From Moldova to Paris: Interview with fashion’s latest IT girl, Doina Ciobanu
When Doina Ciobanu started her blog back in 2009 little did she know a couple years later her style would get her to London and Paris fashion week. With only 16 years old, this girl from Chisinau has already been featured in Teenvogue.com, Vogue Paris and Who What Wear. Her blog, which is a mix of her experiences in fashion and her personal style, has over 1 million views.
About getting into the blogging world.
For the past 2 years I have been thinking about starting a blog. As I live in Moldova, a country which is not related to fashion in any ways, It was really hard for me to express my style in my native city, that is why I wanted a blog where I would share my outfits and looks to people from other countries. Right after I finished my 9th grade, I decided to finally open my personal style blog- The Golden Diamonds.
What defines her blog.
My blog is about my outfits, lifestyle, things that inspire me. I have always been a slave of elegancy and feminism, which can actually be understood even by the name of my blog: gold is associated with royalty, baroque style and renaissance; diamonds are all about elegance, chic women and purity.
I love to experiment, that is why I always try to introduce something new in each of my outfits, but still maintain a chic atmosphere.
What inspires her.
I do not have any fashion icons, but I do have life-style and personality idols, like Queen Elizabeth the first, Hypatia and Grace Kelly [also], I can say history movies might have given me the love for elegance, beauty and real fashion. On the other hand, I still love Gossip Girl and Sex and the City, and what more of a fashion inspiration can you ask for?
Choosing outfits is harder than it looks.
Usually the ideas of an outfit just bumps into my mind, then I just combine something with what my imagination gives to me, but I have to say, sometimes I am just not inspired. It cannot be defined as hard, because it is not, just sometimes, the city I live in is too dark and not beautiful at all, and I am not inspired at all.
Designers she loves.
Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Phoebe Philo, Elie Saab.
Her dream piece of clothing.
The large Celine boston bag, Alexander McQueen jacket/coat and Herry Winston ring.
No fashion faux pas.
I used [have] to at the beginning, but now I understand that what was a ‘don’t’ for me one year ago, now is a ‘yes’! I think the most important in fashion is not overdoing, and just feeling comfortable and fabulous!
Her favorite current trend.
Metallic and XXL man inspired clothing: Large minimalistic coats, jumpers, dresses worn with a very natural or no make-up, natural hair, to create a classical man style.
On getting big in the blogging world.
I think it is the same as with celebrities, there are a lot of really talented people out there, but only 10% of them are lucky to get noticed and to actually become someone. There is no “success elixir”.
Her views on fashion and social media.
I think it is great. I remember when I was a kid, my mom used to buy fashion magazines and I would go through them over and over again looking at the beautiful models, outfits, jewelry, they give me some kind of hope to become a social princess. Now we have even more fashion, it is everywhere, on the internet, on the paper, on the T.V… I think it promotes very well all the new comers and creates a totally new and better view on fashion.
No fashion career purposes.
I would love to [work in fashion], but it is not quite where I see myself. I want to work in politics, to help people, to do something good for this world, that is what I have been desperately wanting since I was a child.
What she loves about fashion.
Styling and PR. I am really into communicating with people, that is why Public Relations is really something I like. Styling is something I am already doing in a way, for instance together with Mango, we’re having a style competition here in Chisinau, for everyone interested in fashion. I am really excited about it.
Her style is a combination of high-low pieces raging from Louboutin heels to Zara dresses, and mix & match of color, patterns and pieces from past seasons which all add up to bring a fresh look to the table.
To be honest, I would love to see her pursue a career more fashion oriented because she definitely knows what she is doing. She has been lucky enough to assist big brand name shows in Paris such as Elie Saab and Lanvin as well as Burberry during London Fashion week.
You can check her not-to-be-missed blog The Golden Diamonds here.
