Style Icon: Jana Pušková

Continuing our regular feature series Style Icon, we caught up local singer Jana to talk about her fashion inspirations.

Interview by giacinta frisillo and portrait by Alexander Hoyles

Jana Pushova originally hails from Czech Republic, but has been a Govanhill local for a decade. Music, which she says has helped Roma people like her to have happier lives, has been an important and emotional part of her life since she can remember. Jana says: “Music can cheer me up, but also make me cry”. She can be found performing her songs around Glasgow and always looking stylish. 

Hey Jana! How would you describe your style?

I’d call it ‘elegant’. I like to wear clothes that make me feel good. 

How do you decide what to wear when you perform?

It depends on where I’m performing. The most formal place I’ve ever performed was at a Scottish wedding in Glasgow so I dressed up for that. Usually, however, I try to dress normally. 

Do you ever wear traditional Romani dress?

Our traditional costumes for women are long skirts and headscarves in bright colours that are usually worn at Romani festivals. I’ll wear it if I’m asked, but it’s not my style. 

When did you begin singing professionally?

As a child, I liked music and my mom used to sing around the house. When I was 27 and still in Czech Republic, I started singing in concerts with a band and continued when I moved to Glasgow.

Are you in a band now?

I am in a band with my 16-year-old son, Tomáš. He’s very talented and plays keyboards and sings. 

Do you have a style icon?

I like Lara Fabian. She’s a Canadian-Belgian singer-songwriter, musician and actress. I think she is a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. 

You sing beautifully.  I wish I could understand your lyrics. Do you ever sing in English?

I don’t speak English well enough now, but I’d love to sing in English in the future!

This article first appeared in Issue 5 of the magazine, Issue 6 will be released next week.