5 Questions for Tania Tuka

1-You’re from Ukraine. How do you feel about all that has been going on in your country- and did growing up there inspire your love of fashion?

I feel pain and injustice, as well as a duty to help my home country. There used to be freedom, which has now been taken away. It’s a reevaluation of values and the understanding that Ukraine will never be the same as it was before.

I grew up surrounded by love and care, and that’s what’s most important. My love for fashion is a part of me, something that’s been with me since birth.

2-What was the ah-ha moment when you knew you wanted to become a stylist, and what skills are needed to be a stylist?

I’m a self-taught stylist who mastered everything through hard work and practice. I’ve been fascinated by fashion since childhood, and I studied it thoroughly on my own. In my hometown, very few people knew much about fashion, and even in Kyiv, there wasn’t the right kind of education at the time. Although my love for fashion has been with me since birth, I didn’t initially plan to make it my profession — it was more of a hobby. One day, I saw a cosmic collection by a local designer on TV, and I was so amazed that it became the key moment in choosing my career during my teenage years. That’s when I firmly decided I would work in the industry. After all, nothing is impossible in our world!

A sense of taste and style is something you’re born with, but it can also be trained. I’m definitely one of those who believe that any profession in fashion should start with learning its history. Among my skills, I’d highlight a strong sense of style, knowledge of trends, adaptability, and, most importantly, attention to detail. 

3-What are some of the highs and lows of being a stylist?

Having gone through e-commerce, advertising, theatrical productions and films, private clients, fashion magazines, and red-carpet events, I can confidently say that the profession of a stylist has its pros and cons in every field — like any other job. But if you love it sincerely, everything takes on a new flavor, and you can handle anything. The key thing to remember is that being a stylist means being part of a team, both on set and in life situations. It’s essential to showcase your creative vision, of course. However, in the first case, it’s important to complement and guide the vision of the photographer or director, while working with private clients and celebrities requires anticipating their wishes.

After much thought, I can confidently say that this profession always keeps you on your toes and constantly pushes you out of your comfort zone. For me, that’s more of a plus than a minus. Among the highlights, I’d mention continuous growth, interesting connections, and the influence you can have on the industry from within. As for the challenges, it’s mainly the instability. Shoots can start early in the morning and end late at night, or, conversely, be night shoots.

4-What sort of events do you help your clients get ready for, and what type of editorial shoots do you style for?

In most cases, I work with magazines for which I style editorials. These include Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, L’Officiel, and other fashion magazines. My experience also includes working with private clients and celebrities. I dress them for various private events and red carpets, such as the Cannes Film Festival or Fashion Week.

5-When you’re working, what’s a typical day like for you? What’s a typical day like for you during Paris Fashion Week?

In most cases, shoots start early in the morning and finish in the evening, but the work of a stylist begins long before, with the preparation and approval of looks, as well as ensuring that everything is returned in perfect condition afterward. This is a level of responsibility — we are responsible not only for selecting the items and the clothes themselves but also partially for the final result.

During Fashion Week, I’m always balancing between clients, shoots, shows/presentations, and meetings. Sometimes it feels like everything is happening at once, but we eagerly embrace it. For me, this period brings a sense of euphoria and growth. Often, the day during Fashion Week starts early in the morning and ends the next morning, and this cycle repeats throughout the week, with different variations.