Our guest today, Lilith Bussfeld, contributed to Vogue Ukraine for over 6 years and works as Fashion PR. She gives Glam Observer a little sneak-peak on her previously gained work experiences, shares her top three
- We are glad having you here with us today. May you briefly introduce yourself to our Glam Observer readers?
I’m Lilly, originally from Germany but have lived in London for over 10 years and now splitting my time between London and Berlin.
2.You are located in London and Berlin. Why did you decide to live and work in those two cities and do you think, living in a fashion metropole is necessary in order to
I have only just recently decided to live between two cities. I think London is the most amazing and creative city in the world but the quality of life is just so much better in Berlin. Berlin has huge potential for the fashion industry in Europe so it has lots of cool and new opportunities for me.
3.You worked at Vogue while being fashion PR. How did you get into this position and what is like working at this popular publication?
I only contributed and started this at a super exciting time when the magazine first launched. It is a super young publication and the second Vogue in Russian language. I got the gig super randomly through a German stylist friend of mine.
4.Parallelly to Vogue, you worked as
It’s super easy for me. I was doing all my writing in the evening and PR in the day (when the journalists are in the office also).
5.Having an audience of almost 100k on Instagram, you must have gotten some advice on how to use social media in fashion?
I just see myself and my own Instagram no different from a brand that I advise for. The key thing is to get your imagery right and if you are a person, please don’t take yourself too serious, people love authenticity and something or someone they can easily relate to.
6. Advice you would give to girls and boys who are just about to commence a career in fashion?
Be a total hustler. If you want to work you have to be prepared to work long hours for little money. The industry looks much more glamorous than it is behind the scenes. The competition is huge and not everyone can succeed. I’d also advise everyone to be brave, speak up if you have ideas but don’t let anyone use them and sell for their own.
7.What do you think is more relevant and supportive for a future career in fashion: Interning or studying at a well-known University? Why?
It really depends on the kind of job you are doing in the industry. For design I think it is key to study and earn different techniques etc. For PR you don’t necessarily have to study, just get the work experience in. I studied and have an MA from University of the Arts in London, but I was already working fulltime in PR whilst studying. It’s essential to intern or work in the industry before you finish university.
8.Three aspects you appreciate the most about the fashion industry.
The freedom of expression, the appreciation for women and the drive some young kids to survive in the industry
9.Fashion industry stigmata you do not agree with.
The”obsession” with how one looks, and the “need to look better than others”
10.What are your three favourite pieces you wear to the office at the moment?
I recently brought a black mid satin skirt from Zara which I wear a lot, you can dress it up with heels or down with cool trainers. My black Miu Miu trainers also work super well for the office. They are smart and casual at the same time. On days I don’t have meetings I wear a tracksuit (I have streetwear obsession)
11.We would love to get a little insight into your morning routine. Which products would you say, are essential to staying fresh and awake looking during a long day at work?
The most essential thing is enough sleep and to drink enough water during the day. No product can make you look amazing if you don’t sleep enough. I also frequently do none invasive face treatments from Endermologie (you should check it out – www.endermologie.com). In the morning, I usually wash my face with water only and clean it with an organic tea tree oil mix. After that I apply a face cream. I have just started using a new one which I am obsessed with. It’s called Re-Boost from Clarins, 100% cruelty-free vegan skincare.
Interview by Lilly Meuser
