Dress Code” by Mari Grinde Arntzen, a small and easy-to-read book that delves into consumerism, the motives behind buying new clothes, and our relationship with fashion.

Challenges Faced by Stylists in Belarus

One of the main challenges is the limited variety of clothing available. Yulia is grateful to stores and designers open to collaboration, as it allows her to work with world-renowned brands and the best Belarusian designers. However, this is sometimes insufficient. Another significant factor is the high responsibility for the items used in photoshoots. In Moscow, showrooms provide clothing for photoshoots, and representatives are more lenient with the items since they are not for sale. In Minsk, the situation is different; the clothes used in fashion photoshoots are for sale, so their preservation is crucial. Additionally, finding suitable locations for photoshoots can be challenging. Minsk is a beautiful city, but discovering interesting places can be difficult due to territorial and architectural limitations, leaving some ideas unrealized.

Personal Style and Fashion Philosophy

Yulia describes her personal style as intellectual minimalism. She prefers simplicity, is ascetic in her choice of accessories and color palette, although her wardrobe does include some bright pieces. Her iconic look with pink Balenciaga boots at the last Belarus Fashion Week surprised many. Yulia believes in being bolder in self-expression, quoting Carine Roitfeld: “We don’t work in a hospital; we only decide which skirt length is best.”

For Yulia, her image is an extension of herself. She strives for balance and harmony between her appearance and inner world, appreciating when this is organic in others.

Attention to Detail

Yulia loves when details catch the eye. For her, form and texture are the most important factors. She appreciates perfection, from the inner seam to the button finish. These are not accessories but details.

Brand Perception and Personal Preferences

Yulia does not believe that a branded item should define a person, but she acknowledges that a brand can set certain expectations. There is a significant difference between a girl wearing Dolce & Gabbana and one wearing Yohji Yamamoto. Based on the choice, one can infer certain expectations about the person.

Yulia feels most aligned with the brand Celine, which represents high quality, attention to detail, and unboring minimalism. It features a laconic play on masculine themes without excess or unnecessary embellishment.

Evaluating Commercially Successful Collections

For Yulia, commercially successful collections are those that set trends. There are always avant-garde leaders with unique pieces that inspire desire, which is her perspective as a stylist. As a consumer, she is currently drawn to minimalism.

Belarus Fashion Week and Must-See Shows

Yulia believes that no show is a waste of time; there are always nuances that can be useful in the future, and new acquaintances can be made. She appreciates that Belarus Fashion Week is held regularly, which is commendable. However, there are questions about the varying lineup of participants.

Yulia is more drawn to the artistic collections of designers. This season, she decided not to attend shows out of mere curiosity, as there is a pattern: the first time you go out of curiosity, the second time out of politeness, and the third time out of habit.