December 18, 2020
111ICONS: Kristina Romanova
111ICONS: Kristina Romanova
Fashion Model and Activist, Kristina Romanova is making her case in protecting and educating models in their legal rights and entitlements within the industry. Co-Founding the non-profit organisation, Humans of Fashion, Kristina is one model that isn’t taking her rights for granted.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
111SKIN: Your role and what you do?
Kristina Romanova: I’m a Fashion model and Co-Founder/President of the Humans of Fashion foundation.
111SKIN: Tell us more about Humans of Fashion, what is it you hope to achieve and why it started?
KR: So, the Humans of Fashion Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides a platform to guide those in the fashion industry with a professional support network. We founded it in February 2017 together with my friend and a lawyer Antoinette Costa. I approached Antoinette with my idea to create this safe space for people in the fashion industry.
In many cases a career in the industry starts at a very young age, like myself, I moved to New York when I was 16 without knowing the language that well, the legal system and how to live independently in general. And that’s why I wanted to help people to navigate through the fashion industry starting with contract laws, emigration status, protecting oneself from sexual harassment and much more.
111SKIN: That’s incredible! How did things kickstart?
KR: We came to the conclusion that first of all we want to provide people with pro-bono legal help and through HOFF’s legal partner, The Fashion Law Institute, we were able to connect members to pro-bono lawyers for consultations about protecting one’s legal rights and at a later stage, Humans of Fashion foundation grew into an educational resource. We started an initiative called The HOFF Academy where industry professionals share their knowledge in the form of lectures and video series that address topics spanning from career advice and legal education to mental health.
Currently we are operating mainly in the US but our hope is to expand our network to Europe and the UK in the near future.
111SKIN: Changing the legal statuses and awareness is monumental for the industry. You say you were 16 when you started out modelling, tell us more about your career?
KR: I grew up in Russia in a city called Volgograd. My family was not any different from most of others, very simple and had nothing to do with fashion. One day, I was 15 years old then, I went to a casting in a local modelling agency with my friend for fun, I had no expectations whatsoever. But it turned out to be a fateful moment in my life. This agency sent my photos to one of the top modelling agencies in New York called “Women” and they wanted me to start work right away. As soon as I turned 16, I flew to New York with my Dad and that’s when my modelling career took off.
111SKIN: What was the best project you have worked on & why?
KR: The Humans of Fashion Foundation partnered with Dr. Nikolett Bogar, co-author of “The Fashion Industry and Eating Disorders”, to create a survey for the global fashion community that launched on August 1st under the guidance of the Institute of Behavioural Sciences at Semmelweis University. More than 125 models participated in this thorough research that aims to study the risk factors associated with the development of eating disorders among fashion models.
We are still processing the data and once it’s finalized, we will share the results. It’s one of my favourite projects because the issue of eating disorders is so common among models to such an extent that almost everyone suffers with it in one way or another. That is why we really want to highlight the problem, learn why it keeps being persistent and find some solutions.
111SKIN: What are the plans for the future/your mission?
KR: Life has advanced because of technological progress and people communicate and share information faster than ever. With that being said I feel like it’s really hard to build long-term plans, but I definitely want to continue my modelling career and will keep expanding Humans of Fashion network.
111SKIN: Now on to you personally, what is your morning beauty routine (skincare / hair)?
KR: I start with the Aman Marine face wash which I follow up with several serums depending on my skin’s concerns. C Ferulic and Phyto Corrective Gel from Skin Ceuticals, 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Serum often mixed with the 111SKIN NAC Y2 Pollution Defence Booster. For eyes I love using the Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel and I finish it all with SPF 50 but the main thing to note is that my routine varies depending on my skin condition and climate I’m in.
111SKIN: Do you have a specific evening routine?
KR: In the evening I often use Silk Cocoon Face Cream or Nurture Intense Face Oil by AMAN, especially if my skin needs extra moisture. Once or twice a week I use an Meso Infusion Overnight mask to achieve a firmer complexion.
111SKIN: Can you share a signature product you can’t live without?
KR: I can’t live without the 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask! It really saves me when I need to look great for a red carpet or a photoshoot. Another one is AMAN’s Coconut Milk Bath, I love taking baths after a long day, that’s one of the most relaxing things for me.
111SKIN: Any wellness and fitness habits?
KR: When I wake up, I always drink a glass of warm water with a touch of lemon juice and then I cleanse my nose with neti-pot, I highly recommend everyone to try it. You’ll find yourself catching colds less frequently. I also take SVA supplements, based on classic formulas, it’s inspired by the principals of ancient Chinese remedies. For fitness, I workout 5 times a week and it includes functional training, Pilates, boxing, yoga and tennis.
111SKIN: On the go essentials?
KR: I always carry my AMAN face mist, Purifying perfume by AMAN and the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks. It’s a must in my bag!
111SKIN: How do you wind down in the evening?
KR: I like to take warm baths with salts or to watch a fun movie. I always enjoy reading in bed before heading off to sleep for the night.
111SKIN: Your favourite travel destination?
KR: It’s hard to name one but I would say Japan. I love that every little detail is perfect there, Japan is heaven for perfectionists and Japanese food is to die for, I always leave Japan with bags full of new skincare products.
111SKIN: Where do you see the fashion industry going, what are your hopes?
KR: I see it moving more and more towards a digital direction, especially because of the Covid pandemic. I still hope that we can have a unique experience of working with each other in person and being able to exchange ideas and energies - It’s just not the same as online. I hope fashion will continue evolving into a more inclusive and diverse industry where every skin colour, shape, age and sexuality can be showcased and accepted. Beauty is subjective and we need to stop trying to fit people into categories or compare one to another. I would love to see less filters and more real humans with their perfect imperfections.
111SKIN: How have you found the fashion industry evolve since founding the HOFF?
KR: I see lots of positive changes happening as more people have an opportunity to have legal representation and access to educational resources. I think this progress has been made partial because of HOFF as we show the importance of being able to control your accounting, immigration status, taxes, contracts etc to the fashion industry professionals and our specialists explain how to do it.
111SKIN: Outside of the industry, what other Industries are you into?
KR: Actually, I’m very much into skincare and wellness. I’m helping to develop new AMAN skincare products and I enjoy the process a lot. It is something I have always wanted to try, and I want to invest in a product with all the knowledge that I have gathered whilst working with top industry professionals.
111SKIN: Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
KR: Do what works for you and never compare yourself to others.
Images Credit: @krissroma & @humansoffashionf
Shop mask
Fashion Model and Activist, Kristina Romanova is making her case in protecting and educating models in their legal rights and entitlements within the industry. Co-Founding the non-profit organisation, Humans of Fashion, Kristina is one model that isn’t taking her rights for granted.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
111SKIN: Your role and what you do?
Kristina Romanova: I’m a Fashion model and Co-Founder/President of the Humans of Fashion foundation.
111SKIN: Tell us more about Humans of Fashion, what is it you hope to achieve and why it started?
KR: So, the Humans of Fashion Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides a platform to guide those in the fashion industry with a professional support network. We founded it in February 2017 together with my friend and a lawyer Antoinette Costa. I approached Antoinette with my idea to create this safe space for people in the fashion industry.
In many cases a career in the industry starts at a very young age, like myself, I moved to New York when I was 16 without knowing the language that well, the legal system and how to live independently in general. And that’s why I wanted to help people to navigate through the fashion industry starting with contract laws, emigration status, protecting oneself from sexual harassment and much more.
111SKIN: That’s incredible! How did things kickstart?
KR: We came to the conclusion that first of all we want to provide people with pro-bono legal help and through HOFF’s legal partner, The Fashion Law Institute, we were able to connect members to pro-bono lawyers for consultations about protecting one’s legal rights and at a later stage, Humans of Fashion foundation grew into an educational resource. We started an initiative called The HOFF Academy where industry professionals share their knowledge in the form of lectures and video series that address topics spanning from career advice and legal education to mental health.
Currently we are operating mainly in the US but our hope is to expand our network to Europe and the UK in the near future.
111SKIN: Changing the legal statuses and awareness is monumental for the industry. You say you were 16 when you started out modelling, tell us more about your career?
KR: I grew up in Russia in a city called Volgograd. My family was not any different from most of others, very simple and had nothing to do with fashion. One day, I was 15 years old then, I went to a casting in a local modelling agency with my friend for fun, I had no expectations whatsoever. But it turned out to be a fateful moment in my life. This agency sent my photos to one of the top modelling agencies in New York called “Women” and they wanted me to start work right away. As soon as I turned 16, I flew to New York with my Dad and that’s when my modelling career took off.
111SKIN: What was the best project you have worked on & why?
KR: The Humans of Fashion Foundation partnered with Dr. Nikolett Bogar, co-author of “The Fashion Industry and Eating Disorders”, to create a survey for the global fashion community that launched on August 1st under the guidance of the Institute of Behavioural Sciences at Semmelweis University. More than 125 models participated in this thorough research that aims to study the risk factors associated with the development of eating disorders among fashion models.
We are still processing the data and once it’s finalized, we will share the results. It’s one of my favourite projects because the issue of eating disorders is so common amongst models to such an extent that almost everyone suffers with it in one way or another. That is why we really want to highlight the problem, learn why it keeps being persistent and find some solutions.
111SKIN: What are the plans for the future/your mission?
KR: Life has advanced because of technological progress and people communicate and share information faster than ever. With that being said I feel like it’s really hard to build long-term plans, but I definitely want to continue my modelling career and will keep expanding Humans of Fashion network.
111SKIN: Now on to you personally, what is your morning beauty routine (skincare / hair)?
KR: I start with Aman Marine face wash which I follow up with several serums depending on my skin’s concerns. C Ferulic and Phyto Corrective Gel from Skin Ceuticals, 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Serum often mixed with the 111SKIN NAC Y2 Pollution Defence Booster. For eyes I love using the Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel and I finish it all with SPF 50 but the main thing to note is that my routine varies depending on my skin condition and climate I’m in.
111SKIN: Do you have a specific evening routine?
KR: In the evening I often use Silk Cocoon Face Cream or Nurture Intense Face Oil by AMAN, especially if my skin needs extra moisture. Once or twice a week I use an Meso Infusion Overnight mask to achieve a firmer complexion.
111SKIN: Can you share a signature product you can’t live without?
KR: I can’t live without the 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask! It really saves me when I need to look great for a red carpet or a photoshoot. Another one is AMAN’s Coconut Milk Bath, I love taking baths after a long day, that’s one of the most relaxing things for me.
111SKIN: Any wellness and fitness habits?
KR: When I wake up, I always drink a glass of warm water with a touch of lemon juice and then I cleanse my nose with neti-pot, I highly recommend everyone to try it. You’ll find yourself catching colds less frequently. I also take SVA supplements, based on classic formulas, it’s inspired by the principals of ancient Chinese remedies. For fitness, I workout 5 times a week and it includes functional training, Pilates, boxing, yoga and tennis.
111SKIN: On the go essentials?
KR: I always carry my AMAN face mist, Purifying perfume by AMAN and the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks. It’s a must in my bag!
111SKIN: How do you wind down in the evening?
KR: I like to take warm baths with salts or to watch a fun movie. I always enjoy reading in bed before heading off to sleep for the night.
111SKIN: Your favourite travel destination?
KR: It’s hard to name one but I would say Japan. I love that every little detail is perfect there, Japan is heaven for perfectionists and Japanese food is to die for, I always leave Japan with bags full of new skincare products.
111SKIN: Where do you see the fashion industry going, what are your hopes?
KR: I see it moving more and more towards a digital direction, especially because of the Covid pandemic. I still hope that we can have a unique experience of working with each other in person and being able to exchange ideas and energies - It’s just not the same as online. I hope fashion will continue evolving into a more inclusive and diverse industry where every skin colour, shape, age and sexuality can be showcased and accepted. Beauty is subjective and we need to stop trying to fit people into categories or compare one to another. I would love to see less filters and more real humans with their perfect imperfections.
111SKIN: How have you found the fashion industry evolve since founding HOFF?
KR: I see lots of positive changes happening as more people have an opportunity to have legal representation and access to educational resources. I think this progress has been made partial because of HOFF as we show the importance of being able to control your accounting, immigration status, taxes, contracts etc to the fashion industry professionals and our specialists explain how to do it.
111SKIN: Outside of the industry, what other Industries are you into?
KR: Actually, I’m very much into skincare and wellness. I’m helping to develop new AMAN skincare products and I enjoy the process a lot. It is something I have always wanted to try, and I want to invest in a product with all the knowledge that I have gathered whilst working with top industry professionals.
111SKIN: Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
KR: Do what works for you and never compare yourself to others.
Images Credit: @krissroma & @humansoffashionf
SHOP MAsKs
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.