REFINE - Timeless Style - Viktorija Svedkova Jasevice - Look 1 — Timeless Style

*with Viktorija Svedkova Jasevice*
New York based Brand and Communications Consultant Viktorija Svedkova Jasevice has made herself a name in the industry not only for her modern approach to PR and brand development but also for her elegant appearance. Here she shares three looks with the Lydia in black and reveals the secret behind her effortlessly chic style.
Pictures by Sandra Semburg

From left: wedding band by Cartier, ring from Viktorija’s personal collection, engagement ring by Completedworks, earrings by Tom Wood

Tell us why you consider the Lydia in black a timeless piece of clothing and how does it replenish your wardrobe?

The Lydia is one of those foundational pieces in my wardrobe that I can always rely on regardless of weather and occasion. I don’t like clutter and over packing when traveling, so it’s perfect! I must say it’s one of the most hard-working pieces in my closet.

Explain the three looks you have styled with the Lydia in black?

Look 1

I paired it back to REFINE’s Kate camisole, a Rosetta Getty cardigan, Manolos and an Alighieri necklace. I never take off my Completedworks engagement ring, Cartier wedding band and a ring that my mother gave me for my 25th birthday. This look I wear in summer for work (as air conditioning in NY is unreasonably strong) and take off the cardigan when heading for drinks or dinner. I am also wearing this for weekend strolls and gallery hopping.

Look 2

This is how I love wearing the Lydia when the temperature drops. I simply pair it back to knee high boots by Prada. The trick is to wear heat tech tights for extra warmth. I styled it with a vintage ribbed cashmere henley, a Rosetta Getty leather jacket and a Khaite bag. I also wear it with a coat instead of a jacket in winter.

Look 3

Here I wear it with a Rosetta Getty cotton shirt, Manolo Blahnik mules and the Ascot bag by The Row. I like the simplicity of this look. It’s the perfect outfit for a day packed with meetings.

“I am not huge on trends, they come and go. I admire personal style and the way of dressing is only a small part of it.”

What are other wardrobe staples of yours and your go to brands for such?

My staples are great fitting jeans, cashmere sweaters, well cut blazers and flattering bodysuits all of which I get from Khaite or Rosetta Getty. My vacation staples are from Matteau and Ven Store. For shoes, I always need good kitten heels, a pair of flats, mules and heeled boots. I mostly buy from Manolo Blahnik and Prada. In terms of bags, I just need two – one big bag for work and travel, and a small one that I can take from day to night. Celine is great for big bags, Khaite, Mark Cross and The Row are making good smaller sized bags that are very versatile yet timeless.

What are your favorite brands for accessories to wear with REFINE?

Completedworks and By Pariah for jewelry. Manolo Blahnik, Prada, Chanel and Hermès for shoes. Celine and The Row for bags.

You are constantly exposed to the newest collections and trends. How does that influence your own way of dressing?

Working in this industry taught me to simplify my wardrobe and find what truly works for me, so I don’t have to occupy my mind with what to wear questions and can focus on more important things in life. I am not huge on trends, they come and go. I admire personal style and the way of dressing is only a small part of it.

Any hacks for appreciating fashion and trends whilst shopping mindfully?

My advice is to look every season at what you already own and how those pieces can be worn in new ways and assess what gaps there need to be filled. Then do your diligence and make a list of things you need and sleep on that – it helps to understand if you really need to buy a new piece.

Look 2: The Lydia in black worn with vintage henley, leather jacket by Rosetta Getty and bag by Khaite

“I look for authenticity and a genuine story. [...] It’s not about standing out and offering new, different product, it’s barely possible to do so with the current oversaturation. ”

Your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

That’s so hard as I mainly use it for work, to follow my clients and the industry community. To be honest everything is so similar these days, but I like checking @wsjmag, @roseuniacke for interiors and @yolo.journal for travel.

You have worked for some of the most relevant up and coming brands in luxury fashion and recently branched out on your own as a consultant. What is it that you are looking for when choosing to work with a brand?

I look for authenticity and a genuine story. People need to be able to relate to the brand on an emotional level. I think in these times in fashion the brand must be authentic. It’s not about standing out and offering new, different product, it’s barely possible to do so with the current oversaturation. For me, it’s also important that the people behind the brand have a combination of passion and business mind, as well as goals for their company.

Were there women in your life who had a profound impact on you discovering your love for fashion?

My grandmother, my mother and her sister were all influential in different ways.

My grandmother taught me of the Old World style and elegance. She always used to say that no matter where you are, alone at home or out grocery shopping, you must look well. It really resonated with me.

Due to deficit in Eastern Europe, fashion was not accessible when my mother was a teenager so she learned how to sew. She bought fabrics from the imported goods market and made herself clothes from Western magazines. She was the most stylish girl in school.

My aunt was a model in the 00s, walking in the fashion week shows. I remember I loved helping her to unpack after those trips. I was fascinated by all the beautiful clothes she would bring back.

Look 2: The Lydia in black worn with vintage henley, leather jacket by Rosetta Getty, boots by Prada and bag by Khaite

What tendencies are you excited about at the moment?

I am excited about the comeback of leather tailoring. I would love to add a tailored leather jacket to my wardrobe. Indigo denim is having a revival which I feel I have been craving for but couldn’t find anywhere.

Any particular color you would like to see the Lydia skirt in?

Perhaps in a very light grey almost silver shade. I can see it paired back to a thick grey cashmere sweater and black knee high boots in spring.

Your friends must ask you a lot for styling tips – what is your most common piece of advice?

Start with the item that you would like to wear for an occasion and pair it back to something that feels good to wear at any time. Like that you will feel and look yourself.

You are working with celebrity stylists, fashion editors and influencers. Is there anyone who’s work or personal style we should look at for inspiration and why?

Definitely! I am so lucky to be surrounded by all these inspiring women. My friend Laura Stoloff (Executive Fashion Editor, WSJ Magazine) is one to watch. She just has this ease and joy for life, which is visible in her personal style. I met Cyndle Komarovski (Makeup Artist) this summer and fell in love with how comfortable she’s in her own skin and the way she thinks about beauty. It’s very cultural and anthropological, which I found fascinating. I also admire Vanessa Traina (Creative Director and Brand Consultant). Especially now that she has two kids and still always looks put together yet very comfortable and at ease.

Look 3: The Lydia in black worn with shirt by Rosetta Getty, mules by Manolo Blahnik and bag by The Row

“My grandmother taught me of the Old World style and elegance. She always used to say that no matter where you are, alone at home or out grocery shopping, you must look well.”

Your first memory of fashion?

My mother sewing a matching velvet bouclé top and skirt set that I wore with patent leather ballerinas with a bow to an occasion at the kindergarten. All girls were so jealous, next day the teacher told off my mother for dressing me up too much. That’s when I realized the effect of fashion. I was maybe four or five.

Who are your style icons?

Lee Radziwill and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

A memorable fashion moment in time?

Watching Fashion TV as a teenager and admiring the 00s originals – Daria Werbowy, Freja Beha, Sasha Pivovarova, Gemma Ward, Mariacarla Boscono and Raquel Zimmermann.

What are the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe?

I am not obsessing over clothes, but I treasure my Chanel top handle bag, Completedworks engagement ring and Cartier wedding band.

Is there something that’s persistent on your wish list and you are planning to buy one day on a special occasion?

I am thinking of the Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch in gold and steel for my 30th and Hermès Black Kelly Pochette for another occasion that I have in mind.

Timeless beauty - what’s your secret, your routine?

I don’t have a secret I guess. I believe in balance (detox & retox) and a healthy mind. I drink tons of water, try to have 8 hours sleep, take Source Naturals Wellness Formula and mykind Organic Women’s Multi supplements. I do intermittent fasting, eat extra healthy and cut off alcohol, when I feel that my body craves it but I like an occasional steak frites, cocktail and dancing with my friends till 2 am. I take a long bath on Sundays with Epsom Salt and a Susanne Kaufmann bath oil and do an ultra sound facial once a week combined with Tata Harper’s resurfacing mask.