Katarina Zaza, A Fashion Account Manager at VICE. Berlin, Germany
What was the situation in which this photo was taken?
I came home from work and thought my hair looks nice today, so I took a picture before I took off the makeup to chill on my couch.
Could you tell us something about what you do?
I’m an Account Manager at VICE Germany in our creative agency Virtue Worldwide. I’m responsible for growing a longterm relationship and finding new opportunities with our fashion and beauty clients. My job is to oversee all projects within my department and consult the brands. Our projects are very diverse, from concept development to content production like video and photo shootings, editorials, magazines, websites, events, trade show booths, social campaigns and the ongoing social media management of client’s accounts and more.
How did you first become interested in fashion, creativity and business?
When I was a child I secretly brought my favorite dress to kindergarten and changed after my parents left. In second grade I decided that I wanted to become a fashion designer. As I got older, I became more interested in the economic side of the fashion industry. So I studied fashion & design management where I was able to combine both.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Every day is different. With each project I get to know new people whilst working with other departments within the company and our VICE offices around the globe. The VICE family makes work feel like hanging out with friends. We do amazing stuff.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on multiple projects to grow the fashion department in the company. I’m also reading a lot of articles to stay tuned into the field of fashion, marketing and tech, to get inspired for our concepts.
What are the challenges in what you do, and how do you overcome them?
I have to deal with many different personalities with differing interests. I have to be a diplomat to handle conflicts and at the same time make sure that I get what I need too. When life seems unfair or too hard, I think of this sentence and in most cases it helps immediately: „Remember why you started.”
Could you describe your personal style?
My style is constantly evolving with every picture I see, book I read and city I visit. One thing that never changed is the fact that I love everything that is special in a way. May it be a flashy color, an interesting fabric or an embroidery that catches my eye. I feel very connected to Paris and the city’s style. The 70’s especially inspire me, in terms of fashion and lifestyle. My favorite brand currently is Dolce&Gabbana. I love the playful prints such as lemons and cats and the feminine shapes.
What is your present state of mind?
To success and nothing less.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Besides being a loyal member of the Beyhive, I love Solange’s album „A Seat At The Table.’ I also like Frank Ocean’s music – “Sweet Life” is my favorite song – and Sampha’s album “Process”.
Which artists or designers inspire you?
I feel very touched by surrealistic artists, most of all Salvador Dalí and Frida Kahlo. Furthermore I love the fashion photographers Guy Bourdin and Horst P. Horst for their creative compositions and complex narrative they mastered at a time before Photoshop.
What is the purpose of art, in your view?
I see art as a kind of universal language you can understand with all your senses. It can tell a story, provoke a feeling or just be a beautiful experience. In my opinion art is an extremely important way to express ourselves as human beings and get a message across in a striking way.
How do you spend your free time?
Whenever I find the time I sing. Sometimes I write my own lyrics but just for myself and without the traditional structure of a song. I also draw, mostly women’s faces and their clothes. But I’m happiest when I spend my free time with my family and the people I love, preferably at a beach.
