1. Who is Milena Tanaskoska?
I'm a former fashion editor and a creative director, currently working as the chief of operations in an atelier factоry that does hand knitting for high-end brands and a stylist and co-designer at Bastet Noir. I love fashion, art, and reading books. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my two dogs in nature. They are the source of my positive energy.
2. How do you define fashion and or style?
Fashion is something trendy that marks a specific period in time, the way a whole generation dresses, the type of hairstyle they use, the particular music they are listening to, and how they act. Style is something personal; it speaks about oneself and how you use fashion to make it your own and stand out in a crowd. Style is your character; it speaks about your preferences and what type of person you are, and fashion is something you follow.
3. What influences your style? ie travel, work, movies, magazines, social media trends, celebrities, color, etc.
Traveling, museums, magazines. When you travel you take a bit from every culture, the different types of style and how the population interprets that. I’ve grown up collecting magazines, excited to see a new fashion editorial every month, just flipping thousands of pages. Exhibitions in museums are also a huge part of how my style is influenced. Seeing different shows gives me a different perspective. They can really transport you to an era gone by where glamour ruled the world. They are also one of the reasons why I love the 60s and the 80s so much. I’m especially inspired by these decades. I love how extravagant they were from the extra mini skirts and frivolous jewelry to the flamboyant prints of those times all the way to the exaggerated shoulder pads. I love everything about these decades.
4. How has your style evolved?
When I was teenager I wanted to experiment with tomboyish looks and wore a lot of neon colors and trendy clothes. Now my style is feminine, chic, elegant, with a touch of sexy and comfort. I always want to feel comfortable in my own skin. Now I don't follow trends, even though I love dressing up, mixing different prints and patterns and love to add a bit of extravaganza in everyday looks. Monday to Friday you can see me wearing more neutral tones combined with a ruffled blazer or maybe even a sequin dress. It really depends on my mood. The one thing you won’t see me in though is sweats in my workplace.
5. What does your dream wardrobe consist of?
Walk-in closet filled with good bags, shoes, accessories, unique pieces of clothes, boxes of jewelry. I want it all :) But a solid collection of suits in different colors, perfect white shirts, lots of prints, a black blazer, and leather bags are a must.
6. If you were to give fashion advice to your younger self what would it be?
If there’s one advice I could give to my younger self it would be to never wear low rise jeans or low rise pants and a light blue eyeshadow.
7. How important is it to be body positive and to appreciate the skin that you're in?
This is one of the biggest tricks in life. You must love your body, as it’s the only home you’ll spend your whole life in. So we must treat our body as it is our temple. You need to take care of it, to be healthy, and love all your curves. If you feel confident in yourself you can do anything.
8. What do you love about jewelry? What is your absolute favorite is it earrings, necklaces, etc.
For me the rule “Less is more" doesn’t apply to jewelry. If I go outside without jewelry, I feel naked. I love wearing rings a lot, watches, earrings, and necklaces all mixed together. Jewelry can elevate your total outfit. It simply gives soul to your clothes. Your outfit can be simple, but when paired with flashy earrings and chain necklaces everything looks more elegant. It's a way to elevate your day look to night. It's the last step of dressing that tells whether or not you know how to make something be fashionable.
9. How do you incorporate accessories and jewelry into your daily looks?
I want to mix silver and golden jewelry, also never going out without 4-6 rings, a wrist watch, and a good pair of earrings. During summertime wearing necklaces and ankle bracelets is simply a must. I’m also totally crazy for chains these past few seasons.
10. What are your non-negotiables... What must you have / wear / do? and what are your, “I’m never ever doing or wearing that?"
I need to have a dress for every season, weather, and occasion. I just love dresses and white shirts in every shape and size. I want to invest in good unique pieces, and if I don't find them, I make them. Sustainable, hand-knitted, and handmade pieces now are top priority for me as they rank high on my shopping list. You will never see me though, wearing low rise pants and neon colors again. I'm avoiding polyester as much as I can as well, always choosing high quality and natural materials.
11. Tell us why you choose fashion and style. So what we mean by that is, we don’t have to dress up, we don’t have to adorn ourselves with jewels and embellish with accessories, but we do, we choose to… why do you?
I graduated in economics, but my passion for fashion was always stronger than what I studied in college. I want to be nicely dressed, to make good editorials that tell stories through clothes and photography, to make clothes that everyone will be comfortable in and would love to wear. Without fashion, life would simply be boring.
12. What’s your favorite fashion/style quote or mantra?
What I learned from my work is that if you feel confident in what you wear, you can conquer anything and anyone.
13. How and where can people connect with you?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pupimilena/
You're right, Milena. Sometimes, less isn't more! Even if you put on a simple outfit, adorning yourself with beautiful jewelry will still make you stand out. Thanks for sharing some of your story.
XoXo Golden Stories