Wardrobe Insider: Maryna Kovaltchuk

She’s the Ukrainian born, Hong Kong-based life coach and author, who has just published her first book Life Changing Thoughts and launched an aromatherapy diffuser clip already spotted on chic mask wearers around town.

With a modern style that incorporates her love of glasses, sleek suits and Cartier jewellery, Maryna Kovaltchuk’s instagram offers a ringside seat to her fashion choices which change depending on her mood. “Style is something each of us already has”, says Maryna, “all we need to do is find it.”

Here, she tells PAKT about the best fashion advice she has received, her style icons and why she’s a suit girl all the way.

1) Describe your style in 3 words.

Relaxed, modern and chic. It depends on my mood!

2) Favourite piece you bought recently and why?

A large, Bottega Venetta Intrecciato tote bag in baby blue leather. It’s very practical and beautiful.

3) What is the best fashion advice you have received?

If you spend more than 5 minutes deciding on an outfit, then it’s not a good one.

4) What’s your go-to outfit?

A statement watch, bag and shoes with a perfectly tailor made suit. I love Cartier watches and carrying a Hermes Kelly bag that will match my outfit. But for shoes, I will always go for the most comfortable ones! I love flat shoes, Loro Piana moccasins are my favourite, but in the evening I will wear high heels, Bottega Venetta are my favourites this season.

5) If you were an item of clothing what would you be?

A Loro Piana baby cashmere sweater, as I like to feel comfortable in my clothes. Also if I wear something nice and soft to my touch, I will be in the same mood!

6) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe whose would it be and why?

Mine. Because I’m grateful for what I have. I love trying new things, through my style experience I discover myself and see what suits me the best.

7) What’s your personal style signifier?

Glasses. I wear lots of different ones but love Chrome Hearts, Bottega Venetta and Oliver Peoples.

8) Less or more?

Depends in what context.

9) Who are your style icons?

Brigitte Bardot, I love her big, blonde hair and that she’s a cat lover. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley because she’s modern, Grace Kelly because she’s timeless and Jane Birkin because she’s effortless.

10) What’s your number one fashion rule?

Have a perfect manicure in dark red or burgundy. I do mine at ii hair & nail in the Landmark, Hong Kong.

11) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe and why?

My mini Hermes Kelly alligator bag, because it is very hard to find and very expensive!

12) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you what would it be?

A Tom Ford total look suit. Red velvet blazer, maroon bodysuit, shiny, silk cuffed suit pants and velvet peep-toe platforms. I love this outfit as I have great memories wearing it for my birthday party in Paris.

13) Where do you love to shop?

I like to mix high fashion with other new designer brands. I try to avoid mass market and I prefer quality to quantity.

14) What will we never find in your wardrobe?

Items that I haven’t worn in over a year. I like to keep my wardrobe clean and seasonal.

15) What is a must-have clothing item everyone must own?

I would say a little black dress, even if I’m more of a suit kind of person.

16) What is your dream project?

It’s a secret for now, but I’m working on it everyday.

17) Dream collaborator?

Cartier. I have loved this brand since I was a little girl, and always dreamed about owning pieces of their jewellery. Now I’m very proud of my Cartier collection that includes the Love bracelet, Just Un Clou and the Ballon Bleu watch, all in rose gold and diamonds. Next item on the list is the Panthère rose gold diamond ring. Can’t wait!