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Author name: Jahwanna Berglund

Fashion Articles

Twenty Years of Instinct: The Woman Behind the World of Sézane

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Twenty Years of Instinct: The Woman Behind the World of Sézane A fashion brand often begins before it has a name. It takes shape in the things its founder notices, keeps and returns to; in the images collected, the objects given a second life and the instincts that gradually become a point of view. For Morgane Sézalory, that instinct first found expression through vintage pieces sold online under Les Composantes and later evolved into Sézane, a brand whose idea of Parisian style has travelled far beyond the streets of Paris. Two decades on, Sézalory is not simply looking back. A newly sharpened visual identity and more deliberate silhouettes mark a period of refinement, shaped by a clearer understanding of what should evolve and what must remain. At its centre is still the personal world that started it all: photography, art, vintage, enduring design and the freedom to follow her own path. In our conversation, Sézalory reflects on the independence that shaped her, the clarity that has come with time and why Sézane now feels closer than ever to the woman she is today. Jahwanna Berglund: Looking back, do you feel the world of Sézane began taking shape long before the brand itself? I would love to hear about the women, places and early memories that shaped your eye, and how they continue to influence the world you are creating today.  Morgane Sézalory: From a very early age, my parents taught me to trust my instincts. There was never one prescribed route to follow; we were encouraged to pursue whatever sparked our curiosity, creatively and intellectually. I actually chose to leave school and complete my final years as an independent candidate. Even then, I think I was already seeking greater independence.  I think that freedom developed my curiosity. I learned to look closely, to notice the character of an object or the detail that makes something feel singular. Long before Sézane existed, that way of seeing the world was already there.  JB: Your story began with Les Composantes and a love of finding vintage pieces with a past. What do you think you were really searching for back then?  MS: I was searching for freedom. I realised at a young age that I wanted to work for myself and create my own path. Selling my vintage finds online gave me that independence, although I had no idea where it might lead.  I was also drawn to beautiful things made to last. Each vintage piece had a character and a history that deserved to be preserved. I loved finding these objects, recognising what made them special and giving them a new life. Looking back, that appreciation for enduring design was already at the heart of what Sézane would become.  JB: You have said that your perspective has sharpened and your desires have become clearer with time. How has the woman you are today changed the brand you want Sézane to become? MS: When I first started out 20 years ago, I had no plan. Sézane grew through instinct, encounters and the joy of creating, with an urgency that meant I rarely stopped to consider where it was all heading. I loved that intensity and became used to that pace.  Approaching forty gave me a little more perspective. I began to look at Sézane with some distance and recognise how much I had evolved since I was twenty-one. Today, I have a clearer sense of where I want to place our energy, what feels essential and what we can let go of. I want to create with greater intention, while continuing to place enduring design, quality and human connection at the heart of Sézane.  This new chapter has been taking shape for almost eighteen months. After twenty years of learning, I finally feel ready to bring my vision fully to life and make Sézane even closer to who I am today and what I believe.  JB: This new chapter feels more intentional, with stronger silhouettes and a more defined visual identity. Was there a particular moment when you realised Sézane was ready to evolve?  MS: That evolution really began with a period of reflection around two years ago. With a little distance, I could see more clearly what we wanted to refine and what felt essential to preserve. We began questioning some of our habits, editing more carefully and becoming more deliberate in our choices.  JB: Art, photography, books and vintage all seem to inhabit the same world for you. What is inspiring you at the moment, and how do those personal discoveries find their way into the world of Sézane? MS: I find inspiration everywhere, often when I am not consciously looking for it. Photography has always been especially important to me, and James Barnor’s work has become a real touchstone for this chapter. I am also inspired by artists such as William Klein, Vivian Maier and Harry Gruyaert, who each capture life with such curiosity and humanity.  There is such warmth in Barnor’s photographs. In his images, clothing speaks. A dress, a uniform or a kente cloth can tell us something about an era, a way of life and how someone chooses to present themselves to the world. That relationship between clothing and everyday life feels very close to Sézane.  JB: If you could sit down with the woman you were when this all began, what would you want to tell her?  MS: I would tell her to keep trusting her instincts, protect her independence, and forge her own path. I would tell her that the years ahead would teach her when to run, when to pause and, eventually, how to see more clearly what matters most. But I wouldn’t give her all the answers. So much of the story came from not knowing what would happen next.

Opiates

Leica Brings a New Object of Desire Into Focus – The Summicron-M 66 f/2

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Leica Brings a New Object of Desire Into Focus With the Summicron-M 66 f/2 Born from a secret US Navy commission in the late 1960s, the new Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 reinterprets the exceptionally rare Elcan 66 mm f/2 – combining a remarkable military history with outstanding optical performance. Dr Walter Mandler developed the Elcan 66 mm f/2 at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s. Designed for use by the US Navy, only around 200 units were produced. This makes the lens one of the rarest in the Leica M-System, giving it special optical and historical significance. To honour this lens, Leica Camera AG is presenting a reinterpretation of it by expanding its Classic Line with the new Summicron-M 66 f/2. While the optical design is based on the original, it has been optimised and adapted to meet today’s standards. With a maximum lens speed of f/2, the Summicron-M 66 f/2 produces images with distinctive rendering, characterised by the interplay of soft bokeh and high contrast. When stopped down, its original purpose becomes apparent: maximum resolution for clearly reproducing the finest details. The Summicron-M 66 f/2 range is being released in a limited edition of 660 units. The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 will be available worldwide from 3 September 2026 in Leica Stores, on the Leica Online Store and from authorised dealers. 

Opiates

Byredo Turns Eight Cities into Scented Memories

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Byredo Turns Eight Cities into Scented Memories Eight cities, eight candles to keep your favourite place close. Byredo’s new City Stories collectionexplores the connection between scent and place, including a limited edition dedicated to its hometown of Stockholm. For as long as I can remember, scent has been tied to memory. I remember my grandmother’s hairspray mingling with her perfume, both drifting through the house in the warm air from her hairdryer. Whenever I smell the first perfume I bought for myself, memories come rushing back. Small things, perhaps, but remarkably easy to revisit through a familiar scent. This is also why I like to choose a different fragrance for each of my trips. It becomes tied to the destination, and wearing it again later brings everything a little closer. There is something almost startling about how quickly it all returns, even when years have passed. It is this connection between fragrance and place that lies at the heart of Byredo’s City Stories collection. Each candle interprets the character of a city, drawing on its atmosphere, textures and everyday rhythms. The concept leaves room for personal associations: what we remember about a city is often shaped by the time we spent there. The Stockholm composition opens with cardamom, lavandin, nutmeg and cinnamon. At its heart are cedarwood, plum, sandalwood and violet, resting on a base of moss, patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla and birch. The result is what Byredo describes as a balance of warmth and clarity, where spices, fruit and woods meet. I like the thought of choosing a fragrance for a place you already know well. This time, the place is home. The limited edition Stockholm Stories candle is available exclusively at Byredo’s Stockholm flagship and online. Discover the full collection at byredo.com.

Opiates

The Sunflower According to Etnodim

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The Sunflower According to Etnodim Having explored the intimacy of home in Summer Within Us, Etnodim now turns its attention to the Ukrainian landscape. The Kyiv label’s new collection, Sontsetsvit, begins with the sunflower, finding inspiration in the small details of a familiar bloom. For those who followed our earlier feature, there is a connection in this attention to everyday surroundings. Here, the flower’s densely packed centre, ripe seeds and natural spirals become embroidery motifs across women’s and men’s shirts, dresses and vests. We’re drawn to the restraint of the palette, which gives these intricate patterns space. The collection is predominantly monochrome, with a single colourful scarf introducing a brighter note. A textile napkin brings the same botanical details into the home, a small thread connecting the two collections. The sunflower also carries particular significance in Ukraine today. Etnodim names its associations with memory and resilience as a starting point for Sontsetsvit, giving the collection’s delicate patterns a meaning that extends well beyond their appearance. www.etnodim.com

Fashion Articles, Uncategorized

Twenty-Five Years of Sofie Schnoor, Celebrated with Veneda Carter

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Twenty-Five Years of Sofie Schnoor, Celebrated with Veneda Carter In Copenhagen, Sofie Schnoor marked a quarter of a century with The Icon Collection: 25 pieces shaped by the contrasts that have defined the Danish brand from the beginning, with stylist and creative Veneda Carter as the face of its anniversary campaign. Anniversaries naturally invite us to look back. The most compelling ones, however, make the past feel newly alive. In Copenhagen, Sofie Schnoor’s 25th anniversary did exactly that, bringing fresh energy and new eyes to the signatures that have shaped the brand since its beginning. I was lucky enough to celebrate with the team in the city where the story began. There was no nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, the evening felt like a celebration of an identity that has grown in confidence while remaining unmistakably its own. Created for the anniversary, The Icon Collection is a capsule of 25 exclusive styles, one for each year of the brand. Bringing it to life is Danish-born stylist and creative Veneda Carter, famously described by Kim Kardashian as “the coolest person she knows”. It is difficult to imagine a more fitting face for the collection. Veneda has the rare ability to make almost anything she wears feel entirely her own, always with a little extra spice. Her style is instinctive and unapologetic, moving easily between strength and sensuality, streetwear and refinement. In the campaign, she embodies the contrasts that have always existed within the Sofie Schnoor universe: rawness and femininity, softness and attitude, Nordic restraint and a distinctly French sense of ease. “I had the greatest time with the Sofie Schnoor team and am so grateful to be a part of this campaign,” Veneda says. “It is always so special to work in my hometown.” Her connection to Copenhagen lends the collaboration an added intimacy. Despite Veneda’s international career and influence, there is something special about seeing her return to the city through the lens of a Danish brand celebrating its own journey into the world. The collection draws on the music and subcultures of the late 1980s and early 1990s, translating their energy into a contemporary wardrobe. Sharp tailoring is softened by fluid silhouettes, while silk, leather and cashmere give the pieces a tactile richness. The rock ’n’ roll references are present but never feel like costumes. Instead, they emerge through the confidence of a cut, the tension between materials and, ultimately, the attitude with which each piece is worn. “The Icon Collection brings together the references that have shaped my work from the beginning,” says founder and Creative Director Sofie Schnoor. “I wanted to bring all of that into one collection. It feels very personal to me, because every piece connects back to something that has been part of the Sofie Schnoor universe over the past 25 years.” That personal foundation has been present since 2001, when Sofie founded the brand at the age of 26 from a small apartment in Copenhagen. What began as an independent idea has grown into an international fashion and lifestyle company stocked in more than 800 stores worldwide. Around 70 per cent of its business now comes from international markets, yet the company remains entirely family-owned and has continued to grow organically. In an industry so often driven by speed, building something over 25 years without losing the personality that first made people take notice is no small achievement. The anniversary collection reflects that longevity, not only in its references to the past but in its emphasis on lasting wear: these are pieces designed to be worn, lived in and kept. The Icon Collection is available exclusively in SOFIE SCHNOOR stores across Denmark and online from 27 August 2026.

News

Zalando Steps Inside Lily Collins’ Mind

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Zalando Steps Inside Lily Collins’ Mind Bella Freud and Nicky Campbell become her inner style council in a new campaign directed by Melina Matsoukas. Getting dressed can involve quite a conversation before anyone else enters the room. Too much? Too predictable? Does this actually feel like me? For its Autumn/Winter 2026 campaign, Inner Voices, Zalando gives that familiar internal debate a cast of its own. Lily Collins stars alongside designer Bella Freud and fashion commentator Nicky Campbell, who occupy a control room inside her mind as she decides what to wear. Freud supplies calm reassurance, while Campbell brings the sharp, deadpan observations. Together, they turn a private moment of wardrobe indecision into a small comedy. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the film marks Zalando’s first campaign to use long-form video, allowing the exchange between Collins and her imaginary advisers to become the story itself. The premise gets at an amusing contradiction in personal style: knowing what you like does not necessarily make getting dressed straightforward. There is the occasion, the impression you want to make and the outfit you suddenly doubt five minutes before leaving. Having Bella Freud in your corner might help. Image Courtesy of Zalando

Cinema

Chanel and Its Enduring Legacy in Cinema

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Chanel and Its Enduring Legacy in Cinema For decades, Chanel has shared a distinctive and enduring relationship with the world of cinema. This connection extends well beyond fashion, reflecting a sustained devotion to creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression that has shaped both the screen and the cultural imagination. The bond began with Gabrielle Chanel, who recognized early the power of film as a modern art capable of moving audiences across borders. In the early 1930s she collaborated with Hollywood productions and dressed some of the era’s most celebrated actresses, bringing a new language of elegance to the silver screen. Her pared‑back silhouettes, clean lines, and instinct for movement translated beautifully to film, establishing a lasting dialogue between fashion and cinema that continues to influence both industries. Across the decades, Chanel has supported filmmakers, actors, and cultural institutions dedicated to preserving and advancing cinematic art. The House has partnered with renowned directors and iconic performers, contributing to costume design, supporting production, and promoting works that have expanded the horizons of film. This sustained commitment rests on a belief that cinema is not only entertainment but a vital space for artistic freedom, experimentation, and cultural exchange. A recent expression of this dedication is Chanel’s partnership with Le Saint Germain des Prés cinema in Paris. By supporting the renovation and reopening of this historic venue, Chanel helps safeguard an essential cultural landmark while welcoming contemporary filmmaking and widening access to diverse cinematic experiences. The program will include screenings, retrospectives, premieres, and conversations with film personalities, creating a setting where curiosity, dialogue, and creative risk can flourish. The reopening celebration gathered House ambassadors and close friends of Chanel from across the film world, underscoring the brand’s close relationship with contemporary cinema. A preview screening of Roma Elastica, directed by Bertrand Mandico with support from Chanel, featured House ambassador Marion Cotillard in a leading role. After the screening, Cotillard joined Mandico for a conversation moderated by filmmaker, screenwriter, and poet Ramata‑Toulaye Sy, turning the evening into a lively exchange of ideas. The event encapsulated Chanel’s ongoing commitment to empowering filmmakers, elevating actors, and nurturing creative voices, while cultivating meaningful cultural dialogue within the cinematic community. Today, Chanel continues to champion cinema through collaborations with acclaimed filmmakers and performers, support for festivals and cultural institutions, and initiatives that preserve film heritage. Its longstanding involvement mirrors values that have remained remarkably consistent throughout its history: creativity anchored in craft, openness to innovation, and deep respect for artistic vision. The relationship between Chanel and cinema demonstrates how fashion and film can illuminate one another. By nurturing emerging talent alongside established artists, Chanel continues to shape the cultural landscape, ensuring that the magic of cinema remains vibrant, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come.

News

Monogram Launches Social Platform to Modernize Art Collecting and Peer-to-Peer Sales

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Monogram Launches Social Platform to Modernize Art Collecting and Peer-to-Peer Sales Swedish startup Monogram has launched a new digital platform aimed at bringing art collecting into a more connected and data-driven era. Founded by entrepreneurs Karolina Bertorp and Jonas Kleerup, the Stockholm-based company is introducing a centralized service where collectors can manage, analyze, and share their collections while preparing for a peer-to-peer marketplace set to launch later this year. Currently available in open beta through September 1, Monogram combines collection management tools with social networking features, allowing users to store artwork images, certificates, valuations, invoices, and market data in a single digital environment. The platform addresses a longstanding challenge for collectors: fragmented documentation spread across emails, photo libraries, paper records, and cloud storage services. “Collectors were digging through emails, phone albums, and binders just to find details about the works they own,” said co-founder Karolina Bertorp. “Monogram brings those assets into one interface while letting users selectively share pieces with family, advisors, and other collectors.” Beyond organization, Monogram is positioning itself at the center of a broader shift in how art changes hands. While many high-value transactions continue to rely on galleries, dealers, and auction houses, the company is developing a marketplace designed to facilitate direct sales between collectors. The planned service aims to offer greater privacy and lower transaction costs than traditional channels. According to a survey conducted by Monogram, a majority of collectors indicated they would consider selling portions of their collections if the process were simpler, more discreet, and more cost-effective. “We’ve seen other industries rewire through platforms where users meet directly,” said co-founder Jonas Kleerup. “In art, that change has been slower until now.” The company is also emphasizing the social aspects of collecting. Users can browse collections shared by other members, showcase recent acquisitions, and explore visualization tools designed to help collectors understand how artworks might appear in different settings, including wall color and scale simulations. Monogram has attracted early backing from investors and collectors Ricard Constantinou, known for his involvement with Panini and K-märkt, and Viktor Sandberg of Svalner Atlas. The funding will support ongoing product development and security enhancements. “This is the first time a digital service really mirrors how collectors think,” said Constantinou. “It provides better portfolio oversight, value tracking, and easier information-sharing with networks and insurers.” Founded in 2025, Monogram is available as a web application as well as on iOS and Android devices. The company is currently operating in open beta as it refines its core collection management tools ahead of a broader rollout. Monogram will offer subscription-based memberships, with additional revenue expected from transaction fees once its peer-to-peer marketplace launches later in 2026. The dual-model approach reflects its ambition to serve both as an ongoing utility for collectors and as an infrastructure layer for future art transactions.

Opiates

Meet Gooseberry & Almond, Oatly’s New Signature  Cocktail with Tjoget

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Meet Gooseberry & Almond, Oatly’s New Signature Cocktail with Tjoget Oatly and renowned Stockholm bar Tjoget have unveiled Gooseberry & Almond, a new signature cocktail created to celebrate the launch of The Oatly Look Book Vol. 3. Developed by Tjoget’s award winning bar team, the drink highlights key flavor trends featured in this year’s publication. Described as a dessert inspired cocktail, Gooseberry & Almond layers white cocoa notes with Oatly iKaffe Vanilla Flavour and a refreshing gooseberry cordial. The recipe brings together light rum, Adriatico Bianco, Galliano Vanilla, lime juice, and cocoa butter infused rum to balance rich sweetness with bright acidity. The cocktail debuted at Oatly’s launch event at Tjoget in Stockholm and will remain on the bar’s menu throughout June. The collaboration reflects a growing movement in the beverage world, where cafe inspired flavors and advanced cocktail techniques continue to converge. The Oatly Look Book Vol. 3 features 18 curated drink recipes inspired by emerging global flavor movements and insights from cafes and bars across more than 60 markets. Recipe: Gooseberry & AlmondIngredients20 ml light rum20 ml Adriatico Bianco10 ml Galliano Vanilla40 ml Oatly iKaffe Vanilla Flavour10 ml fresh lime juice30 ml gooseberry cordial10 ml cocoa butter-infused rum MethodAdd all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.Shake vigorously until frothy and well chilled.Strain into a highball glass.Garnish with freshly grated lime zest. The result is a rich yet refreshing cocktail that combines creamy vanilla and white cocoa notes with the bright, tart character of gooseberries.

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