Magda Kaczmarska (@_magda__) is the Instagram influencer showcasing your favourite fits, in a unique and striking way. Having started in styling and production, Magda has crafted a distinctive aesthetic that has created a cult-following from fashion fans and designers alike.
Her images and styling showcase the works of both established and emerging design talent, whilst she also creates exciting content in collaboration with brands and designers for her feed. We caught up with her to discuss her work, inspiration and dream collaborations.
Hey Magda; firstly, thanks so much for speaking with me. I love the unique aesthetic you’ve managed to craft – what do you think are some of the trademarks, or core recognisable elements of your work?
Thanks so much for getting in touch – I love your publication! The way I usually describe my aesthetic and style of imagery is ‘DIY editorial’ – a way of taking elevated images without the expensive cameras and set design, and also without being a model, and that has become very accessible for my followers. I’m also known for my poses, angles, and not being too personal. I rarely show my face, because my account is about fashion rather than about me.
Whilst I still creep a little personality into my images here and there, most people are on my account to see what I’m wearing and to seek new designers and style inspiration, through the form of interesting and unique photos. I think I’m a route to discovering new talent and to create content that peels far away from your usual picture-perfect editorials you see online. It’s just very raw and gritty I guess! And I think that’s what people know me best for.
I love that phrase, ‘DIY editorial’ – I think it really crystallises your work. Would be interested to know if this was always the goal, or how did you get started with your account, and when did it transition to full-time content creating?
For years I played with the idea of making my Instagram fashion focused, but I didn’t push it until the beginning of the pandemic. The way it started was always about the clothes I wore rather than about me, and it grew pretty quickly from there. I was working in production at Net-A-Porter during this time, but it came to a point where I was juggling these two lives and it was unmanageable. As things started to open up again in the world, I was struggling to have a full time job whilst working on my own content and trying to have a social life again. So in July I decided to take the plunge into going freelance to not only push my content creating, but to also push my styling and creative directing portfolio. And it’s been non-stop since!
You’ve enjoyed lots of collaborations, most recently with @upnextdesigner. Do you have a favourite collaboration you’ve done?
My first collaboration with Up Next Designer is probably still my favourite, especially my images wearing Sinead O’Dwyer where I fully showed my face for the first time in a long time. That felt like quite a vulnerable moment as I didn’t know how my followers would react, but they seemed to love it. I have collaborated with many other incredible and exciting brands though, and a couple that have a special place in my heart are the images I’ve taken wearing D’Accori and Christoph Ritter, as they’ve led to two amazing friendships! And there are a few more exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to share.
From that, who would be your dream person, or brand, to collaborate with and why?That’s a hard one…but off the top of my head, probably Molly Goddard. I first discovered her work in 2018 when I was a fashion content writer, and I remember I used to reference her all the time in my writing, sometimes when it wasn’t even relevant! You can’t show me some pink tulle without me daydreaming about Goddard – I’m in awe of her work.
Ahh yes, agreed – Molly Goddard is dreamy and tulle seems to be having a serious moment right now. We all know Instagram algorithms can be rough – do you have any tips for people wanting to start creating content, or to break into the fashion industry?
With everything that’s recently come out about the Instagram algorithm, it’s a very tricky one and something I’ll never understand. But what has seemed to work with me is a fair amount of consistency, with the amount I post and the kind of content I’ve put up. I’ve found a style that people will recognise me for, but I’ve also allowed it to adapt and grow over time. My style of imagery has changed a lot since I first started, but there’s still a connection between the two. Also, following like-minded accounts and people who will appreciate your content is key, because they’ll be sharing and engaging with your posts the most.
Talking of consistency and content, are there days when you are uninspired? What do you find works to help shift the creative block, and alleviate some of that pressure?
All the time! Especially now that I’ve gone freelance, I feel like there’s pressure to be creative 100% of the time, whereas before when I was working full time, being creative was initially an escape. But now I’ve moved to an area where I’m surrounded by creatives, and I really feed off of their energy. When I’m also feeling inspired and motivated, I usually make creative boards and often go to Pinterest to save down ideas, which I go back to when I’m feeling uncreative. I also try to take days off Instagram and I am still in the learning process of putting less pressure on myself with content making.
On a personal note, I am obsessed with your style and all your pieces! Are they mostly gifted, or part of your personal wardrobe? How important is incorporating a broad range of garments into your work?
It’s a real mixture! I do get gifted a lot nowadays, but I also borrow many pieces too. I often work with students and graduates who make amazing one-off garments that, as soon as I see them, I have an idea of an image. I do buy many pieces too, so what you see on my Instagram is a real mix.
Working with emerging designers naturally means I showcase a great range of style, and often I’ll introduce people to work they’ve never seen before. That is something that’s very important to me, and I think is at the heart of my social media.
It’s clear that Magda’s distinctive style and innovative approach to content creation is popular with the masses, and her ability to tap into a unique aesthetic shows no sign of letting up. We can’t wait to see the future collaborations and work she puts out.
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