IN CONVERSATION WITH KRISTINA ROMANOVA

interview by NIA TOPALOVA

Numéro Netherlands is thrilled to present KRISTINA ROMANOVA, gracing the cover of our 12th isuee Aurora. KRISTINA is a beauty and fashion enthusiast, the CEO of AMAN ESSENTIALS and, on top of everything else, a loving mother of two. At only 17 years old, she arrived in New York where her modelling career began. Within a few years, she was walking for designers like ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, YOHJI YAMAMOTO, DRIES VAN NOTEN, RALPH LAUREN, MARC JACOBS, JIL SANDER, DOLCE & GABBANA and many more.

Interview with Kristina Romanova available in our latest print issue Aurora.

skirt PROENZA SCHOULER
gloves VALENTINO

NIA TOPALOVA

As a mother, how do you manage balancing your family life with the responsibilities of running a successful business?

KRISTINA ROMANOVA

Balance is not about perfect symmetry but about being present in the moment. Whether with my family or leading Aman Essentials, I focus on intentionality — creating space for what truly matters. My family keeps me grounded, offering a perspective that enriches my leadership. At the same time, I am fortunate to have an extraordinary team. Trusting and empowering those around me allows me to lead with clarity and focus knowing that Aman Essentials is in the hands of people who care as deeply as I do.  

full look YSL

NT
What is the connection between Aman Essentials and the cultural richness and natural beauty of the regions where Aman hotels are located?

KR
Aman Essentials is an extension of the spirit of Aman — each piece is infused with the essence of the destinations that inspire us. Whether it’s the scent of lemongrass and coconut from Phuket, the purity of Aman Skincare drawn from nature’s wisdom, or the quiet luxury of our cashmere that’s made in Italy, every creation reflects the serenity and cultural depth of our sanctuaries.

NT
What was the vision behind developing Aman Essentials, and how does it tie into the overall direction of the Aman brand?

KR
Aman has always been more than a destination — it is a way of being. In 2018, Aman Essentials was born from the desire to allow our guests to carry that feeling of tranquillity and refinement with them, well after their stays. Today, it has evolved into a full lifestyle collection. Whether through skincare, fragrance or apparel, Aman Essentials distills the essence of our spaces into objects of lasting beauty and meaning.

bra TALENT’S OWN
pants and shoes LOEWE

jacket MCQUEEN
bracelet KIT VINTAGE

NT
How do you see the future of luxury and wellness products evolving, and what role do you envision Aman Essentials playing in this shift?

KR
Luxury is shifting towards a more holistic approach — one that nurtures both body and mind. Today’s consumers seek more than just products; they seek experiences that enhance their overall wellbeing. The future lies in offerings that blend purpose with emotion; craftsmanship with care. Aman Essentials embodies this evolution by creating pieces that support a sense of balance, tranquillity and holistic wellbeing — whether through skincare that restores, fragrances that transport or apparel that envelops you in comfort. Our role is to extend the Aman experience beyond our destinations, offering a way for people to carry that sense of serenity with them, wherever they are.

dress COURREGES
necklace ISABEL MARANT

NT
How do you maintain your vision and values while scaling in such a competitive market?

KR
The key is to grow with intention. Every step we take is anchored in Aman’s DNA: purity, timelessness and a commitment to the extraordinary. We do not play to traditional calendars or industry timelines; instead, we release products thoughtfully, ensuring that each piece serves a purpose and reflects the essence of Aman. We do not chase trends; we create experiences that endure. By staying true to our philosophy and focusing on meaningful creation rather than rapid expansion, we ensure that growth enhances our essence rather than diluting it

NT
You’ve walked for Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Yohji Yamamoto, Marc Jacobs and many more. How did your experience as a model help you in understanding what consumers are looking for in luxury goods, especially in fashion and wellness?

KR
Being immersed in the world of design at the highest level gave me an appreciation for detail. The opportunity to work with creative chameleons across the globe was something I will never take for granted. Knowing how a fabric moves, how a scent lingers, how a moment feels. Luxury is truly about sensation. That understanding has shaped Aman Essentials, where every product is crafted to evoke an experience rather than just an aesthetic.

left
turtleneck AMAN
sunglasses PHOEBE PHILO

right
coat MONOT Monot Coat
briefs TALENT’S OWN
pumps BY FAR
sunglasses PHOEBE PHILO

NT
Looking ahead can you share any insights into what’s next for Aman in terms of global expansion or new concept developments?

KR
As we continue to evolve, we remain devoted to crafting spaces and experiences that distill this essence into something tangible. This year, we open a new standalone Aman Essentials boutique at Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok, a serene extension of our world, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the artistry and refinement of Aman. In the United States, our presence grows with cherished partners like NEIMAN MARCUS, alongside an expanded footprint in BAL HARBOUR SHOPS, bringing our vision of quiet luxury to a wider audience.

full look YSL

TEAM CREDITS:

talent KRISTINA ROMANOVA
photography CHRIS COLLS
styling DENA GIANNINI
hair artist KEVIN RYAN
makeup artist AKIKO OWADA
photography assistant DANIIL Zaikin
styling assistant KELSEY ANNE DOUGLAS
location AMANGIRI
editor and casting TIMI LETONJA
interview NIA TOPALOVA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN