Stylist Vasil Bozhilov on Mythology, Power Dressing, and Real Influence
In a fashion landscape often obsessed with the new and the now, Dubai-based stylist Vasil Bozhilov operates on a different frequency. His inspiration isn’t found on the latest TikTok trend grid, but in the rich, dark soils of history, mythology, and timeless power dressing. With a career that began in his teens in Bulgaria, Bozhilov quickly built a formidable reputation for his unique eye, leading him to freelance for prestigious magazines and attract a clientele of celebrities and brands seeking his distinct vision. At just 23, he embarked on a bold move to Dubai, a city thirsting for his brand of creative audacity, where he is now represented by the renowned Wilhelmina agency.
The Wellspring of Inspiration: History Over Hype
When asked about his greatest influences, Bozhilov’s answer is a refreshing departure from the norm. "I don't find much inspiration by youth or what's going on at the time, nor in music or the streets," he states. "In fact, I am inspired mainly by past histories and I translate that into something I communicate using fashion."
His current muse is the infamous Countess Erzsebet Bathory, with Bozhilov noting, "I am reading a book on her, and I am fascinated by her life; this will surely result into a fashion story inspired by her." This approach—mining the past for its narrative power and visual drama—is what sets his work apart, giving it a depth and intellectual rigor that transcends seasonal trends.
The Architects of Style: Defining the True "Influencers"
Bozhilov has strong, well-considered opinions on the modern meaning of influence. For him, it’s not a numbers game. "Editors and designers are the people who have a real influence," he asserts. "These days everyone talks about bloggers, but let's be honest here, are they really changing fashion?"
He points to creative directors like Alessandro Michele, Demna Gvasalia, and Hedi Slimane as the true "game changers" who dictate the aesthetic direction of the entire industry. While he acknowledges the commercial power of figures like the Kardashians, he provocatively questions the source of their style: "does Kim have the real influence or does Monica Rose, her stylist, call the shots?"
A Pantheon of Personal Icons
His personal list of fashion icons reflects his taste for women who are architects of their own image—bold, intellectual, and fiercely individual. He cites:
Carine Roitfeld for her unparalleled interpretation of fashion.
Iris Apfel for her masterful, joyful use of accessories.
The razor-sharp minimalism of Kate Lanphear and Emmanuelle Alt.
The daring eccentricity of Daphne Guinness and Diana Vreeland.
The strategic intelligence of editors Camilla Nickerson and Miroslava Duma.
For Bozhilov, these are the true influencers: women brave enough to play with fashion on their own terms, creating a legacy that lasts far longer than any viral post.
Vasil Bozhilov represents a new wave of fashion professional: globally mobile, digitally savvy, but driven by a deep, almost academic passion for the stories that clothes can tell. He is a stylist as historian, and his work is all the more powerful for it.
What are the upcoming trends in fashion in your opinion?
I think that fashion will go back tobasics. I believe people have grown tired of fast fashion and brands are realizing that and making changes. The best example is Alessandro Michele with Gucci. When fashion was about creativity and inspiration people used to buy clothes based on their emotions, and not on their needs.
I also believe that avantgarde in mass fashion will die, and people will stop looking on alternative fashion only as the only one option.
Women will start wearing skirts again and I love that.
How does style in the middle east differ to Europe and the rest of the world?
In the Middle East people are so connected to their culture, respect it and one's personal style is strongly connected to their roots. When it comes to trends the emphasis in the region for too much make up, heavy lashes and huge lips can sometimes be shocking. Arabic women are naturally beautiful so make up should be used only to enhance features. I also think when it comes to fashion as an industry there is a lot more room to grow and develop in the region. There are plenty of talented local designers, but many think they can just figure out the industry along the way and are not ready for the challenges when it comes to quality production and the actual business side, from choosing fabrics, sewing, to positioning and creating a brand. I do think changes are taking place and quickly so that's the good news.
Websites and Social Media handles you follow ?
On instagram I love when people tell stories through their visuals, examples are:
@hayamaraka, @ezrajwilliam, @bat_gio, etc.
Anything else you would like to share Vasil?
I love you Leila.
