Kristina Fidelskaya
Skillfully combining modernity with elegance, Kristina Fidelskaya is the UAE-based brand taking the international industry by storm
What do your first 30 minutes of the day look
like? Usually when I wake up I get a message with a coffee emoji. Having coffee while on the phone, or catching up on the news is how I start my day. I have a busy schedule – having this time in the morning for myself helps me to prepare for what’s coming. Especially in these times it’s important to have a routine and stick to it. You’ve skillfully mastered growing your brand regionally as well as internationally. Which practices allow you to peacefully manage your day? Running helps me a lot. I have been running all my life and for me it’s a kind of meditation. It makes me clear my thoughts, gives me energy, power and belief. I also practice yoga to keep my calm and relax my body and soul. Tell us about the beautiful Ramadan Capsule collection and what inspired it? The name of the collection is Safaa (Arabic name َﻔﺎ َﺻ ) meaning purity, clarity, serenity, and fairness. Inspired by the diverse interpretations of Safaa and influenced by the festivities throughout the time of Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr. The curated capsule collection consists of three elegantly draped evening dresses in a pure palette of shades of white, accentuated with modern silver embroidered detailing. Does this capsule feel like an extension to the rest of your collection? Yes absolutely, the collection reflects an appreciation for simplicity – represented by the brand’s signature neutral colour scheme. There are well-fitted yet modest silhouettes, and immaculate craftsmanship. The capsule will be part of brand’s bespoke service, for clients to have their measurements taken and be individually fitted, along with the available option to personalise their tailored dresses. Your pieces fuse modernity with elegance – how difficult is it balancing the two to achieve such a successful signature? Finding the balance between these two was challenging at first. It has never felt difficult for me to create or come up with new ideas. Consistency, understanding the brand values, and understanding the customer you are creating for, is key in creating a signature/ feminine silhouette for the modern-day woman. Who have been your mentors to date and what have you learned from them? I think life is my mentor and it teaches me every
day. as such. I don’t We have live in a specific a time and person age that where I call we have through an overload which of you information can learn and and grow. content, I believe in #selfservice. Have you encountered any hurdles in your career to date and how have you mindfully overcome them? I have learned that you can’t control everything. In the end it’s important to keep your goals and objectives in mind and find the best way to overcome any obstacles. To stay positive is key to overcome any limitations. You carry yourself so gracefully. Do you think it’s important to surround yourself with others who do the same and have the same attitude to mindfulness? Of course, when you have like-minded people around you, they have the same understanding. When you surround yourself with the right people you are able to become the best version of yourself. How will you celebrate Ramadan this year?
This Ramadan is very unusual because of COVID-19. We have all been adjusting to this new situation. I will be spending time with loved ones, friends and family where possible. During this time of reflection, are there any little luxuries you still allow yourself that make you feel at peace? The view I have of Dubai is mesmerising, so being able to watch this from my balcony is a luxury. When I see how beautiful and strong Dubai is, I feel we will overcome this time, and all become better. Having a hammam in my house helps as well! Can you recommend any books or podcasts
we should be reading and listening to? From time to time I listen to the Business of Fashion podcasts to understand what is top of mind in the industry and how we can apply lessons to Kristina Fidelskaya. The last book I read was River by Iris Wolfe, which is a collection of beautiful poems. Furthermore, I love watching French movies, they have a great way of showing humour, love and emotions. Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration? I am on a personal social detox during quarantine.
What does mindfulness mean to you? Mindfulness for me is about harmony. Harmony with yourself and with your direct environment. I am a perfectionist and I have to practice mindfulness to maintain an overall perspective. Gratitude and reflection are important year
“I think life is my mentor and it teaches me every day.”
round. How do you practice this at this special time of the year? While talking with my kids I try making them aware of this special Ramadan period – I am reminded of it myself by talking about it. Spending time cooking or baking or watching a movie makes me realise it’s the simple things that count. What advice would you give to women who want to empower each other? That women should support each other more, see the good, show mutual respect and compassion. I think solidarity and helping each other instead of comparing can empower women. Every woman is on her own road with her own challenges, and we should help each other where we can.
Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals? Sometimes, when I feel very tired or drained, I put an orange under my pillow or next to my bed. For some reason it makes me sleep very well. What effect has social media played in developing your own brand and supporting those
you champion? Social media makes it possible for me to connect with my customers or people who like and support what I do. I believe we have created a very close relationship between the brand and the customer by communicating the product, brand DNA and what we stand for. Engaging with my followers, the messages and comments I receive put a smile on my face. By the way, we are launching our new website and digital platform soon. Stay tuned…. What advice would you give to your younger self starting out? “If you are you will be” – meaning, don’t worry or put doubt in your way. Being in the process of doing what you love is already enough. Don’t worry so much about what people say and think, just live your best life every day. If you were not working in the role you have now, which other role would you have chosen career-wise? I am a creative person; I would find another creative outlet like painting, photography or even making a film. Fashion like other creative expressions is largely about how people feel. In a time when we have been confined to the home, where’s on your travel list? After being in the house for several weeks, I would love to go on a long road trip through Europe: driving around small mountain roads, taking pictures and listening to music. I miss nature, especially the forest and mountains during spring.