Professional stylist, fashion and beauty expert, Kristina Yakimets, spent her weekend together with the visitors of Prospekt shopping centre giving advice to all who was willing to take part in the project of  Viva magazine and Fashion Point. Read about things every woman must know when choosing a new dress for her and what the main purchases of this spring are in the exclusive interview with Kristina.

Kristina, tell us about your experience in the area of beauty and style improvement, please.

I had my first experience while studying at Nadya Ageeva’s International School of Style and Image. I practiced on my friends and acquaintances; then, I had luck to participate in Preobrazharium (Transformarium) project, where not only stylists, makeup artists and photographers worked with the girls, but also psychologists, nutritionists and coaches. I took part in several other projects; I even had some time to plunge into the world of show business. Now, I am a style expert at edinstvennaya.ua and beauty.uа and work with private clients (individual counselling, wardrobe analysis, shopping accompaniment, development of images for photo sessions).

What, in your opinion, should every woman know when picking a new dress or business suit for herself?

Every woman should thoroughly understand herself, peculiarities of her appearance and form, know how to emphasize her strong points and hide the weak ones. Gaining experience, many women, however, find their styles and colours, through trial and error, but there is an easier and more reliable way – to ask a stylist’s advice. I’m sure the stylist will help in extending the boundaries of self-perception offering unique solutions to make every girl and every woman truly unique.

What are 5 main purchase items this spring?

Each woman is unique. That’s why each one is going to have her own purchases, but I will try to summarize it. I think, this spring, we cannot do without sneakers (this is very convenient and they can be combined with any clothes). A bright bag should appear in the wardrobe too. Let me point out the word ‘bright’, as black or white ones look too dull in spring. And also, the sunglasses that always can add a zing to any look. My advice is to look closer at hats, especially in case you never wear them. Spring is the time to try something new. And of course, it’s an adornment. Women often pay little attention to adornments, and that’s particularly the things which make the image complete.

You gave style advice at the project of Viva magazine and Fashion Point at Prospekt shopping centre. What did the visitors want to know most of all things regarding the improvement of style?

Honestly, a lot of women did not know who the stylist was and what they could learn from me, but when we started talking, their eyes lighted up and they asked new questions. Primarily questions were about form of body, hairstyle and suitable colours.

What are the seasonal colour types and what is the best way to match the colours of clothes?

Perhaps, it's the trickiest question, because the stylists use different techniques to determine the seasonal colour type. However, all of them are aimed at making it easier for a woman to pick the right colours, those which are going to be in harmony with her appearance. I use a direction method, which is based on 3 colour characteristics. Any colour could be described using three of its properties. It is either warm or cold, bright or subdued, dark or light. That’s why it is important to determine the dominant characteristic of appearance.

Why, in your opinion, is it better to update the wardrobe at the shopping centre?

I think you can update your wardrobe anywhere. One can find high quality and stylish things both at the shopping centres and in showrooms, and even at stocks. However, the advantage of a shopping centre is that different shops are gathered in one place there, and also one could have rest while having a cup of coffee.

Do you have any favourite quotes of famous stylists?

I have favourite quotes about fashion and style of people who are either related to the fashion world or not. Here are some of them, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” (Rachel Zoe) “Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” (Yves Saint Laurent) “Clothes make a man. Naked people have little or no influence in society.” (Mark Twain)

Do you personally prefer clothes of world famous brands or Ukrainian designers?

I prefer clothes that fit. I do not chase the brand; I am rather looking for things that sink into heart.

What would you like to wish to the visitors of Prospekt shopping centre?

Study, love and indulge yourself. Have a lucky and good shopping!

Have you managed to purchase anything at Prospekt shopping centre or just only to have rest at “Samoye Dobroye Kafe”?

Indeed, I managed to stop over at “Samoye Dobroye Kafe” and have some rest with a cup of coffee.