THE TURNER SERIES Meet Yasmin Suteja
Introducing local creative Yasmin.
Yasmin Suteja is a photographer, director and multi-disciplinary content creator.
Yasmin completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, majoring in Media Arts and Production at The University of Technology, Sydney.
For almost 10 years, Yasmin has been pushing the boundaries of brand direction and self expression with her Sydney-based creative production company, talent agency and photography studio CULTURE MACHINE.
Through CULTURE MACHINE, Yasmin brings together like minded creatives in an inclusive & diverse space, specialising in fashion photography, film + branding, and art direction for both talent and brands.
Her forward thinking and multifaceted approach to running a business has resulted in a strong reputation for CULTURE MACHINE as a production company that’s on the pulse, with a reputation for delivering content, brand strategy & talent that transcends the industry standard.
How do you express yourself through your style? I express myself by wearing outfits that make me feel like the main character haha. I like wearing clothes that make me feel powerful, but also comfortable and ready to take on whatever the day has in store.
How has your style changed over the years?
I think I’ve become more aware of trends over the years. Instagram and Tik Tok make sure that when a trend drops it’s absolutely saturated in our feeds. Basically, whatever Bella Hadid is wearing, haha. I think I’m also taking more time to research and invest in quality rather than quantity.
How do you balance playful pieces with classic investments?
I generally try to invest in statement pieces and then work around them. I look at my wardrobe kind of like a great savings account that’s going to accrue interest over time. I balance those statement investments with playful pieces to dress up or down.
Colour and print can be intimidating—how did you start being more experimental?
I think I got caught up in all the “fashion do's and don’ts” which made colour intimidating. Remember when people would say it was a fashion “faux pas” to mix red and pink? I do it all the time now! Once I let go of these rigid “rules” from clickbait articles, I started just experimenting with what works for me. Rather than having it prescribed to me (and the rest of the Internet). Also, sometimes it helps to start with a base item like a pair fo black suit pants and then add a pop of colour either in a t-shirt or a pair of sneakers. If you’re intimidated by colour then build it up. Use it to accent a look you’re already comfortable with.
What do you choose to invest in?
Australian designers. I have a lot of ELLERY, Dion Lee and Christopher Esber in my wardrobe. I also love buying from small businesses and young designers. I also buy vintage and pre-loved.
How does sustainability play a role in your daily routines? I think that anyone that works in fashion has encountered the cognitive dissonance between fashion and sustainability. I think my main priority is to buy clothes that last. The goal for me is to have a capsule wardrobe of a few staple items that I love and will wear for a long time. Clothes that won’t go “out of style”. I try to buy for longevity rather than what’s trending “now”.
What is your favourite part about shopping for preloved pieces? Well generally they’re unique pieces. Which is super exciting. It feels like you’re wearing something really special. There’s a certain nostalgia attached to preloved pieces which I love, they’re a nod to the past and there’s something really wholesome about that.
I feel most inspired when… I’m listening to music. I think I listen to music 70% of my day. Either through my AirPods, my car speakers or my Bluetooth speaker at my studio. Music is where everything starts for me. I can’t help but conjure up images and stories in my mind when I’m listening to music.
