LOVE LETTERS
NATALIA DIDOVICH
Can you tell us a little about who you are and what you do?
My name is Natalia Didovich and I am Digital Producer at Fashion Quarterly. In the past I’ve also worked in fashion PR, marketing and personal shopping for brands such as Kate Sylvester, Emilia Wickstead and Net-A-Porter.
Getting into the fashion industry can be really hard. Do you have any advice for someone trying to get into the industry?
This industry can be brutal. The hours are notoriously long, the pay is often low and the jobs are few and far between. But we still do it and love it anyway! I’m extremely fortunate to be in one of those jobs that (to quote The Devil Wears Prada) “a million girls would kill for”, but it wasn’t without a hell of a lot of work. My best piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to pivot. I studied journalism and always wanted to work for a fashion magazine… but I didn’t get there until nearly 10 years into my career. So, take your skill set and passion and apply it to adjacent jobs. I’ve worked in marketing, pr, ecommerce, a customer service call centre and picked/packed web orders - all with this final goal in mind. My resume may look a little all over the place BUT I picked up a wide range of skills that made me hugely employable in an industry where you have to wear many hats. Also, don’t be afraid to email or dm someone you admire and ask to go for a coffee. Networking is so important in this industry and you’d be surprised how many jobs aren’t advertised and are hired via word of mouth recommendations instead.
What’s something in your wardrobe that always makes you feel comfortable and confident?
It’s a little tongue in check but I always feel confident in my Paris Georgia Career Girl t-shirt. On days I’m feeling a little flat (or just need a great outfit on the fly), I chuck it on with a pair of white jeans and I instantly feel put together.
For comfortable AND confident, I can never go wrong with my ultra-chic Kate Sylvester canadian tuxedo (aka denim trench coat and wide-leg jeans) from the Gloria, Gloria W24 collection. Those high waisted trousers not only look great but are perfect for the endo flare-up bloat.
Where does your Els heat pack live?
My TWO Els Heat packs (I bought one of the very first iterations of the heat pack last year) sit on my bookshelf right beside my bed. That way they’re always close and easy to grab whenever I’m needing them.
As someone with Endo what’s something you always have in your bag?
Lots and lots of ibuprofen. My work bag resembles a mini-chemist because you never know when a flare up (and the responding stabbing pain) will happen. Anyone who’s worked with me knows that I’m your go-to person should you ever have a headache, stomach ache or period pain.
Do you have a go-to ritual or activity that helps you manage your Endo and/or PCOS symptoms?
Sadly, there isn’t much I can do to ease my flare-up’s when they happen so it’s all a matter of trying to stay as comfortable as possible. Els has been incredible for this. If I can, I like to make myself a peppermint tea, cosy up in bed with a heat pack and either grab my latest book (or listen to an audiobook if the pain makes it difficult to concentrate).
As an avid reader, what book would you recommend to The Love Club community, and why?
This is an almost impossible question because I have so many favourites. But, Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly holds a special place in my heart. I first read it shortly after moving back to Tāmaki Makaurau from the UK, and it was exactly what I needed. The story is brilliant, the characters chaotic yet loveable, and it honestly made me fall in love with my home city all over again.
Lastly, how can people connect with you and follow along with your work and journey?
For all things books follow @uncoolgirlreads (it’s been slightly neglected for the past few months but I have some new things planned!) and for everything fashion you can find my work at @fashionquarterly.
