Blogger Of The Moment: Kayture
Eat your heart out, Paris—18-year-old high school student Kristina Bazan of Kayture is singlehandedly making Geneva, Switzerland, the French-speaking fashion capital of the world with her je ne sais quoi. In additional to her editorial-quality outfit posts (aided by her photographer boyfriend, James), she films professional-quality makeup tutorial videos for all the fashionistas who not only admire her whimsically chic ensembles, but also envy her flawless porcelain skin, smoky eyes, and bold lipcolors.
Kristina will inspire you to layer on the sequins, feathers, and fur without hesitation. In addition to posting daily ensembles, this style-savvy teen travels around the world, making connections that are bound to help her already-fledgling fashion career. The high school student claims to have trouble balancing between blog and schoolwork sometimes, but if she manages her time as well as she struts in platform boots, we're convinced that she'll whiz through college applications with flying colors (and not just because she can rock a red lip like few others).
1/11Age: 18
Hometown: Geneva, Switzerland
Date Started Blogging: January 2011
Why did you initially decide to start a blog?
Since I can remember, I have always had a big passion for fashion. I loved playing with my mother’s clothes and finding new outfits for birthday parties. In Switzerland the fashion world isn’t as important. People aren’t always very interested about this industry so it was quite hard for me to speak to people about my aspirations concerning fashion. When I discovered web communities like Lookbook, I realized that is possible to communicate about fashion through the internet and share opinions with people from all around the world.
2/11Get to know internet it girl Kristina Bazan in this Q&A.
3/11Who inspires your wardrobe and why?
I pick up inspiration for my blog from many sources, such as magazines, street style blogs, movies or celebrities. I don't have one person in particular who is an inspiration for my wardrobe. When I choose an outfit, I do not think of somebody else. When I dress up, I do it for myself because it is a real pleasure.
4/11What's the story behind your blog's title?
When I was four, I used to live with my family in the USA. In kindergarden, my name was way too long for the other kids so they decided to simply call me by the first letter of my name. Since then, ''Kay" has remained one of my nicknames. When I was thinking of a name for my blog, I wanted it to be something very personal, a unique word that I would have invented. I knew from the start that my blog would be about fashion so I kept in mind the word "Couture." ''Kay'' and ''couture'' create Kayture.
If your blog had a mission statement, what would it be?
"Destiny is for losers; it is just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen." This statement is actually on my blog's description. Since I read this, I realized how important it was to take your life in hands and to make your own personal choices. I think this statement shows the reality, that dreaming isn't enough to see concrete achievements realized; talent isn't enough. The work you do is the main way to reach for your dreams. So act!
5/11How would you describe your style?
Most of the time it's very polished and chic. I love playing with bright colors combined with more neutral ones as much as I adore matching different textures, such as fur or silk, together. I have never worn a lot of jewelry or accessories. That makes my style sometimes a bit minimalistic. Also, the main element of my looks is the different lipsticks I pair with my outfits. They are a big part of the look.
Who are your favorite designers?
My biggest inspiration is Gabrielle Chanel. I have had a great admiration for this incredible woman since I discovered her story about how she gained success. Since Karl Lagerfeld took up Chanel, I love it even more! Also, I really like Louis Vuitton, Mui Miu and Dior.
6/11What do you do when you're not blogging?
I am a student in my last year of high school, so right now I am preparing for my exams. Also, I do occasional modeling jobs with my agencies in Switzerland, even though being a model is not at all what I want for my future career. I do it to meet new people and gain professional experience, and of course, it is a lot of fun.
7/11What are your personal favorite blogs? Why?
I really like Carolina Engman’s blog called Fashion Squad. She was one of the first bloggers I discovered and I have followed her for a long time. Also, I really enjoy reading Le Blog de Betty. She has a lot of humor and comes from Paris, so it is nice to read a blog in French, since it is my mother tongue.
Any advice for anyone who wants to start her/his own blog?
Stay true to your own tastes, and never try to copy someone else. The greatness of a blog is in showing a part of your personality.
8/11What's the best thing about having a blog? aspects?
The good aspects are definitely all the amazing opportunities I had because of my blogging activities. I had the chance to travel around the world with my boyfriend to Paris and even to Tokyo, where we met a lot of interesting people. That was a huge honor and a real motivation to continue blogging, especially because I would love to work in the fashion industry one day.
9/11What type of camera do you use?
It’s better to ask my boyfriend about that! It’s a shame being a blogger and not knowing what type of camera is used for my posts, but hey, my job is to make good outfits and James is way better than me at taking great shots.
**How do you capture your outfits each day? **
As I mentioned earlier, my boyfriend James, who is also a photographer in Switzerland, takes my pictures. We are quite a team!
10/11Where are your favorite places to shop?
I love shops like Forever 21, Topshop, Mango, and Zara because of their reasonable prices and cool designs. For more original pieces, I love shopping online to find rare items.
Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
I do have a true obsession with the new Miu Miu glitter shoe collection. It inspired me a lot. Most of my outfits right now have a sequined or sparkly item; I think it adds so much fun to a look.
11/11What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
I just hope that the color-blocking trend will never disappear; I enjoy it so much. Playing with bright colors is challenging and that is what makes it so interesting.
What clothing item would you say is timeless?
The little black dress, no doubt.
What beauty product can you not live without?
It is a bit uncomfortable for me to go without taking some lip balm. I hate having dry lips and it is important for me to take care of them, especially in winter, when it can get very cold in Switzerland.
