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Author name: Ulrika Lindqvist

Fashion Articles

From Dalarna’s Lakes to Timeless Swimwear: Paula on 30 Years of PAULA Beachwear

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From Dalarna’s Lakes to Timeless Swimwear: Paula Malm on 30 Years of PAULA Beachwear What began as a personal pursuit of the perfect swimsuit has evolved into a cult Swedish beachwear label defined by precision, restraint, and longevity. As PAULA Beachwear marks its 30-year anniversary, founder Paula Malm looks back on her early inspirations, her creative process, and the philosophy of timelessness that continues to shape the brand. Ulrika Lindqvist: Looking back, what inspired you to start PAULA Beachwear in the first place? Paula Malm: I have always loved the ocean and water, spending my childhood and teenage summers by a small lake in Dalarna, but also in the west coast archipelago of Sweden. The feeling and memories of salty shoulders after long days of swimming and crab fishing are my eternal sources of inspiration. I swam many miles in the pool on the island of Marstrand in a super simple striped swimsuit that I wore for several summers – an inspiration for the classic swimwear I still create today. UL: Could you tell us a bit about your background? What did you study and work with before founding PAULA Beachwear? PM: I studied tailoring and pattern making in Sweden, and design and drawing at Parson in New York City. I worked for a short time at Björn Borg, parallel to design projects in Kenya and Zimbabwe, before starting my own brand. During my studies, I also worked in a very chic lingerie boutique, which later became a great asset in understanding fit and quality. UL: How would you describe your creative process? PM: I am always inspired by three things – a material, colours, and a lack of garments that I want for myself. I only design pieces that I would wear myself, no matter what. I usually visit fabric fairs, and when I feel a new material, I can already envision the garment it will become. UL: How have your designs developed over these 30 years? What discoveries have you made? PM: My designs are constantly being refined for a better fit and improved materials, even though the styles remain basic and timeless. I believe in classic cuts in high quality that will live long in your beach wardrobe. A PAULA swimsuit today is even better than it was 30 years ago – I think it fits more body types, and there is always a wide range of colours to choose from. I have learned that fashion colours sell later in swimwear, and how important it is to stay true to my original vision rather than designing for everybody or every occasion. UL: What pieces would you describe as the core classics of the brand? PM: Our signature piece, Swordfish, is truly a core classic – totally timeless and equally beautiful as both a top and a swimsuit. I have met clients who own it in seven or eight colours. Poppy is another clean, classic suit, and for bikinis, our bra Mermaid is also becoming a timeless favourite. UL: Do you have a favourite sea, lake or beach in the world? PM: Oh yes – the small lake in Dalarna, Sweden, where I learned to swim; the ocean around the island of Marstrand on the Swedish west coast; and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, south of Boston, USA. UL: Is there a particular moment in your career that stands out as especially memorable? PM: Recently, Swedish Television presented a new version of the Astrid Lindgren series Vi på Saltkråkan, where my childhood idol is wearing a PAULA beachwear swimsuit. I watched it with my children and got goosebumps. UL: What are you most looking forward to in the coming year? PM: There is so much fun ahead! Our new collection is larger than ever, and the photos shot in Sicily truly capture the spirit of the season. It is such a joy to see the garments in their right element, and we had the best team ever for this project.   All images courtesy of PAULA Beachwear

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Eton X Valentines

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Eton X Valentines In time for Valentine’s Day, Eton reintroduces a perennial favourite: the white collar shirt. Returning for Spring/Summer 2026, the beloved silhouette arrives in refined blue and pink stripes, a subtle nod to romance through a distinctly sartorial lens. Clean, crisp and deliberately composed, the design is crafted from wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton Signature Twill and finished with a sharp white contrast collar. A modern classic that balances softness with structure, it’s a piece designed to move effortlessly from occasionwear to everyday tailoring. The collection is available at EtonShirts.com, in Eton stores and through selected retailers. The perfect gift for someone you love, or for yourself.  Image Courtesy of Eton

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Tretorn Unveils Premium SS26 Collection, Reimagining Weatherproof Classics

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Tretorn Unveils Premium SS26 Collection, Reimagining Weatherproof Classics Tretorn presents its premium Spring Summer 2026 collection, redefining the brand’s iconic weatherproof staples through a contemporary design lens. Founded in 1891 and renowned for its functional outerwear and footwear, the Swedish brand continues to build on its AW25 premium line, strengthening its relevance for modern city life where craftsmanship, innovation, and protection meet elevated design. For SS26, Tretorn refines its functional DNA through updated silhouettes, thoughtful material choices, and considered detailing. The collection introduces versatile outerwear and footwear designed to adapt seamlessly to changing weather, offering pieces that are as practical on rainy days as they are effortless when the sun appears. Both the women’s and men’s collections reinterpret Tretorn’s classic rain jackets with a minimalist and sophisticated approach. In the women’s line, the new Raven Coat and Cove Jacket offer a more feminine and urban silhouette, while the men’s collection introduces the Gain Coat and Bound Parka, designed to integrate naturally into city environments. Crafted from recycled Oxford fabric with a matte PU finish and fully welded seams, the jackets combine technical performance with refined aesthetics. Expanding beyond traditional rainwear, the SS26 collection introduces a range of adaptable shell garments designed for layering. The women’s Lone Wrap Coat and the men’s Ash Coat are engineered for high technical performance and can be worn alone or paired with insulating layers. Complementary pieces such as the Loop Liner for women and the Core Hood Jacket for men allow for flexible styling across seasons, offering comfort and functionality from early spring through late autumn. Footwear also plays a key role in the collection, with the launch of the Ari Clog, a modern reinterpretation of the classic wooden clog crafted in FSC-certified natural rubber. Designed for both garden and city wear, it embodies Tretorn’s balance of tradition and innovation. Rendered in timeless neutral tones of black, navy, and beige, the SS26 collection presents a modern wardrobe rooted in quality, versatility, and understated elegance. Sustainability remains central to the brand’s philosophy, with responsible design and material choices shaping every piece. Tretorn’s Spring Summer 2026 collection launches on February 11 at tretorn.com and selected retailers worldwide. Images Courtesy of Tretorn

Design, News

LAYERED Unveils the Lozza Rug Collection Designed by Erik Bratsberg

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LAYERED Unveils the Lozza Rug Collection Designed by Erik Bratsberg LAYERED presents the Lozza rug collection, a hand tufted series designed in collaboration with artist and designer Erik Bratsberg. What began as a practical solution to wine stains in a restaurant project evolved into a broader exploration of form, colour, and function, resulting in a collection defined by sculptural expression and thoughtful design. Crafted in wool and shaped by soft, organic silhouettes, Lozza draws inspiration from Bratsberg’s sculptural wall works, where overlapping forms create a sense of harmony and movement. The rugs move beyond the traditional rectangular format, offering irregular shapes that bring flexibility, flow, and a subtle dynamism to interior spaces. Each rug is composed of three tonal fields, carefully balanced to create depth and contrast. A lighter outer edge lifts the room, while deeper tones toward the centre add visual weight, enhanced by subtle variations in pile height and tactile detailing. Available in two versatile colourways, the collection is designed to complement both warm and cool interiors, harmonising effortlessly with diverse materials and furnishings. The name Lozza stems from the Italian word tavolozza, meaning artist’s palette, reflecting the layered composition and Bratsberg’s enduring fascination with the interplay of colour, form, and materiality. Through this collaboration, LAYERED continues its mission to merge art, culture, and design, creating objects that transcend function to become expressive centrepieces. The Lozza collection launches today on layeredinterior.com. Image Courtesy LAYERED

Fashion Articles

A Journey in Time: Stephane Waser on 50 Years of Maurice Lacroix

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A Journey in Time: Stephane Waser on 50 Years of Maurice Lacroix Marking half a century of Swiss watchmaking, Maurice Lacroix looks ahead rather than back. In an exclusive interview, Stephane Waser speaks about the brand’s defining moments, its core values, and how iconic collections like AIKON continue to redefine accessible luxury for a new generation of watch lovers. Ulrika Lindqvist: How have your designs developed over these 50 years? What discoveries have you made? Stephane Waser: Since our foundation in 1975 in Saignelégier, design has evolved alongside the identity of Maurice Lacroix. The launch of the Masterpiece line was a key moment, allowing us to enter haute horlogerie and explore bold complications like the Square Wheel and Mysterious Seconds. These watches pushed our creative and technical limits, and that know-how still shapes our designs today. Another major shift came in 2016 with the launch of AIKON, a modern reinterpretation of Calypso. It marked a new direction, speaking to a younger, urban audience with strong design and clear value, making Swiss quality more accessible. With the 1975 Collection, 1975 Legacy, and AIKONIC, we celebrated our 50 th Anniversary by honoring our heritage while reinterpreting it for modern watch lovers. That balance between roots and relevance defines Maurice Lacroix. UL: What are the characteristics of Maurice Lacroix? SW: Maurice Lacroix is defined by a clear mission: Swiss craftsmanship, iconic design, and accessible excellence. We stand for accessible luxury, combining strong aesthetics, functionality, and our Swiss heritage in every timepiece. What has evolved is how we express these values. In the early years, the brand explored a wide range of references and even ventured into high-end, complex watchmaking. Over the past decade, we’ve refined our approach, focusing on a clearer identity built around strong, coherent collections — with AIKON as a key example — and placing greater emphasis on understanding and engaging with our customers. UL: What defines a good timepiece for you?  SW: For me, a good timepiece brings together Swiss craftsmanship, iconic design, and real functionality, all delivered with a sense of accessible excellence. It has to be authentic — rooted in genuine watchmaking know-how, particularly our heritage in the Jura, where strong finishing, quality, and design are part of being a true manufacture. A good watch should also feel inclusive rather than exclusive. It needs to look and feel premium, use quality materials, and offer lasting value, while remaining within reach. Today’s customers, whether seasoned collectors or first-time buyers, are looking for thatbalance: a watch with a clear identity, strong design — like AIKON — and the reassurance of Swiss expertise at a fair price. UL: Do you have a favorite piece from your collection? What makes it special to you? SW: My favorite piece is the AIKONIC Master Triple Retrograde. What makes it special is how completely it expresses the Maurice Lacroix mindset. Throughout our history, we’ve always looked for inventive ways to indicate time, using curves, lines, colors, and materials to createbold and expressive watchmaking. Retrograde displays are a perfect example of this spirit. It has been over 25 years since we introduced our first retrograde model, the Calendar Retrograde, featuring a proprietary mechanism — and since then, this rare complication hasbecome a true signature of the brand. The AIKONIC Master Triple Retrograde brings all of that together in one watch. It combines three retrograde indications — day, date, and power reserve — with skeletonized elements, creating a display that is both technical and highly visual. Clearly inspired by our pastcreations, it distills the AIKON design codes, our manufacture movement expertise, and our mastery of materials into one singular form. For me, it feels like a future icon. It shows our ability to make high watchmaking complications relevant for today, delivering an ultra-desirable, urban timepiece while offering a clear glimpse into the future direction of Maurice Lacroix. UL: What would you say are the three core values that define Maurice Lacroix? SW: Maurice Lacroix is defined by three core values: accessibility with high perceived value, offering Swiss luxury watchmaking at fair prices; quality and craftsmanship, rooted in strong Swiss traditions and in-house expertise; and innovation driven by the journey, where creativity, technical progress, and bold ideas shape the brand’s continuous evolution. UL: How would you describe the typical Maurice Lacroix customer?  SW: The typical Maurice Lacroix customer values authenticity above all, drawn by our genuine Swiss craftsmanship and deep roots in the Jura. They appreciate watches with strong finishing, thoughtful design, and true quality. At the same time, they seek accessibility—they want premium-looking, well-made timepieces that offer real Swiss expertise without being out of reach. Whether collectors or first-time buyers, they value the balance of exceptional design and fair pricing. Most importantly, they expect a brand that listens, understands, and anticipates their needs, creating a genuine connection beyond just the watch itself. UL: If you could design for anyone, who would be your dream client? SW: If I could design for anyone, my dream client would be someone who embodies self-made success—not relying on inherited wealth, but earning everything through hard work and determination. They’d have an adventurous spirit and a strong sense of urban cool, with an appreciation for genuine craftsmanship without any pretension. This client would likely be part of the Millennial or Gen-Z generation, digitally savvy and globally minded. Whether an entrepreneur, an athlete who has overcome challenges, a creative professional, or an explorer, their personal journey and mindset would perfectly resonate with Maurice Lacroix’s philosophy that success is a journey, not a destination. UL: Is there a particular moment in these 50 years that stands out as especially memorable? SW: One thing I want to make clear is that for our 50th anniversary, we didn’t simply look back and celebrate our legacy — that’s not really in the spirit of Maurice Lacroix. Of course, we marked the milestone with collections like the 1975 and the AIKONIC, which honor where we come from. But what matters most to us is consistency: staying true

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VANBRUUN Launches Birthstone Collection, Celebrating Personal Stories Through Jewelry

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VANBRUUN Launches Birthstone Collection, Celebrating Personal Stories Through Jewelry VANBRUUN unveils its new Birthstone Collection, a refined series of timeless charms designed to celebrate individuality and life’s most meaningful moments. Each gemstone represents one of the twelve months of the year, transforming personal stories, memories, and milestones into intimate pieces of jewelry meant to be worn close. Designed as symbols of identity, love, and remembrance, the collection highlights the emotional value of fine jewelry. Carefully selected gemstones are set within VANBRUUN’s signature, minimalist design language, creating pieces that feel both modern and enduring. Whether worn as a personal signature or gifted to mark birthdays, anniversaries, new beginnings, or significant life events, each charm carries a story uniquely its own. Crafted with a strong focus on personal design and exceptional craftsmanship, every piece in the Birthstone Collection can be customized, allowing for individual choices of stone, metal, and chain. This thoughtful approach ensures that each creation becomes a one-of-a-kind expression, reflecting the wearer’s journey and connections. Available online at vanbruun.com and in VANBRUUN showrooms, the Birthstone Collection offers a contemporary interpretation of meaningful jewelry, where beauty and sentiment exist in perfect harmony. Images Courtesy VANBRUUN

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OAS Introduces the Sangria Pitcher, Marking Its First Step into Objects

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OAS Introduces the Sangria Pitcher, Marking Its First Step into Objects OAS presents the Sangria Pitcher, a handcrafted ceramic piece made locally in Stockholm that marks the brand’s first venture beyond fashion and into design objects. Created in close collaboration between ceramicist Camilla Lindqvist of Kerafakt and OAS founder and Creative Director Oliver Lundgren, the pitcher reflects a shared vision rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and tactile expression. Inspired by ancient wine and drinking vessels, the Sangria Pitcher explores the idea of the vessel as more than a functional object. Designed for pouring, sharing, and gathering, it captures the spirit of connection that lies at the heart of OAS. A soft green matte glaze runs horizontally across the surface, referencing oxidized metal and patinated finishes, and contrasts beautifully with the depth and weight of the black stoneware clay. Shaped by hand and guided by the movement of pouring, each form is an interpretation rather than a reproduction, allowing the material to lead the final expression. Produced in small batches in Lindqvist’s Hornstull studio in Stockholm, every pitcher and matching cup is finished through multiple meticulous stages, leaving subtle variations in shape and colour that make each piece unique. The collection will be previewed during Stockholm Design Week and released exclusively at the Sven-Harrys Art Museum Shop today February 4, before launching globally at OAS website on February 6. Produced in a limited edition, the Sangria Pitcher reflects OAS’s enduring connection to Mediterranean culture and its evolving design universe, now extending from clothing into thoughtfully crafted objects. Read more here Images Courtesy OAS

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Oliver Peoples Unveils Exclusive Paul Newman Eyewear Collection

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Oliver Peoples Unveils Exclusive Paul Newman Eyewear Collection Oliver Peoples presents an exclusive eyewear collection inspired by the timeless style of Paul Newman. Comprising both sunglasses and optical frames, the collection is crafted in Japan and built around the iconic teardrop silhouette that became synonymous with Newman’s signature look.Launched on January 27, 2026, on what would have been Paul Newman’s 101st birthday, the collection forms part of the Oliver Peoples estate collection. Thoughtful design details, including the distinctive Newman Blue colorway and engraved initials, pay tribute to his enduring legacy in both style and motorsport, blending heritage with refined craftsmanship.Beyond its aesthetic and cultural significance, the collection carries a deeper purpose. In support of Newman’s Own Foundation, 100 percent of the profits are donated to charitable causes benefiting children, transforming the collection into a meaningful tribute to Newman’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy.With this release, Oliver Peoples honors an icon whose influence continues to shape both fashion and culture, uniting timeless design, storytelling, and social impact in a singular, elegant expression. Find the collection here Still life image Courtesy of Oliver Peoples Photo of Paul Newman by  Roosevelt H.Carter/Getty Images 

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Frankfurter: A Chair That Is Both Ordinary and Remarkable

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Frankfurter: A Chair That Is Both Ordinary and Remarkable Swedish design brand Blå Station introduces Frankfurter, a new chair designed by Johan Ansander. At first glance, it appears effortlessly simple, yet closer inspection reveals a considered focus on the human body, materiality, and proportion, resulting in a piece that feels both intuitive and quietly distinctive. A graduate of Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design, Ansander was recruited directly after completing his degree project and has collaborated closely with Blå Station since 2020. Their partnership is defined by trust, curiosity, and a shared commitment to long term exploration, allowing ideas to evolve through open dialogue and experimentation. In creating Frankfurter, Ansander sought a pared back form with a more tactile and bodily presence than his previous work. Inspiration came from the familiar curve of his own forearm, translating into generous volumes and a calm, cohesive silhouette. This sensitivity is particularly evident where the backrest meets the rear legs, a junction that balances structural clarity with gentle fluidity. Crafted from moulded beech, a Swedish wood commonly used in industrial production, the chair embodies durability on multiple levels. Designed for everyday life, Frankfurter is robust, resilient, and built to endure, drawing inspiration from the functional chairs of the mid 1930s that were created to withstand movement, use, and time without compromising comfort or form.Its name offers a subtle nod to history, while its expression remains firmly contemporary. Frankfurter does not seek to impress, yet through its restraint and honesty, it becomes something quietly exceptional. For Blå Station, courage is not an aesthetic statement but a working method. It is the courage to take time, to trust conviction, and to place the object above the ego of its creator. This philosophy, deeply embedded in the company’s identity, continues through its collaboration with Ansander, resulting in a chair that is understated yet purposeful, familiar yet meticulously crafted. Frankfurter stands as a testament to the belief that true courage is not about being the loudest, but about enduring the longest. Find the Frankfurter chair here  Image Courtesy of Blå Station

News

Dior Unveils High Jewelry Collection Belle Dior

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Dior Unveils High Jewelry Collection Belle Dior Dior reveals Belle Dior, a luminous new high jewelry collection that draws on the enduring legacy and passions of Christian Dior. Since 1999, Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie Victoire de Castellane has transformed the House’s rich heritage into poetic creations, and for 2026 she presents an unprecedented collection inspired by three emblematic themes: enchanting landscapes, delicate bouquets, and magical galas. Comprising fifty seven exceptional pieces, the collection unfolds as a celebration of Dior’s identity, blending dreamlike imagination with extraordinary craftsmanship. Among its most striking creations is the Soleil Céleste set, a tribute to Christian Dior’s fascination with divinatory arts. Yellow diamonds, radiant stars, and crescent moons carved from black opal doublets and set on turquoise form a dramatic bib necklace, complemented by a ring, earrings, a transformable bracelet, and a brooch that doubles as a hair accessory. Each piece evokes talismanic symbols of destiny and wonder. At the heart of the collection, Jardins Multicolores reemerges in vibrant shades of bright green and powder pink, while Dearest Dior is reinterpreted through mesmerizing hues, enhanced by the deep intensity of tanzanite. The journey culminates in an exceptional ring set with a flamboyant 6.50 carat pink spinel solitaire, transforming from cushion to flower in a radiant expression of the Dior spirit.With Belle Dior, the House once again captures the magic of haute joaillerie, where artistry, emotion, and heritage intertwine. All images Courtesy of Dior 

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