LAUNE x Katherine Russak
Katherine Russak is a New York–based fashion creative known for her instinctive approach to style, love of clever, unexpected design, and ability to make everyday dressing feel intentional. Her content lives at the intersection of experimentation and aesthetics, capturing daily looks, evolving moods, and moments of inspiration wherever she goes.
Below, Katherine shares more on personal style as a form of evolution, finding originality within trends, New York as inspiration, and what she’s looking forward to next.
1. Tell me about yourself.
For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about fashion and experimenting with my outfits. I’m born and raised in Long Island, New York - and I studied Fashion Merchandising at LIM College. I pursued a career in design & product development. Working in corporate fashion made me the toughest version of myself while moving into Manhattan really allowed me to tap into my most creative self - I am always open to trying new things and experiences. After living in Milan for a short period of time, it opened up my eyes to how travel can grow your personal style, and I feel like I unlocked my most authentic self in the process. As of lately, I have leaned into content creation as an outlet for myself to share everything from my monthly fashion favorites, a daily lookbook, to my next travel adventure.
2. What is your LAUNE (mood)?
This depends on how much I like my outfit. Just kidding - but really my mood is always changing. I am always focused on how I can evolve myself, and I try to be as original as possible while still giving into trends within the modern fashion world. You can always count on me to be curating or capturing an aesthetic in any situation.
3. What inspires you?
The way you can re-invent past trends, and the use of “trompe l oeil” technique in fashion and art. I am obsessed with clever designs. Blending aesthetics, combining patterns that feel mismatched, and things that feel out of place really inspire me.
4. What are three staple items that every closet should have and why?
1 - A pair of jeans that fit you like a glove - even if that means getting a new pair annually.
2 - Black loafers. A tried and true. You can’t go wrong with loafers.
3 - A real fur or leather jacket/coat. It's controversial but this is the most authentic form of fashion in my opinion. Visiting leather suppliers and talking to experts in Italy opened my eyes up to this.
5. What drives your creative process and content?
Realizing that I am original just by existence - everything else follows. My content is a true reflection of who I am, even if sometimes it may be inspired by something else I see. Leaning into this has helped me discover that I don’t need to shift into every new trend, but rather make it my own. Everything adds to my originality rather than stripping it away.
6. What do you love about New York?
New York has it all. The greatest city in the world, beaches, mountains, farms, ect. I feel like I have a special superpower just by being born here. It’’s a wealth of culture and there is every opportunity right at your fingertips. Living in Manhattan will change your life.
7. Which New York neighborhood has the best style?
The Upper East Side - the way the people who live there curate outfits is unmatched. It’s always authentic and never performative. Even if it doesn't always match my personal style, I have to respect it. I have to give a shout out to Soho too - you can’t walk down any street without getting inspired by how someone else is styling a garment.
8. What are you looking forward to in 2026?
Taking every new opportunity that comes my way. Never being comfortable. Falling more in love, and being the healthiest version of myself. 2025 stretched me into the best version of myself yet.
9. What’s next for you?
Hopefully more content creation opportunities and travel. I want to go to Asia again, and I want to start learning a new skill.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Contemporary, exaggerated, and feminine sporty.
2. AM or PM skincare?
PM - nothing beats a face mask and my Rhode Barrier Butter combo before bed.
3. What’s one product you could not live without?
Aquaphor. I am literally addicted to it, I have a tube on me at all times.
4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Balenciaga. I love the silhouettes and designs. Pre and post Demna.
5. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Early mornings - make the most of the sunlight!!!
6. Favorite place?
Florence, Italy. It’s a magical city.
7. Favorite drinks spot in New York?
Django - amazing cocktails and even better music performances.
8. Favorite restaurant in New York?
Right now it’s a restaurant in Long Island - Urubamba Pisco Bar. The service and food were 10/10.
9. Dream collab?
Katherine Russak x whatever brand Jonathan Anderson is working for. Or maybe a hotel partnership.
10. Favorite brand?
Loewe is just unreal. Their pieces are to die for.
11. Favorite style icon?
Sierra Rena - she is the ultimate cool girl.
12. Favorite movie?
La La Land.
13. What are you loving right now?
Romanticizing mundane things like eating breakfast off of a silver platter or using $15 toothpaste because the packaging looks cool. Lighting a candle every morning when I wake up and one also right before I’m getting ready to get into bed. It makes life better in my opinion.
