In a world where fashion often flirts with the superficial, Mila Milanovich carves out space for something far more intimate—emotion, narrative, and connection. As a Zurich-based fashion stylist, trend analyst, and creative director, Mila has built a name for herself through her sharp visual storytelling and an instinctive ability to translate cultural shifts into compelling imagery.
Her latest editorial, “Closeness”, is a testament to her evolving vision—tactile, raw, and quietly powerful. In this exclusive interview for FashionMag42, Mila opens up about the inspiration behind her work, the process of shaping trends from the ground up, and what it means to stay creatively honest in a hyper-digital world.
MAG42. What was the moment you realised fashion styling was your path? Was it something you always knew, or did it find you unexpectedly?
MILA: I believe that we don’t find our path by accident — everything has its own meaning. Fashion has always been a part of my life.
MAG42: Zurich has a unique blend of minimalism and luxury in its fashion scene. How do you incorporate local aesthetics into your styling and trend forecasting, while staying globally
relevant?
MILA: It’s simple. You just need to create beauty that influences people’s perspective. And if even one person looks at a beautiful styling, feels inspired, and incorporates some part of it into their own wardrobe, then the integration was a success.
MAG42: Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a visual concept for a campaign—from initial inspiration to final execution?
MILA: The mood board for the shoot was created by the incredibly talented creative director and producer, OZ Jacob Tabib. As the concept evolved, we added new ideas and decided to blend light anddarkness, bringing together two models of different genders to portray a sense of intimacy that transforms into unity. The emotions on set were truly powerful.
We experimented a lot — with posing, set design, wardrobe — some ideas worked, others didn’t, but that’s the beauty of the creative process. In the end, it’s the collaboration and synergy within the team that make it all come to life — something that simply isn’t possible to achieve alone.
MAG42: As a trend analyst, how do you identify emerging trends before they hit the mainstream? Are there any unconventional sources you draw from?
MILA: The biggest secret is to closely observe the world and what is happening in it. Sooner or later, all processes find their reflection in fashion. Fashion always responds to changes in society, culture, technology, and even nature — whether it’s new social movements, scientific discoveries, or changes in lifestyle.
MAG42: How do you balance creativity with commercial viability when working on fashion editorials or directing brand visuals?
MILA: My role as a stylist is to craft a selling look, finding a styling that is both trendy and aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, complementing it. When a trend works as an assistant and a supplement to the brand’s identity. Editorial shoots should tell a story, with more boldness and occasionally eccentricity. These types of shoots can feature more color, emotion, and even theatricality.
MAG42: Collaboration is key in creative roles. Tell us about a time you worked with a team— photographers, models, designers—and had to align everyone’s vision. How did you lead
that process?
MILA: I love being part of a team where there are plenty of different ideas and options — this is always a plus. For me, it’s important that we all align on a visual code. This requires exposure to various types of art, reading about them, diving into fashion archives, watching shows and collections, observing how different brands communicate with their audiences, and always being open to learning from others, without fooling myself into thinking I know it all.
MAG42: “Closeness” evokes a deep sense of intimacy and emotion—what was the core narrative or feeling you wanted to communicate through this editorial?
MILA: We wanted to convey a sense of closeness and unity. We are mirrors of each other and light for each other.
MAG42: How did you approach styling for “Closeness” to reflect both vulnerability and strength?
MILA: I love the idea of combining the unexpected, as there’s great potential in it. During the preparation for the shoot, I researched and connected with new designers, sharing the concept with them. The looks came together over time based on the pieces I could find and gather.
For me, Closeness is always about strength—only someone who is strong inside can embrace closeness in friendship, relationships, and of course, with themselves. In the shoot, there are moments where we see different expressions from the models, and we can’t tell for sure if they are close or not, but it’s clear that each one of them desires emotional closeness.
MAG42: Were there any particular pieces or designers that anchored the mood?
MILA: Yes, the key pieces came from talented and innovative young Swiss designers such as Canyls, Klaesiholdener, Tragbar by Laura Bisang, Miss Medusa, jewelry by SANKEDOU, and amazing vintage items from Nara garments.
Each of these designers has an incredibly unique and beautiful vision of fashion and the world, and what they do is crucial for the fashion industry. Without their incredible designs, this beautiful styling wouldn’t have been achieved.
MAG42: Looking back at the finished editorial, is there a particular moment, look, or shot that captures everything you envisioned when you started?
MILA: Yes, definitely! The shoot turned out to be very artistic and fashionable and that’s a credit to the entire team.
MAG42: Where do you see fashion styling heading in the future, and how do you envision its evolution?
MILA: Styling is constantly changing, and right now, there are no rules in fashion—anything is possible. We are currently in a period of its evolution, but not everyone finds it interesting or necessary. There will always be those who see and respond to the fashion evolution and want to be a part of it, and those who aren’t interested. Even classic styles are changing, and I recommend paying attention to the cuts, lines, and volumes.
MAG42: Mila, what message would you like to share with the readers of FashionMag42.com?
MILA: Be bold and express your personal style. What most people love to wear can’t be unique or
interesting. Find your own, and for that, you need closeness with yourself.
ph credits: Andrey Heimonen
