Meet fashion editor, Kristina Ondkova
Krisina and I met during my studies in Milan, our first project together was to create a mood-board to represent the storytelling of one of Alexander McQueen’s collections in a gothic and mythical aesthetic. Since then, we got closer and closer to the point that I was on a plane to her wedding spending only 4 days in Europe due to work matters. I mean, I had to be at her wedding (!!).
It’s true that due to the time zone (me in Vancouver, her in Prague) it gets quite complicated to stay in touch but finally, since I last saw her, we had the chance to jump on a video call. Both wearing sweatpants and from the comfort of our homes.
It’s crazy how much can change in 5, maybe 6 years since I left Italy? Moving around cities, countries, finding love, getting married, switching jobs, planning summer trips and finding nice, stylish but affordable furniture (one of the most complex tasks in your adulthood).
She is one of my closest friends that remains in fashion, an industry that everyone wants to be part of but just a few stay in the industry when you are actually in. Her career has been truly in the editorial landscape, formerly editor at Vogue Czechoslovakia and working in the model agency Fabbrica, based in Milan. Now as fashion editor at Top Fashion magazine.
What does your day-to-day look like as fashion editor?
It depends on the stage of the month/magazine deadline. In the beginning of a new issue I do lots of research, we have more frequent meetings and I have more free time in general to attend events or seek creative inspiration. As time progresses I write everyday, do interviews and as the issue is coming to final stages all of my time is dedicated to editing, copywriting and photographic research.
With the growth of digital media, how do you see the publishing industry evolving?
Everyone is saying that print is dying for the past 20 years and I think if it were to die it would have happened already. What I see is the importance of curation, good taste and quality reading. Clearly the trends moved on to instagram and online space for their 15 minutes of fame but what I think people will continue to search for in magazines is a summary of what’s worth reading, seeing and buying.
What are the pieces in your wardrobe that have become your staples?
Definitely my black Wardrobe.NYC coat that was pre-owned and I got it for a fraction of the price. I wear it almost everyday and know I will keep it forever, it’s such a classic. Then I would say a good cashmere sweater, I like Loulou studio or Toteme, a pair of black or grey pants and a minimal constructed bag. This year I have also rediscovered my love for ballet flats.
If you weren't working in fashion, what would you do?
I love to think I would be in book publishing but I think my attention span got so bad over the last years I don’t think I could read so much material thoroughly. That’s my aspirational fictional life. In real life, probably something with interior design or art. I love to curate anything and everything. I guess most people working with commercial products and brands as much as editors would say something like living on a farm or in the forest and while I admire that it's definitely not me.
What are you reading right now?
It’s embarrassing so I will start by saying I just finished Idiot by Dostoyevsky. The truth is I am currently reading Spare by Prince Harry. I really wanted to avoid it but I was in London and curiosity took over. Working in the media I hide it behind pop-culture research though.
