Inside the mind of muse and maker, Kostantina Vlahos
Photography by Kostantina Vlahos
As told to Fashion Journal
Get to know Australia’s modern-day Venus.
There’s a concept in creative industries called the ‘eye’. It’s intangible, nebulous, not something that can be taught. You can hone it, sure, but you either have it or you don’t. It may be an eye for design, for photography, for styling or for knowing what a creative team wants when posing in front of the camera. In the case of Kostantina Vlahos, it’s all of the above.
Now focused on her work in photography and creative direction, Kostantina has been dabbling in different corners of the fashion industry for years. She’s tried her hand at styling, assistant directing and producing across both New York City and Melbourne, where she divides her time.
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It goes without saying, Kostantina is also insanely beautiful. She draws your eye in a way that compels teams (photographers, casting agents, brands, editors) to put her in front of the camera. It was here, after her modelling career took off, that she knew she wanted to do work on both sides of the lens. Kostantina’s star has been rapidly rising since.
Having been on our radar for years, she shares her take on the allure of the industry, her unexpected muses and what she hopes for the future of Australian fashion.
Kostantina: Growing up, I always romanticised the idea of being in the fashion industry in some capacity. Although I never intended to enter, I was led to it. I picked up a camera as a teenager and quickly realised I wanted to be a photographer. I went on to study photography and began working as an assistant for other photographers, which introduced me to the fashion world. Photography was my gateway, and I explored various roles, from styling and creative direction to producing, art directing and assistant directing.
I had always wanted to model, and people often told me I should pursue it, but I never really thought it was a possibility. That changed when I was unexpectedly scouted. Once I decided to commit to modelling, the opportunities came flooding in. I realised my true passion is not only in the creative side of the industry but in modelling too.
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My biggest inspiration is nature, especially when I’m by the beach. I often meditate there until an idea resonates with me. As a Pisces, I’m a natural daydreamer, and I often create storylines in my mind. Many of my ideas come to me through these moments of reflection and imagination. Lately, I’ve also been inspired by ’80s Bollywood films and neoclassical architecture, which often align with my cultural roots [as a Greek Polynesian woman].
Lately, I’ve been centring my work around themes of water, sirens and the mythical and ethereal. On a more personal project level, I’ve been drawn to reinterpreting famous historical artworks with a modern twist, like the ‘modern-day Venus’ piece I created. I hope to continue providing representation for people like me and normalise our presence in the industry, ensuring we take up the space we rightfully deserve.
Working both in front of and behind the camera has given me a unique perspective. It’s allowed me to visualise things more clearly and understand how far we can push to achieve a vision. I feel like I give direction much more effectively now, having gained the perspective of a model.
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I hope to see more Australian brands embracing inclusive size ranges. Having lived in America, I experienced how accessible fashion can be for plus-size women, but here in Australia, it’s still quite limited. While a few brands cater to wider size ranges, most stores don’t carry anything beyond a size 18, and we’re forced to order online. I hope that brands claiming inclusivity will bring adequate size ranges into stores for us to try on in person.
I hope more brands hire plus-size fit models to truly understand our bodies. Many brands trying to expand their size ranges simply widen the garment, which often leads to shorter lengths and less coverage, instead of adjusting for proper fit. Simple things, like adding enough fabric to maintain proportions, are often overlooked due to a lack of research and care. Sometimes, it feels like inclusivity is more about tokenisation than genuine effort. However, I do see progress, and I believe more growth is on the horizon.
Some incredible creatives doing great work in Australian fashion right now include photographer and producer Jess Brohier, stylists Carlos Mangubat and Jam Baylon, and designers Nicol and Ford and Wackie Ju. These are the people pushing boundaries and putting Australian fashion on the global radar.
This article was originally published in Fashion Journal issue 195, read it here.
Keep up with Kostantina, here.
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