New beginnings calls for a new direction at Vogue Polska. The publication not only unveiled their debut covers for the September issue shot by Andrew Jacobs, but announced that Polish native photographer and director Ina Lekiewicz, is the newest editor-in-chief of Vogue Polska. For the September edition, Vogue publications globally were given the brief to “interpret the sun’s power” for Lekiewicz; she and her team, consisting of styling duo Ali and Aniko, chose to shoot former Models.com Top-newcomer Maja Zimnoch at sunrise to symbolize this new era of hope and light. Models.com spoke to Lekiewicz about her road to becoming EIC, the importance of synergy between print and digital, and the value of versatility in the industry.
Cover Credits
Editor-In-Chief: Ina Lekiewicz
Model: Maja Zimnoch
Photographer: Andrew Jacobs
Fashion Stylist:Ali + Aniko
Make Up & Hair Stylist:Emil Zed
Set design: Ania Witko
Production: Vladyslav Mykhnyuk
What new creative direction are you planning on bringing to Vogue Polska?
My dream is to create a beautiful and intelligent publication, that will be worth collecting and coming back to after many years. One of the biggest things is accepting how many print publications are transforming in the age of digital media. Readers don’t expect the latest news in print, they have it all online. Print publications need to be more special, more inspiring than they ever have.
As a Polish native, how will you incorporate your heritage into this new era for the publication?
Moving out of Poland (I’ve lived in London for 7 years now) helped me gain a fresh perspective and even more admiration and excitement for what Poland offers. We have so many things to be proud of, brilliant designers like Magda Butrym to talented photographers like Sonia Szóstak to artists and inspiring international designers, like Aleksandra Waliszewska, who’s collaborated with Susie Cave and Vampire’s Wife. There are so many breathtaking locations in Poland that I hope to invite international teams to.
How was it working alongside Andrew Jacob for your debut covers?
International VOGUEs were given a brief to inspire the September issue—shooting at the sunrise to symbolize new beginnings. For me, Andrew was an obvious choice. I love his approach to natural lighting and modern aesthetics. I was also excited to bring the talented styling duo Ali and Aniko on board—they had a lot of creative influence on the final effect and came with so many ideas they brought to life on the shoot.
How have you been able to balance your current career as a photographer and working as the newest EIC of Vogue Polska?
As a photographer, I had already been privileged to work for International VOGUEs, so it was a natural fit I felt like. I believe it helped me have a deep understanding of VOGUE as a brand and who the VOGUE reader is. As a photographer, I am selective about the clients I work for and the jobs I accept, as I’m always trying to make sure I’m being true to myself and my aesthetic. Due to this, balancing a photography career and working as EIC of VOGUE Polska seemed a natural fit to me.
As someone who’s transitioned a few times in your career path, why is it so important to develop new skillsets?
I think having different first-hand experiences and perspectives in the industry helped me to understand all of the aspects it takes to make a beautiful shoot. I hope this has helped me gain a more holistic approach overall. Having styling experience helps me understand the garments better for instance—as simple as it sounds, I would not shoot a jacket from the left side if the pocket is on the right. Nor would I crop the shoes out if I see they make the outfit—these things that are obvious to me are not always obvious to photographers. Having photography, styling, and in-house experience has been massively helpful in my new role at VOGUE. It helps me better understand what’s possible and how it can be executed from the many different perspectives a successful shoot requires.
What’s been the most exciting part of this journey on becoming the EIC?
The most exciting part is always people—not only meeting them and seeing their ideas but introducing them to others and watching them collaborate. We love the unexpected. For example, Olga Sokal, the very talented documentary photographer, just shot her first VOGUE story with us. Ewelina Gralak styled this, and they loved working together. I hope it’s their first of many shoots working as a team.
With Vogue’s ‘New Beginnings’ September Issue initiative to harmonize all editions under one theme. What type of new beginnings is Vogue Polska looking forward to?
Just like a lot of people in Poland, we are hoping for changes in the political scene—we’re dreaming of a country where everyone feels free to be and love who they are. We are full of hope that COVID has helped us understand how much we need to take care of each other.
You touched on how print publications are transforming in the age of digital media. How do you plan on bringing readers back to print and making it more inspiring?
Synergy is key—understanding what works online, what works on social media, and what works in print. The platforms should complement each other. When it comes to print, I believe modern publications need to look and feel even more luxurious than ever and should focus on content that isn’t well-suited to online. It should be about the types of content which have an enhanced quality on the printed page.
Illustration by Faye Wei Wei. Image courtesy of Vogue Poland
What can readers expect from the September issue?
Beautiful, fresh photography. New talents. Unexpected matches—such as anthropologists writing an essay for a fashion story.
Are there any muses you would like to work with at Vogue Polska?
There is definitely a dream list, and we have already started to achieve these dreams. Can’t wait to share what future issues bring and hope all of my dream-list ends up collaborating with us along the way.
