Berlin is FLINTA* X Elisabeth Kiko
True to the motto "March 8 is every day", we want to introduce you to FLINTA* from Berlin and their work in this new format.
Drum roll for Elisabeth Kiko! She has been living in Berlin for almost 2 years and works as a stylist for editorials, film, red carpets, music videos and personal styling as well as in communications and press.
Dear Kiko, we are delighted to be able to accompany you during a styling session. How did you decide to work in this area of the fashion industry?
When it came to fashion, I just had butterflies in my stomach right from the start and it just felt so right. That's why I moved to boarding school in England when I was 16 so that I could study textile design at school. I then studied Fashion Design at the NUA in Norwich in 2017 straight after school. I then moved from being a design assistant to styling. There I realized that I love working on set and in a team. Then the opportunity to teach came up unexpectedly. That was really the moment I needed in my life: a reason to work creatively and to believe in the future of the fashion industry. I then spent two years teaching A-level textile design and GCSE art in England. I was always commuting between the small town by the sea and London. My students inspired me so much there that I was drawn back to the industry. I always told them: "Do what you love" - and now I'm doing it too. So after eight years, I returned to Germany completely. I'm currently working as a freelance stylist and really love it. As well as in the field of communication and press, an area that inspires me a lot as I put communication first - be it in my everyday life, relationships or in my creative work. At the same time, I'm also doing a Master's in Fashion Design at the Weißensee School of Art, where I'm currently working on my own collection. With the Master's, I wanted to give myself my own creative space once again.
What is your favorite part of your job?
That you work as a team: I love the energy that arises on set or when I'm in a fitting with artists and they see themselves through new eyes and can then feel that way.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? How important is it to follow current trends?
In fact, a lot from my everyday life. Be it the color combination of the cables coming out of the ceiling or the proportions of my neighbor's house. I grew up in an architectural household, so shapes and proportions inspire me a lot. I think it's good to understand trends and where they come from in order to understand society. But then again, following them is boring.
How can we imagine your everyday life?
That's a good question. Every day looks completely different as I'm completely self-employed. I work from home, sometimes from Soho House or something. Sometimes I do calls with clients in my studio and then I sit down at the sewing machine to sew a prototype for my master collection. A lot of logistics go into styling jobs: when, from where, from whom and to where etc. You spend time researching and sourcing as well as in showrooms, visiting agencies or archives and then I spend my evenings sorting pieces for artists or shoots. A lot of packing and unpacking suitcases and bags. But also a lot of sitting, visualizing, creating and lots of fittings. Then there's networking, which is often not even mentioned, but is essential for growing together and collaboratively in the industry.
How do you perceive mutual support in your industry?
Looking at Berlin, I feel a lot of "women power". I'm surrounded by so many inspiring women from different industries and there are so many cool stylists here who support each other, especially on social media. It's a small industry and although I only moved to Berlin almost two years ago, I feel like I've slowly arrived and have been made to feel very welcome.
What do you wish for FLINTA* people in the fashion industry?
If you look at the fashion industry itself, it's mostly white men at the top with the money. Even in the big houses there are mostly only male designers and creative directors, I wish there were more FLINTA* represented. I would like to see FLINTA* at the top to create real magic.
What does the feminist day of struggle represent for you?
Spotlight. I think it's very good that the spotlight is on FLINTA*, although that should of course be the case every day. But to honor this day and especially the path and the past, and to look united into the future.
What would you like to say to your younger "self"? Do you have any tips for the FLINTA* out there?
I also discussed this a lot with my students: be yourself, be proud and "do what you love".
Berlin fashion in 3 words?
Unexpected, free and creative.
Advantages and disadvantages with regard to the Berlin location?
Advantage: There is still the space and the niches in the industry to create, as well as the physical space, because rent and living in Berlin is affordable compared to other European capitals. Also great is the big art scene, generally so creative.
Disadvantage: It's not a fashion city and you struggle with the post office. I also miss more international networking and overall less money is spent on creative work.
What has changed over the years?
A lot has happened in the time I've lived here alone: more brands are moving here, the industry is becoming more connected and new expectations are emerging. To the fashion industry in Berlin: realistic expectations for this city. It's an incredibly creative city and great for emerging brands, it will never be a fashion city. We will never have houses like Chanel or Bottega Veneta in Berlin, but that's a good thing.
What is Berlin missing?
A pub. (Nostalgia for England).
What do you associate with your neighborhood?
My home and my haven of peace.
Thank you Kiko <3
