Discover Kamelia Ivanova, an emerging talent across various

From stylism and modeling to painting and writing. Her creativity and art knows no boundaries.

Hollywood Influence will always support pure talent and give deserving profiles the chance to access the spotlight they deserve.

Let’s journey to Bulgaria to meet Kamelia, a beautiful individual, both outwardly and inwardly—a talent of tomorrow that you will certainly hear about shortly.

1. Introduction:
Welcome to the interview! Can you please start by telling us a bit about yourself and your background in stylism? What sparked your interest in this field?

Hello, it’s a pleasure to be here today. My name is Kamellia Ivanova. Currently, I’m a student at the applied high school in Sofia, specializing in fashion design. However, my passion for fashion dates back to my childhood, where my earliest memories involve inventing extravagant and flamboyant clothes. I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself through fashion and creating outfit ideas, as it allows me to unleash my creativity, which is something I excel at. While I have various other interests and hobbies like modeling, painting, crafting art models, interior design, and writing, I primarily focus on developing my own brand.

You possess all the qualities necessary to be a model as well. What motivated you to pursue stylism/business direction instead of modeling?

I began with modeling, which I still pursue passionately. However, the future in this field looks bleak, not only due to declining work opportunities but also with the advent of technology, which may render it obsolete soon. Moreover, modeling doesn’t allow me to create or develop creatively. Nevertheless, it has provided me with valuable insights into the fashion industry, bringing me closer to my primary goal.

2. Portfolio Review:
Let’s dive into your portfolio. Could you walk us through some of your favorite projects or pieces? What was your inspiration behind them, and what techniques did you use?

Of course, I will. My favorite project is the one I’m currently working on, I would say. It’s based on a theme from my school, where I chose butterflies and named it “Sweep of Butterflies”. My inspiration stems from the diversity of butterfly wings, not just in shape, but also in features like transparency, glow-in-the-dark, and fluffiness, among others. I’ve developed a collection of 12 outfits showcased in my project portfolio, which resembles a large butterfly-shaped box with illuminated pages displaying drawings/collages of the outfits alongside butterfly images, information, names, technical sketches, and fabric photos. The mood board and concept are accessible through a QR code in the corner of the box, leading to a video presentation with music and animation for seamless viewing.

For my upcoming review, I’ve selected two outfits paired with corresponding butterfly wings, constructed from transparent hologram foil and wire. My favorite among the two outfits is the white one, featuring a transformation from a short to a long dress, with a surprise element inside – paper spinning butterflies that “fly” out when the dress is opened, some of which are securely sewn in place.

Additionally, I have other favorite projects related to my outfits, like the two white ones embellished with individually sewn sequins, totaling 2000. While this might seem excessive for just two outfits, it involved numerous adjustments due to failures. For instance, my sequined portfolio depicted a modern take on Bulgarian pendars. Another cherished project is a sea skirt adorned with various sea jewels and stones, created through meticulous gluing. Generally, my school projects tend to be intricate and unconventional, which hasn’t always been well-received by my teachers – some even laughed during the project approval committee. Besides clothing design, I’m also engaged in non-related projects such as a tetralogy I’ve written, currently preparing for publication, along with various other art endeavors.

3. Creativity and Vision:
Stylism often requires a unique vision and creative flair. How do you stay inspired and continue to push boundaries in your work? Can you give an example of a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a styling challenge?

To be honest, I have always found inspiration within myself, without relying on anything specific to emulate or replicate. Each creation fuels the inspiration for the next, ensuring a continuous development process. While others often seek similar ideas in various applications or brand collections, I refrain from merely mimicking designs. Instead, I strive to think outside the box and transcend the boundaries, despite the constraints imposed by school projects. However, discussing alternative methods of execution can be challenging, as the focus tends to lean less towards the creative process and more towards predefined criteria evaluated later on.

4. Attention to Detail:
Attention to detail is crucial in stylism. How do you ensure that every element of a styling project, from clothing to accessories, complements each other and contributes to the overall aesthetic?

I’m someone who really enjoys layering my outfits with lots of pieces, and I often find myself teetering on the edge of overdoing it or coming across as kitschy to some, because many people prefer cleaner looks. I trust my own judgment when styling, aiming for coordinated colors either in similar shades or with contrasting effects, always striving to look good. It’s not just about seeing things from my own perspective; I also consider how others view them. As a designer creating clothes for people, it’s essential to understand their preferences and desires if you want to run a successful business. Having a keen sense of empathy is crucial in this field.

5. Collaboration and Communication:
Stylism often involves collaboration with other professionals, such as photographers, makeup artists, and models. How do you approach collaboration, and what strategies do you use to ensure effective communication and teamwork?

I always begin with a positive attitude and politeness, as I believe the first impression is crucial, and work flows more smoothly when approached with willingness. However, when working with professionals who may try to impose their opinions or methods, even after I’ve clearly expressed my own, I stand my ground if I want to maintain my approach and avoid changes. It’s essential to consider incorporating the best aspects of their suggestions while adapting them to my own style. Of course, the dynamics may vary depending on whether I’ve hired them for my project or if I’ve been hired for theirs; in the latter case, I may need to be more agreeable to their direction.

6. Trend Awareness:
Fashion trends are constantly evolving. How do you stay informed about current trends, and how do you incorporate them into your work while maintaining your unique style and aesthetic?

Trends often originate from major brands, but I aspire to establish my brand distinctively. That’s why I aim to create my own trends rather than adhering to existing ones, as sticking to established trends feels limiting. However, if a particular trend proves to be highly successful, I’m open to incorporating it in some way to boost sales and ultimately further develop my brand. As the brand evolves, I gain more freedom to diverge from imposed norms and chart my own course.

7. Adaptability:
Stylism often requires adaptability, especially when working on different types of projects. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt your styling approach to meet the needs of a specific project?

Adaptability is essential in every aspect of life and is a skill everyone should cultivate, if they haven’t already. Personally, it’s something I’ve become accustomed to, especially with school projects where there are limitations and frequent changes. I find myself constantly adapting to different opinions and conditions while still striving to maintain my own ideas and vision. For me, true adaptability isn’t about abandoning my ideas or compromising my style, but rather finding ways to navigate through challenges while staying true to myself.

8. Technical Skills:
Beyond creativity, stylism also requires technical skills, such as garment construction, fabric knowledge, and styling techniques. How do you continue to develop and refine your technical skills in this field?

Through the various projects I undertake, I encounter different materials, techniques, and environments. This pushes me to learn and apply new skills, which is why I approach each project as a fresh challenge. I intentionally avoid relying on familiar methods, as the introduction of new elements sparks inspiration not only for the project at hand but also for my personal growth. I achieve this through trial and experimentation, as it allows me to discover innovative approaches beyond the conventional ones.

9. Future Goals:
Finally, where do you see yourself in the future as a stylist? What are your goals and aspirations, and how do you plan to continue growing and evolving in this field?

I always begin from a starting point, with the intention of surpassing my goals and continually expanding. There’s no end to this journey, as setting limits acts as a barrier, and we must remain open to endless possibilities. It’s essential to set temporary goals, reach them, and then progress further. I aim to continue evolving in this direction, implementing my innovative methods based on my brand’s concept. Through these methods, I aim to capture attention and provide people with what they need.

10. Closing:
Thank you for sharing your insights with us today! Do you have any final thoughts or questions for us before we conclude the interview?

I believe I’ve covered all the important points, and I sincerely appreciate your attention! Thank you for that!