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A Feel For Fashion: Venya Brykalin

Interviews, Inspirations

Based in Paris, Venya Brykalin has been the editor-in-chief of Vogue Ukraine since 2023 once the magazine returned to print after the outbreak of the war. Beyond developing a trenchant editorial vision (he previously worked as a stylist and journalist for Elle, L’Officiel and L’Officiel Hommes), he has shown how fashion can function as an act of resistance and coordinated Tripolar, a series of Paris pop-ups in support of Ukrainian art and fashion. On Sunday, Brykalin and Vogue Ukraine will present Ukraine Today, a raw and impactful photo essay by Brett Lloyd.

What excites you in fashion right now? 

Humanity. People telling personal stories and engaging with their audiences in a sensible and intelligent way.

What is one reason to be optimistic about the state of fashion going forward?

We see some great examples of designers and talent in general who have the courage and the capacity to stay true to who they are and what they believe in. 

In what ways do you think AI might benefit fashion?

I would love to see how it can be applied to tech and functional and sportswear design practices where science and engineering solutions can push the realms of design further.

Who or what will drive the greatest change in fashion this year?

The Algorithm. Social media has totally transformed the mechanics of how we consume information and how and what sells in this way. Thus it's transforming what is designed and how it's done. This is incredibly interesting to watch.

What impact might you hope to have on fashion this year? 

[Vogue Ukraine] is a speck of dust in the vast cosmos. But I'm hoping we make a great magazine that inspires people and creates room for optimism.

Can you suggest a fashion mantra for ’24?

Less is forever more. 

This interview has been lightly edited. 

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