A Quick Q& A with Jacques Burga

Jacques Burga is a dashing young Peruvian born photographer who is generating buzz for his work both behind the lens and on the internet. Besides partnering  with top tier publications like Vogue (US, Germany, Brazil, Mexico)  Love Magazine and L’Officiel Italia, Burga is the editor-in-chief of two websites, Paris Social Diary and Lima Social Diary. Both sites focused on the world of the happy few and celebrate the best that the luxury market has to offer in terms of fashion, culture, art and lifestyle.

Here Burga talks about his obsession with Chanel, his continued fascination with his homeland and his constant need for self improvement.

A recent photo shot by Burga and posted to his Instagram feed.

How did you first get interested in fashion?
At this point I think I can say I was born with this passion. So the interest began as earlier as it could get!

What made you finally decide to launch out on your own and create your brand and blog?
I have a constant need to create images, ideas and projects. Always. Today I’m a fashion and personality photographer and have worked for VOGUE USA, VOGUE Germany, VOGUE Latin America and L’officiel.

Digital cover starring Lauren Santo Domingo. Photograph: Jacques Burga

I created a digital magazine called “Paris Social Diary” based in France and “Lima Social Diary & Latin America” based in Peru. It actually helps me to show my work as a photographer and also to communicate the current issues in these cities regarding Fashion, Art, Culture, Beauty, Travel and Lifestyle. I like the fact that we do not talk just about one topic but plenty.

We also have a plan to open “Social Diary” in other countries.

What was your big break?

When I was collaborating inside the VOGUE Hommes Paris team, I realize how much I loved strong iconic images and to create them. It just makes you an artist.

Who inspires you?
Definitely Gabrielle Chanel. I’m obsessed with her drive, talent, style and specially her passion. Passion is the starting point and the key to keep going.

Portrait of Coco Chanel by Boris Lipnitzki

Who living or dead would you love to be able to have dinner with?
Karl Lagerfeld and Gabrielle Chanel.

What is your favorite trip?
Peru, my originally home, has endless and unique experiences (trips) to discover over and over again, from the highlands to the jungle, to Lima.

When are you happiest?
When I’m working doing photos. When it’s Paris Fashion Week shows. And when I’m with my family.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?
Becoming the best version of myself.

What is your secret talent?
I think I can sing!

What is your motto or the best piece of advice you ever got?

The most courageous act is to still think for yourself. Aloud

Jacques Burga

What emoji do you use the most?

The camera and the sparkles!

What is the latest Instagram feed you decided to follow?
Two nice girls from Dominican Republic I met on my latest trip to Machu Picchu, Cusco, @HIANDRAMARTINEZ and @LINEISYMONTERO. They taught me a lot about their beaches ! I’m amazed!

Jessica Michault

Jessica Michault is the Senior Vice President of industry relations at GPS Radar by Launchmetrics. She is also the editor-at-large for ODDA magazine and contributes to publications like the New York Times, the Business of Fashion, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Mixte magazine.