Style Files: Yulia Fomenko-Kirpalani On Celebrating Whimsy And Rebellion

Born and raised in an industrial town in Russia, Yulia Fomenko-Kirpalani dreamt of beauty, and to be near things that her heart and eyes could feast on. Today, the 35-year-old content creator is not only living her dream, she is also inspiring others through her fascinating images and captivating videos where she showcases vintage pieces, sometimes mixing them with current ones, and becoming an otherworldly character in the best way possible. “Whimsical, rebellious and playful” is how Fomenko-Kirpalani describes her style. And this style chameleon walks the talk, as she doesn’t subject herself to societal norms or fashion trends, she has fun simply being herself.

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Tell us about yourself—your background and who you are now.

“I graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in Film and Television, and worked as a writer and director primarily behind the camera for a few years after finishing school. Being a foreign student who is not a native English speaker, the idea of being in front of the lens myself seemed terrifying; and that all changed after the Covid-19 pandemic.

With no access to actors, let alone working closely with others on set, I had to turn inwards for inspiration. Yet, I longed for connection with other creative minds. My creative energy needed a new home—my passion for writing, storyboarding, character building found their way to Instagram! And, almost overnight, my love for whimsy, storytelling and beautiful things all came together on my page.”

What is a quote you live by?

“I don’t have a one quote-fits-all for life, because life is a complex continuum of personal growth which has so many edges to it.

If we speak in the context of fashion and style, I love this quote from Vivienne Westwood: “We live in a world where everybody wants to look like everybody else or else they feel uncomfortable. But I feel comfortable when I look great.”

She’s my favourite designer. Her ability to blend feminine historic elements with rebellious street and punk aesthetic, and her sense of beauty that proved to be timeless are undeniable. Vivienne Westwood is a true innovator and fashion icon.”

What was your first fashion memory?

“I was about five years old at a flea market with my mum. I saw a gorgeous skirt in red velvet: it had gold buckles on its belt and was rather opulent. My mum refused to buy it and I cried half the way home. She gave in and we returned to get it—I was the happiest camper!

I wore the skirt immediately and ran into the yard to show it to my friends. Of course, we decided to climb trees. I sat on a branch and realised that I got my skirt covered in a big black tar-like sap. I cried on my way home again.

I’m not sure if this qualifies as a fashion memory, but it’s the first memory of dressing myself and choosing a piece I really loved and felt beautiful in. A lot of emotions that day! What a rollercoaster.”

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What are three words to describe your style?

“Whimsy. Rebellion. Play.”

What is your favourite fashion era, and why?

“There’s something beautiful about every historical period, but I’m gonna say “now” is my favourite era. This is an era of no dress codes, no expectations, you can express who you truly feel like—online or in real life!”

What is your favourite fall/winter 2025 collection, and why?

“I got very excited about Marc Jacobs. It is my kind of sculptural, and the footwear was just making me faint—a cross between an his iconic Kiki boot and Westwood’s Ghillie in a most feminine way. If we talk about more wearable day-to-day stuff, I think Chloé keeps bringing the romantic boho to the table, and I’m still here for it.”

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What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe, and why?

“It is a pair of Mary Jane lavender heels from Vivienne Westwood’s Cafe Society collection. This is an astonishing shoe and it’s an actual pair that was in the show—it has the model’s name still scribbled down on the sole! These were sourced by my friend Jennifer of Iconic Archive. She focuses on locating pieces exclusively from Westwood.”

You do not succumb to norms when it comes to content creation and fashion, and that’s truly inspiring. Can you tell us how this all started?

“A few months after I had my first baby, I got invited to a Gucci gala in Florence. A dream come true, I thought. But as I started to look for a Gucci outfit, nothing was catching my eye. I tried on countless things at the store, but nothing made me feel that tingle of excitement that I usually feel when the outfit truly works.

Then, I decided to hunt pre-owned on The RealReal and came across a gorgeous Gucci tulle dress from their spring/summer collection. I got it, but there was something still missing. Then upon my friend’s and styling partner’s suggestion, I decided to order a custom-made latex pannier and a corset set. The outfit started to sing! I went to the event and felt absolutely beautiful—like a dreamy creature.

Then I thought; why do I have to wait for an event to feel this way? Why don’t I dress like that whenever I want to feel magic? I think the GRWM for this outfit also became my first viral video.”

If there’s one outfit that most represents you, what would it be, and why?

“I am such a shapeshifter and I love to play so much that in my mind there isn’t just one outfit that mostly represents me! I picked a few and asked my followers what they thought represents me, and they picked this one (and I agree).”

Yulia’s five Wardrobe Must-haves

1. A pair of Manolo Blahnik kitten heel mules

“The epitome of chic and elegance.”

Mayjou cream satin crystal buckle mule, $2190, Manolo Blahnik

2. Something made of taffeta silk

“Taffeta is a magical fabric that can be shaped and pinned into so many exciting shapes!”

Open-back silk-taffeta bodysuit, about $4,759, Alaïa at Net-a-Porter

3. A pannier

“…because it’s me. We can drape things over it for a fun, sculptural look.”

Pannier Petticoat, 35.75, BBSET at Amazon.sg

4. A Dior Saddle bag

“I have a gorgeous satin one.”

Small Saddle Bag with Chain, $8,400, Dior

5. A statement coat

“You need one kickass coat in your wardrobe to throw it on to look stunning no matter what you’re wearing under. I have a piece from Elena Dawson, a British designer who works with hand dyes, and every piece she creates is unique.”

Stormy jacket, about $2,078, Vivienne Westwood

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