VICTORIA SEKRIER
“Passion is like a fuel, it makes you excited to work harder towards it. It kind of makes work not feel like work.”
Victoria Sekrier
Stylist
The fashion industry is a huge business. Some of the biggest designers and models vying for space. Through New York, Milan and Paris fashion weeks you’ll get to see where this industry is taking us. Within the industry you’ll find those designers, the models, stylists, set designers, producers, in fact many thousands of people all working towards that one special moment when the cameras go off and the vision is finally brought together.
Victoria is someone who has worked on both sides of this world, first as a model and now as
a stylist. To an outsider that must sound so easy, but what most people don’t realize is she had to leave her native Russia, without speaking a word of English, at the age of 16 to pursue this dream. Having that conviction and belief in your path at such a young age is one thing, but seeing it through and making a career of it is quite another. Switching gears and continuing to work in that industry as a stylist, it takes real passion, tenacity and vision.
Jonathan: What do you do now?
Victoria: I am a fashion stylist and consultant. I work with brands on their advertising campaigns and fashion shows. I style fashion editorials for magazines.
What were your first two or three jobs?
My very first jobs were during summer holidays when I was 13 to 15 years old. I grew up in a working class family, which meant if I wanted something special for myself, I had to work for it. Some of the jobs I was doing were helping teachers in kindergarten and sweeping floors in a hair salon. They weren’t my dream jobs, but they were opportunities that taught me responsibility and gave me a sense of accomplishment, as well as some financial freedom.
Did you study?
I got into my second year of college (I was studying fashion design), when I got scouted to be a model. I left Russia when I was 16 years old and consequently dropped out of college without ever going back to studying again. Modeling for me was very exciting, growing up in Russia I could have never imagined I would be able to visit all these places and meet so many inspiring people. Of course, it was hard work and I had to learn things quickly, including the language, (I didn’t speak a word of English when I left home), but what I have learnt really shaped my life today. I had a chance to work with some of the most iconic people in the industry and I was absorbing everything like a sponge.
What would you tell your teenage self ?
I would say to myself to believe in me and not be afraid to be me. It’s the hardest thing to do, even as an adult, but understanding what it truly means to be you and being ok with it will lead you to making the best decision for yourself.
What would you suggest for people who want to do what you do ?
I think one of the most important things is to feel passionate about whatever it is you are thinking of choosing as your path. Passion is like a fuel, it makes you excited to work harder towards it. It kind of makes work not feel like work. Really thinking about what makes you excited and then channeling that into your goal.
What were you curious/passionate about as a kid and does that correlate to what you do now?
I was really into making stuff. My mom taught me how to knit and sew and I was making my own clothes, mostly out of necessity, but also because I enjoyed it. I realized I was good at it. It made me feel like I had achieved something. I guess I could say I’ve always had an interest in clothes and the idea that in a way clothes are a representation of your inner self. It is how the world perceives you. I think fashion is oftentimes seen as superficial, but I don’t agree with that, I think it gives the permission for self-expression. I didn’t end up a fashion designer, but I have had two successful careers in the fashion industry so far. I still enjoy it and I still feel excitement when I go on the set of a photoshoot.