The world of retro cars, as well as motorsport in general, is most often associated with men, but in the last few years the situation has begun to change and women are increasingly appearing among the participants. AutoClassicNews spoke with graphic designer Yulia K «Bond Girl» about the love of retro cars, clothing collections for women and gender equality.
-How did your passion for retro cars begin?
— It was just curiosity. At that time, I was no longer interested in fashion and I was looking for something new for myself. I saw an advertisement for the upcoming Mille Miglia 2020, took the train and went to Brescia all alone without much expectation. It was the first «Mille Mille» after covid. There were very few people and I was struck by the number of participants and, in general, the scope of this event. It became even more interesting for me to immerse myself in this world and learn more about it, and that’s where my journey began.
-Without exaggeration, retro rally can be called a man’s occupation. Women involved in motorsport are still a rare phenomenon. What do you think could attract women to participate in competitions? Maybe, with your help, the organizers will be able to change the situation a little.
— There is a stereotype that this is a man’s occupation. And I think that in the classic car industry, gender is not important. First, it’s time for women to change their attitude to this industry, to be more progressive and open. They would be very welcome there. And secondly, it’s beautiful to see a cool, confident girl driving an old timer.
— Would you like to team up with other women and organize a race like the «Princess Rally» in Italy or Germany?
— My partner Yana Petrovskaya and I are planning to organize our own rally. At the moment, we are collecting information and analyzing the market in order to offer investors a ready-to-sell product. We have enough ambition, courage and experience to create something really cool, so the result will not be long in coming. If not us, then who?
-There are a lot of photos with retro cars in your social networks, have you a favorite make/model?—
-Since my “close contact” is mostly with the Mercedes 300sl, this car is already like a native for me. Nothing else made me feel that way. It’s really unique car.
—You started your career as a fashion designer, would you like to create a collection dedicated to motorsports, in which women could race?
-I have an idea to create something in the Bond Girls style. We are working on this in parallel with other projects.
-Please take your opinion about Bond Girl. How she looks like? What qualities does she have?
— Self-confident, knows exactly what she wants, ambitious, always knows how to deliver an accurate and precise blow, knows how to stand up for herself. At the same time, she does not lose her femininity, and does not participate in competition with men. I think she certainly has a taste and her own vision of the world, which fortunately is not clear to everyone.
-Do you remember the emotions you experienced when your work was published for the first time in the print press? Which publication do you consider the most significant at the moment in your career?
— I’ve had a lot of publications as a designer, and it’s never been something exciting. It’s just the result of my work and I’m grateful for it. But it just seems logical to me, if you do something well, they will want to tell about you. In Italy, my first contact with the press occurred with Tutto Porsche magazine, and after that, an article in Ruoteclassiche for which, after a while, I created an anniversary cover.
-You are a frequent guest of various events, including the elegance contest on the island of Como, in San Moritz, Mille Miglia. Which event would you single out in the calendar as the best in terms of level, organization, and composition of participants?
-Of course, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is my favorite event, it is always very nice to see all your friends and meet new acquaintances in such a beautiful place, in the most beautiful outfits surrounded by insanely expensive and unique cars. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Goodwood Revival and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance yet. But I hope to fix it next year.
Cover: Stefan Huber