Fashion Articles

Looking Forward, An Interview with Julia Weström text Sandra Myhrberg photography Amir Golzarifashion Daniel Darkoall clothing by Julia Weströ Julia Wiström, 31, currently works as a bag designer at a Swedish bag company in Stockholm. She also runs her own brand, where she creates and sews mini-collections, showpieces, and sells on commission. She has just completed a spring collection called “Kitchenmaid,” inspired by classic housemaids, checkered kitchen towels, and humor. We sat down with Julia to discuss her upcoming collection, her career as a designer, and sustainability in fashion.  Your upcoming collection “Kitchenmaid” sounds intriguing. Can you share more about the inspiration behind it and what we can expect from this collection?It’s also a ready-to-wear mini-collection. Lots of checks, lots of lace. The materials are a mix of new and old. I got the idea last year when I was in Paris. In a restaurant, there were kitchen towels hanging all over the ceiling, and I was super inspired. I realized I had to create a collection based on kitchen towels. From there, it evolved into a little story about housewives, which in turn led to ‘Kitchenmaid’.” Are there any new techniques or materials you are looking forward to experimenting with in your upcoming designs?Looking ahead, I’m eager to explore knitwear further. I spent quite a bit of time on it at Beckmans, and I feel there’s more to explore and develop in terms of fun knitted pieces. How important is sustainability in your design process, especially considering the use of leftover materials from your original collection?Sustainability is a cornerstone of my design philosophy. Incorporating leftover materials from previous collections not only minimizes waste but also challenges me creatively to transform discarded resources into unique and desirable pieces. It’s a practice that aligns with my values of responsible craftsmanship and environmental stewardship. What trends do you see emerging in fashion design, especially in the context of sustainable fashion?I’ve noticed some exciting trends emerging in fashion design lately, especially with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Many designers are embracing recycled materials, which is crucial for reducing our environmental impact. There’s also a growing focus on social sustainability within the industry, which resonates deeply with me. Consumers are increasingly curious about the origins of their clothes, and it’s encouraging to see more transparency from brands. I’m also excited about the shift towards timeless and sustainable designs that promote longer garment use—a practical approach to reducing overconsumption. These trends reflect a positive direction in fashion, where both people and the planet are being prioritized—an area I’m genuinely passionate about. Can you share a memorable moment from your design career so far?My foremost memory was when I sold my first garment. It was enjoyable and a validation that people are willing to pay for what I create. There are so many creators in the fashion industry, and standing out is challenging. That’s why I’m always particularly happy when people purchase products and place orders with me. I’m very humble about it. What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not designing?When I’m not working on design, I love hanging out with friends and my boyfriend – I’m very social and enjoy being around people. Food is a big passion of mine; not to cook, just to eat, haha! I enjoy dining out, savoring wine, traveling, and being in the sun. I probably like most things that most people enjoy. I also enjoy organizing parties, something I used to do as a job and still cherish as a hobby. Actually, this summer I’ll be DJing on Gotland, which should be really fun! I love having a good time and laughing. At the same time, I also enjoy relaxing and listening to true crime podcasts. photography & AD Amir Golzarifashion Daniel Darkomakeup & hair Sandy Alfaresmodel Ebba D / Stockholms Gruppenproduction Thomas Wilke & Amir Golzarimakeup assistant Karin Hanserphotography assistant Frederik Edlingall clothing by Julia Weström

An Interview with Blugiallo text Ulrika Lindqvist Swedish brand Blugiallo recently opened their Stockholm showroom, We took the two flights of stairs up to “Två Trappor”, the exquisitely designed home of the brand and asked co-founder Daniel Apler some questions about managing a made-to-order brand in a ready-wear world. Please tell me a bit of your backstory, I know you founded Blugiallo in Borås in 2016 but what had you done before that and what was the idea behind Blugiallo?I am born and raised in Sweden’s textile Silicon Valley, Borås. After business studies in Lund, which is the same period as when I first met Alexander, my co-founder, I worked as a business controller.Alexander and I shared a common interest in style and tailored suits but generally felt that the category was too traditional and inaccessible, lacking good digital solutions and the ability to fully express yourself. The idea for a business plan was born, and after a long dinner down in Bologna in 2015, the company Blugiallo was born – “blue and yellow” in Swedish. It also refers to another shared love we have – Italian football, where teams often have a color in their name. Blugiallo was incorporated as a company in Borås in 2016. You offer tailored pieces; how do you combine tailor made clothes with a world of fast fashion?It is a challenge, but our aim is to transform the fashion industry. With our custom made offering we want to encourage people to slow down their consumption pace, shop for clothes in a more conscious manner, and help individuals find their personal style. What are the steps of buying a Blugiallo piece?As a new customer to Blugiallo, you can either book an appointment for measurements at one of the company’s physical showrooms or place an order online. If you order digitally, we have advanced data technology that can calculate the chest measurement, which is a vital part of tailoring, with 99.1 percent precision with a margin of error of +/- 1 cm.During a first visit to Blugiallo’s showroom, your personal needs and preferences are discussed to help them find their personal expression/style.   The visit takes about 1.5 hours – going through 40–50 different measurements –  and then your measurements are saved digitally on an account so that you can conveniently order bespoke garments and accessories directly through Blugiallo’s e-commerce platform whenever you want.After placing an order, the garments are delivered within 5-6 weeks, either to the showroom or directly to your home. As a first-time customer, Blugiallo always conducts a “fitting,” where they assess the fit and quality of the garments, and if there is a need for minor adjustments in the fit, this is done by the company’s tailors. The measurements are then updated in the customer’s digital profile to ensure that all future orders are perfect. What is your inspiration behind your designs? You have four different collections, what are the inspirations and diversions between the collections?I find inspiration in numerous brands for diverse reasons. While I deeply admire iconic names like Ralph Lauren and contemporary innovators like Aimé Leon Dore, our greatest source of inspiration often stems from observing everyday individuals. Rather than solely focusing on renowned designers or luxury brands, we draw inspiration from how ordinary people confidently express themselves through clothing. Whether it’s the precise tailoring of a suit or a bold mix of colors and patterns, it’s the genuine authenticity and individuality embodied in their style that resonates most strongly with Blugiallo.An essential aspect of our style is ensuring excellent comfort for the wearer, allowing them to genuinely enjoy the product they’re wearing. This comfort stems from the personalized fit tailored to each customer, inspired by our house cut for the specific product category. Additionally, it arises from aligning the style and quality of the product with the customer’s preferences.Our collection setup is structured into various levels of creativity regarding materials, colors, and designs,and functions as inspiration of how we like to demonstrate styling depending on the customer’s context.

Looking Forward, An Interview with Julia Weström text Emelie Bodén Hanna Björn is a Swedish actress and singer, born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden. She plays the female lead role in the current NETFLIX series “CLARK – Based on Truth and Lies” directed by Jonas Åkerlund, with Bill Skarsgård as Clark Olofsson. Have you always envisioned a career in acting, or were there particular experiences or moments that solidified your passion for this art form? Since I was 3, I’ve had a great passion for acting and singing, and I’ve always known that it is what I want to dedicate my life to. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of friends, so a strategy I often tried was that I wrote and directed plays, hoping the children in my class would like me. It didn’t really work, hehe, but at least I had fun? Acting and writing was also a way of keeping yourself company. When I was 10 I got accepted to Adolf Fredriks Musikklasser, where I finally met some friends who shared the same interests. A year later, I got the dream job to sing in the children’s choir at the Royal Opera in Stockholm. This reeeeallly mesmerized me, with the enchanting world of an opera house. The scent of stagemakeup and powder, standing on a stage, costumes, the lights.. It was everything I ever dreamed of and that experience really solidified my passion.  Since your debut movie Min så kallade pappa, how do you feel your acting technique and approach to your acting have evolved? Haha.. The short answer is that I’ve really started to trust myself as an actress and I’ve learned how to play the situation instead of playing an emotional state. Acting is like languages, you have to practise and exercise it. It’s a never ending education in which one can never become considered “done”, which also makes it so exciting and fun!! It’s an artform where everything is about being a human, and you can really take your broken heart and make it into art (Carrie Fischer). Through the years I’ve studied at various schools and tried to take advantage of every lesson and make the most out of it. But I must say, something really clicked for me in 2019 when I was studying at Stockholm University of the Arts with an acting coach named Matthew Allen. He really made me understand things that I had read about but never fully understood until then and how to practise those things on stage/screen. And as a good teacher should be, he was always reminding us about how we/I was the one doing the job, not him. I’ve also learned how patient you have to be, how persistent and almost.. a little bit crazy not to give up in this business. photography, post production & fashion Olivia Artesweater & boots Henrietta Frihammar Do you have any unique methods or rituals that you employ to prepare for your roles? These are not unique methods / rituals but.. It all starts with the text, so first I learn the lines, really, really well. From that, with the scene analysis, I start asking and answering a lot of questions. The five w:s I think I do mostly because it really gets your imagination going. I try a lot of things, for the purpose of trying to figure out Why I say these lines, in What context, What is that saying about my character and mostly; What do I want from the person I’m talking to? What do I want to change in the other person? I can do this for hours because I think it’s so fun!! Creating backstory, and doing exercises like for example: if I (the character) was saying this as a shark / cat / cow, how would I be saying it? Your role in the Netflix series Clark garnered significant attention. Could you share your experience working on this project? How did this role challenge you as an actor, and what did you find most rewarding about bringing this character to life?Working on Clark was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had..It’s always fun to be able to work with a character for such a long time. To do research, listen to all the music, dive into that period of time..To create an arch for my character,  thinking about how these years were affecting her, why things were important to her, why she stayed with a person like Clark… How to justify her letting him disappear, being a notorious cheater and constantly lying to her. Sometimes I just decided ”She knows  but she’s so tired of being lied to / she’s too much in love and lets him get away with it. I remember at one point I thought, maybe Maria thinks ”Everyone wants to lock him up, put a ring on him and tell him what to do, but that only makes him run away even more, so I’m not gonna do that”. Also working with a visual genius like Jonas (Åkerlund, director), and Bill (Skarsgård, leading co-star), who is one of the most brave and dedicated actors I’ve met. They’re both really, really good and inspiring, and they were also the ones making me step out of my comfort zone sometimes. Like, I wouldn’t say I’m a dancer, I’ve not portrayed one before, and I definitely don’t have political monologues going on during… you know what I mean 😉 Mostly I learned what’s working for me and what’s not. Also that the lines can change the same day but I can still do it, the character work is done.   I don’t always have to be a perfectionist. You are also playing one of the lead roles in the upcoming movie Järnridån in which you speak russian. How challenging was it to undertake a role that required you to perform in a different language? Could you describe the specific difficulties you faced and the strategies you employed to authentically portray your character

Dr. Martens x Venus Rami “Archive Sandals” Collection text Fashion Tales Odalisque sat down and talked with Venus Rami about her music and Dr Martens. With Iranian heritage, spent her early years on the Swedish west coast, listening to Googoosh and Timbaland and later on she immersed in Stockholm’s vibrant underground and queer scene where every sonic encounter sculpted her artistic vision. Venus’s sound is a vibrant tapestry of influences. Drawing from contemporary R&B, ingenious pop production, and the emotional depth of 2000s indie, her music resonates with a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. All can be heard as subtle traces in the music she now creates as Venus Anon. In April 2023, Venus released ‘Nocturnal’ – a seven-track mixtape that truly set the tone for her magical sound world. The release was followed by performances at festivals around the Nordic region, including Way Out West in Gothenburg and By:Larm in Oslo – as well as a sold-out headline show in London. ‘Nocturnal’ was praised by several critics, including one of today’s most prominent music journalists, Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop). In the spring of 2024, Venus was also nominated for a Grammis award in the Soul/RnB category. In 2024, Venus Anon returns with a new EP. What inspired you to become a musician?Music! Listening to music has always felt like transcending reality. Hearing my dad sing in the shower, never shutting up myself, I don’t know—at this point, I just feel like I would die without it. Is there a specific genre that you take after?I’ve grown up with R&B, Grunge, Hip hop, and Persian music. I think the mix is kind of detectable, whether I want it to be or not. How do you like the Swedish music scene?I think it’s amazing and that the underground/alternative scene is severely underrated. The impact that it’s had on the more commercial side is truly palpable, with good reason. photography Julia Sixtensson Is there anything you think is missing and could be improved?I think that it would be great if there was a bit more diversity in the people being booked/awarded… some of the most talented artists in Stockholm have a hard time getting exposure because of this. What are your plans for the future?To keep making music that resonates with me. To give back to my community someday. Can you tell us about your creativity process and how you approach starting a new piece?I get very inspired by other forms of art or bodies of music. I read a book and get obsessed with the type of narration it uses, watch a movie that changes my life, or find the first stuff an artist ever released and indulge. I like the early stuff people do a lot; it’s usually very raw and eclectic and less worried about how it will be received. Who would be your dream collaborator to make music with?I think Little Dragon, Oklou, and Tirzah. I also want to say Frank Ocean, but I think I would simply faint. What is your best memory of Dr. Martens?I remember buying my first Dr. Martens as a 13-year-old on Blocket, kind of like Swedish eBay. They were these platform ones, not the modern ones like the Jadon boots but like REAL heavy-duty boots. I loved them so much even though they looked nothing like the dainty ones that were trending in 2012 and felt so powerful stomping into school with them. Actually, I think one of my best memories, ironically, is when someone at school made a snarky comment about them. I remember feeling like my taste is truly something special, and that the people who get it, get it. In my arrogant teenage mind, it just consolidated my belief that I was somehow the main character— LOL. When thinking of the Dr. Martens “Archive Sandal” collection, is there any clothing fit you directly want to match the shoes with?With juxta-posed pieces! They are very structured and edgy; I would love a worn-out baby tee with a bikini under and a crochet skirt. Or like a long flowy skirt. Skirts in general. Big like with Dr. Martens! Links to Dr. Martens ”Archive Sandals” Collection with Venus Rami here! (Archive Fisherman Wrenlie Dark Brown) here! (Archive Laketen Mule Black)

Evolving World of Fashion, An Interview with Patricia Beurskens – Director of Design at Hunkemöller text Sandra Myhrberg In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends come and go with the wind, the essence of true craftsmanship and a deep-seated passion for one’s work distinguishes the extraordinary from the merely good. Patricia Beurskens, Hunkemöller’s Director of Design, embodies this exceptional blend of dedication, talent, and vision. With a career spanning 15 years at the helm of the design team of this renowned lingerie brand, Beurskens has not only witnessed but also shaped the brand’s evolution, infusing each piece with the brand’s signature blend of femininity, confidence, and empowerment. In an industry that constantly seeks the new, her journey reflects a rare constancy and a love affair with lingerie design that began almost by serendipity and blossomed into a lifelong passion. Her approach, balancing creative experimentation with a critical eye ensures the brand’s identity remains intact, irrespective of the fleeting trends. As the fashion landscape navigates the complexities of inclusion and sustainability, Beurskens’s strategic, heartfelt efforts in these areas underscore her belief in designing “for someone, not for everyone,” a philosophy that has kept Hunkemöller at the forefront of lingerie design. This exploration of Patricia Beurskens’s journey and vision offers an inspiring glimpse into the mind of a designer for whom lingerie is not just apparel but a canvas for empowerment and artistry. Sandra Myhrberg: How did your journey as a designer lead you to specialise in lingerie? Patricia Beurskens: I’ve always been creative and I liked drawing. As a little girl, I always said, “When I’m older, I want to do something with fabric and drawing.” At that time, I didn’t realise that being a designer was an option. When I found out that it was possible, I was determined to become one. So, I enrolled in Art Academy, and getting there made me happy. After two years, I found myself in a small lingerie boutique, and it suddenly struck me: “You can design lingerie too.” I had never considered it before, but from that moment on, it became my aspiration. I can still remember that moment in my heart. I was around 18-19 years old at the time, and although I was content with what I was doing, I had never felt such inspiration before. I distinctly remember it was August 2002 when everything clicked. It made sense for me to work with lingerie because I had always been drawing a lot of women’s bodies, particularly naked women’s bodies, so I was already familiar with the female form. SM: What aspects of lingerie design do you find most exciting compared to other areas of fashion design? PB: For me, the excitement lies in the combination of fabric and body shapes. Exploring the delicate designs and beautiful laces, and how they interact with the wearer’s body is endlessly fascinating. That is where we can develop them. But also, embroideries—they are so delicate, so refined, and feminine. And because it’s so sheer, it’s how it’s playing with the body, and that’s really what inspires me. Then, thinking about a woman’s body inspires me as well. “How does that play?” Because designing lingerie is also very complicated, as it has a function. There are different shapes, but how can you play with it and how can you reinvent it? That’s why the material is such a big part of what a design looks like, playing around the body and what I want to achieve. Like a pusher does something different, and now also with a lot of unpadded styles, which you see a lot nowadays. Then it’s very beautiful to think about the sheerness of material and what you see and how you play with that and that combination. Comfort is also very important, but colour is also a massive part that brings inspiration as well. SM: Do you feel like you’re using different colours now from when you started? Do you follow the trends with the colours? PB: I always like to say that we do look for what is in focus at that time. I have a colour specialist, and we really examine what we are doing. I can see that there is a massive change in lingerie. We use WGSN, a forecasting website, so at the same time, we keep an eye on the catwalks, on what’s happening right now. And from my experience over the past 15 years, I’ve noticed that colour doesn’t always change super fast; there is a slow change. Then there’s the direction when it’s about yellows. It can span from lime yellows to softer yellows. And it’s always combined with what’s going on in the world. When sustainability becomes a concern, that influences our colour palette. We try to tone it down, but at the same time, why is lavender such a big thing? Because it’s a digital colour that works very strongly. What you see now is a lot of neutral tones but with a pop of colour. But where does that come from? It’s also from a digital point of view because when everything is too muted, it can be distracting. SM: I saw that you had the shapewear in different skin tones. How long have you had that? Is it a new thing? PB: A few years ago, we already tried to have bras in a lot of different skin tones. But then, you know, that is also exploration, like diversity and inclusivity which is something that is going on in the market, which is super important. But there is also always a kind of exploring to find the best way to not right away put it in store. But to elevate and find an inclusive product.  SM: Could you elaborate on the process of maintaining Hunkemöller’s feminine and confident brand identity in your designs? PB: Yeah, it has always been a big topic, especially with our lingerie. It’s quite difficult because everybody needs something different. It’s important for us

Dr. Martens x Rodrigue “Archive Sandals” Collection text Alicia photography Julia Sixtensson Rodrigue, a dynamic content creator and model, embodies a fervent dedication to infusing creativity into every project he touches. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, he collaborates on captivating visuals and narratives that deeply resonate with audiences worldwide. His boundless enthusiasm for pushing creative boundaries makes him a sought-after collaborator, eagerly welcoming opportunities to work with like-minded individuals and brands who share his passion for originality and ingenuity. Embracing the iconic Josef Black and Josef Savannah Tan boots, Rodrigue sees donning each pair as an opportunity to channel the timeless spirit of innovation and originality synonymous with Dr. Martens’ latest collection “Archive Sandal”. Just as the fashion of the 90s era evokes nostalgia, Rodrigue infuses his unique style and creativity into every stride, seamlessly intertwining his vision with the heritage of Dr. Martens. This collaboration promises to be a bold statement, resonating with audiences worldwide through Rodrigue’s distinctive flair and the brand’s legendary craftsmanship. What inspired you to work in your industry and what content do you prefer to create?I started doing it for the fun of it, but then I realised that there was no one who looked like me in the industry, there was, and sometimes lack of diversity in the industry and I’m trying to break that cycle. Lately I have been enjoying makingTikToks and reels mostly of my outfits, but sometimes of what I do in a day. Do you get inspired by any other content creators?I get inspired by many creators, it changes once in a while. Lately I have been inspired by @laravioletta she is so cool and effortless chic, she has just launched her own magazine and it’s amazing, I will be definitely subscribing. Another creator I enjoy is @brendahashtag her aesthetic is stunning. Most of all my friends who also are creators inspire me the most! Their every endeavor exudes brilliance, from their unique style to their boundless creativity. They truly excel in every aspect of what they do. What is your favorite part about being a model?The best part of being a model, for me would be meeting so many inspiring people, the opportunity to be a part of creating something and seeing the end result is rewarding. Have you encountered any challenges as a content creator and model, and how do you handle them?As a model sometimes it would feel like I was the token Blackmodel, just there to show diversity for a certain brand, but I just learn to not stress about it, regardless. I will do my best and I will be running to the bank with my check smiling. As a content creator it is mostly the same, but again I just learn to brush it off and instead use the privilege to make way for the others who look like me. How do you handle feedback or comments on social media?I once in a while stumble upon a rude comment here and there on TikTok, but really I don’t care as much because it’s usually the blank profiles that comment or send weird dms.  Also, the positive feedback and comments always outshines the negative, and they always encourage me to keep on doing what I do. How do you strike a balance between your personal life and your professional career?In some weird way my personal life and professional life has ended up merging together, because most of friends are in the industry, and sometimes I get the honor to work with my friends, which is always a blast. What advice would you give someone looking to become a successful content creator or model?Not to sound cliche, but just be your true self. Embrace your uniqueness and always remember to have fun. What is your first memory of Dr. Martens?My first memory of Dr. Martens is back in the Tumblr era – I was obsessed with Tumblr. There was always a cool, moody post with someone wearing Dr. Martens. The campaign focuses on the Dr. Martens “Archive Sandal” collection. Do you feel like these vintage inspired styles fit you and your aura?I do love a sandal for the summer, and what I love about these, is that I can wear them with a cute outfit and not feel casual. I love a sandal that would still make me strut down the street with music blasting in my ears, feeling myself.  Link to Dr. Martens ”Archive Sandals” Collection with Rodrigue here! (Josef Black) and here! (Josef Savannah Tan)

Dr. Martens x DJ Suzy ”Archive Sandals” Collection text Emelie Bodén In the vibrant tapestry of Stockholm’s music scene, DJ Suzy emerges as a beacon of innovation, infusing her tracks with a unique technicolor glow. Amidst a landscape known for its precise pop melodies and dark metal undertones, DJ Suzy defies conventions, crafting soulful compositions reminiscent of Erykah Badu’s groove, Mariah Carey’s vocal prowess, and the introspective depths of Tyler, The Creator’s flat-7th side. But DJ Suzy is more than a songwriter; she is a world-builder that crafts songs and videos rich with symbolism, cultural references and personal insights. This collage is the DJ Suzy experience. Her musical gift and crystal-clear artistic vision make chaotic emotion become pop perfection. Adding yet another layer to her artistic canvas, DJ Suzy is poised to embark on a thrilling collaboration with Dr. Martens’ archive sandal collection. Wearing the Laketen Mule and the Wrenlie Fisherman Sandal, DJ Suzy embodies the timeless 90s nostalgia that Dr. Martens’ new collection is all about. What DJ:s or musicians inspire you the most?My friends that also makes music, but lately I’ve been listening KARRAHBOO, I like her style 😉 What is the best place you’ve performed?When I had just released my first EP I’m still changing, we had a release party and all my friends were there. It was so special. Do you have any way to prepare to go onstage?Where the f*** do I even begin haha.. I massage my voice with different techniques, voice warm ups and straw phonation. I stretch, do yoga and meditate. Also me and my keyboardist have started a secret handshake that we do right before going on stage – But that’s all I can tell you haha.   photography Julia Sixtensson What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an artist?Believe in your ideas even though everyone might not get you at first. Trust what comes easy to you but still be open to try new things regarding collaborations and goals. Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have?I’m releasing new music this spring! My first single is called Digital girl and will be out everywhere on May 16th! <3 Can you tell us about your experience as a DJ and an artist so far?What I love the most is playing live and especially when you feel like the audience is responding to the energy I give out because I can feel it bouncing right back x2 and that is amazing! But it also feels just as good when I just finished writing a new song that I’m obsessed with so I’d say it’s 50/50. What genre of music do you listen to that inspires you?Swedish jazz and hip hop but everything can inspire me, I’m not really genre based. What was the best part about collaborating with Dr. Martens?Hard to say, maybe actually just wearing the shoes they looked good they smelled good I feel so fresh starting out the summer in them! Do you have any connection to the 90s style that has inspired the Archive Sandal collection from Dr. Martens that makes these pieces special to you?I’m a 90s baby, born and raised! Link to Dr. Martens ”Archive Sandals” Collection with DJ Suzy here! (Archive Fisherman Wrenlie Black) and here! (Archive Laketen Mule Charro) Link to DJ Suzy’s spotify here!

Interview with Filippa Fuxe and Joel Andersson, winners of the NK Young Talent Award By Beckmans text Ulrika Lindqvist photography Ava Nylanderdesign Filippa Fuxe image courtesy of Filippa Fuxe On a sunny February morning, the Stockholm fashion crowd gathered at the historical department store Nordiska Kompaniet for breakfast and for celebration of the NK Young Talent Award by Beckmans winners Filippa Fuxe and Joel Andersson. Odalisque  had the opportunity to interview them.  Ulrika Lindqvist: Congratulations on winning the NK Young Talent award, what are your initial feelings?Filippa Fuxe: I feel very honored to receive this award, and I am grateful for the recognition.Joel Andersson: Thank you, I am super proud and thankful for the award. The exhibition and everything surrounding it has been great. UL: Please tell me a bit of your backstory, what did you study or work with before getting accepted to Beckmans?FF: Before Beckmans I studied at Central Saint Martins in London, and during my childhood up I sewed my own clothes together with my grandmother. We used to go to an H&M store and purchase my favorite garment, sew one of my own, and return it. Clothing quickly became a very important way for me to express myself.JA: So before Beckmans I dabbled in a couple of different things. I did a one-year course in sewing and pattern making followed by one year as a tailoring apprentice and one additional year of fashion theory. UL: What initially drew you to the fashion industry?FF: I have always been obsessed in the craftsmanship of making garments and of the female body. Growing up in a family of four sisters we always shared clothes, and I remember being fascinated over how a garment looked so different on all of our bodies in different stages of puberty and childhood.JA: Honestly, I think my interest in fashion started through my discovery of street wear which was followed with a deeper dive into the world of high fashion and designers such as Margiela, Raf Simons and Jil Sander. UL: What is your inspiration behind your designs and this collection in particular?FF: My latest collection is based on an embodiment of a recycled and biodegradable material’s path through time and between bodies. I have used the raw product Circulose®, a material that has been dissolved from old clothes into cellulosic fibers that have been compressed, spun to thread, and woven into new fabrics. My philosophy is therefore that the material has its own life. It descends, is reborn and its soul reincarnates from one garment to another.The material’s reincarnation is visualised through inspiration from spiritual artists from the 1930´s such as Agnes Pelton and Emma Kunz.JA: With this collection I wanted to weave together my past and present. When I first started to pursue fashion, I kept it separate from the rest of my life. I think it was due to the fact that I didn’t feel like it was a realistic career path. I had a feeling of ambivalence (hence the name of the collection) toward fashion. Growing up in a rural part of Sweden as a child of carpenters a lot of the clothing that I was subjected to were workwear. This stands in strong contrast to the tailoring, deconstruction and Avant Garde fashion that caught my eye later on in life. By creating something that I took into account, everything that has shaped me in my role as a designer I wanted to erase this weird pre and post fashion barrier that I had in my head. PhptographyAva Nylanderdesign Joel Andersson image courtesy of Joel Andersson UL: Can you share some insights into your creative process?FF: I always work best when I let my creativity emerge organically and is based on enthusiasm, experimentation, and intuition.JA: Initially my process is made up of a lot of research. I try to cast a wide net and soak up as much inspiration as possible in the early stages so that I can edit and narrow things down as I go. I also like to mix two- and three-dimensional sketching through both drawing and draping. UL: What are your core values as a designer?FF: Design processes are many times so speeded up.One of my core values are really that your art – in whichever media it might be –  needs time and commitment. I believe in the importance of giving yourself over to your craft, and nurturing it with the time and energy it deserves.JA: So for me it’s very important that any project is conceptually driven. I don’t want my clothing to just be clothing. I want every design decision to be made with the concept and initial inspiration in mind. Through the course of fashion school sustainability has also grown to be a core value of mine. UL: What was the biggest challenge creating this collection?FF: The collection is created through biodegradable material both in a three-dimensional way, from the outside through the usage of recycled fabrics from Circulose®  and from the inside through the usage of cellulosic fibrers that created padding inside the garments. That was probably the biggest challenge, being limited by the material used in the collection.But limitations and boundaries often open up for creativity, I see it as a reliable tool for bringing new ideas to what I am working on.JA: For me the biggest challenge was sourcing the materials. Since I decided to make everything out of upcycled textiles but still had very specific materials in mind it took a lot of time to gather everything. UL: What can we expect from you in the near future?FF: Over the past six months, I have worked intensively as the Creative Director for a new brand, Leoní, which is launching this spring together with fashion entrepreneur Nathalie Schuterman. Leoní’s first collection reflects a balance between the sculptural and the minimalistic, garments that have undergone an extensive design process but are uncomplicated to wear. Moving forward, you will see something that I have never really worked with before, namely clothes that are practical for everyday use. For a long time, I have been in a period where I solely focused on creating clothes based on specific concepts, and sometimes

Denim Celebrates 20 Years! An Interview With Founder Alexander Graah text Ulrika Lindqvist photography Ellinor Sjöbergall clothes Ulrika Lindqvistall clothing Dr. Denim This year, Gothenburg-based denim brand Dr. Denim celebrates 20 years of redefining casual fashion. We caught up with founder Alexander Graah to discuss how the brand went from indie beginnings to becoming a household name, gaining global attention with stars like Harry Styles, and what’s next for their future. Ulrika Lindqvist: Congratulations on 20 years of Dr.Denim! Please tell me a little about how it all started 20 years ago? What is your background and why did you found Dr.Denim? Alexander Graah: Dr. Denim was born in Gothenburg in 2004 as a true garage brand. Within years, the brand had become an explosively popular household name in its native Sweden, before subsequently going international. Now, twenty years since its founding, Dr. Denim products are sold across dozens of markets around the world and continues to produce some of the world’s finest denim garments at its price point. Dr. Denim was essentially born from the idea that we wanted to right some wrongs in the world of denim. With a focus on exceptional quality and longevity through craftsmanship and an obsessive attention to detail, we wanted to challenge the notion that you must pay through the nose to get hold of a great pair of jeans. I think it’s fair to say we were predestined to get into denim. My brother and I grew up around denim, collecting denim, breathing denim, and we’re third generation entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. We’re very much self-taught, never studied fashion design or anything like that – we’re both economists – but at the end of the day you get far by being determined and passionate about what you do. UL: I’ve heard that you are inspired by your father, Morten, what about him inspired you? AG: Growing up in a family of small business owners teaches you something about being 100% committed to what you do, about the importance of building something independent that’s not subject to the whims of banks and venture capitalists who don’t care about what you do for a living. Morten is also the reason we encountered denim pretty much from birth. And he’s a bit of a weirdo, in a good way; he’s always taught us to go our own way and not care about what others think. UL: What would you say are the core values of Dr.Denim? AG: The six of them are:Hard-working but easy-goingPassionateWryUnpretentiousHonest & AuthenticDetail-obsessed UL: Please tell us about the process of creating the FW24 collection?AG: Relatively speaking, our collections are timeless staple fits, so it’s a matter of spending time with our product developers reiterating until we have it right, tweaking fits, and getting the little details right. There’s no shortcut. To celebrate 20 years in action, we’ve taken a deep dive into our archives to create anniversary pieces, a sort of trip down memory lane with re-issues of denim and other things that brought us to where we are today. You’ll find the return of our skinny straight unisex jean Snap which was launched in 2004 and quickly became the (un)official indie uniform of the 00’s and changed the Scandinavian denim landscape. We’re also releasing Dash – Stream Dry with detailing inspired by its 2004 ancestor, the Unagi. The point here is not to make a heritage denim product but to bring back some of the good stuff and provide a take on our not-so-brief history. The Annivarsity Jacket is exactly what it sounds like. A varsity jacket celebrating our anniversary, featuring artworks from past collections to celebrate what has been and will continue to be. UL: Please tell us about the process in creating the FW24 collection?AG: Relatively speaking, our collections are timeless staple fits, so for us it’s a matter of spending time with our product developers reiterating until we have it right, tweaking fits, getting the little details right. There’s no shortcut. To celebrate 20 years in action, we’ve taken a deep dive into our archives to create anniversary pieces, a sort of a trip down memory lane with re-issues of denim and other things that brought us to where we are today.  You’ll find the return of our skinny straight unisex jean Snap which was launched in 2004 and quickly became the (un)official indie uniform of the 00’s and changed the Scandinavian denim landscape. We’re also releasing Dash – Stream Dry with detailing inspired by its 2004 ancestor, the Unagi. The point here is not to make a heritage denim product but to bring back some of the good stuff and provide a take on our not-so-brief history. The Annivarsity Jacket is exactly what it sounds like. A varsity jacket celebrating our anniversary, featuring artworks from past collections to celebrate what has been and will continue to be. UL: How would you describe the Dr.Denim customer?AG: Global consumers who appreciate responsible, long-lasting garments in ultra-modern but timeless fits at affordable price points. We have a pretty broad range of customers which is how it should be. Appealing to many, the brand has a two-way relationship with many denim-loving subcultures. UL: What have been the most challenging aspects these 20 years of Dr.Denim?AG: It’s inevitable that a lot of things happen over the course of 20 years. The entire landscape has changed. I mean, we used to work with a huge range of independent stores which are now long gone, replaced by e-commerce and highly complex logistics, so we’ve had to transform our business in a lot of ways which probably sounds easier than it is. These days, it sometimes feels as if we’re running a tech business as much as a denim business. What I mean by that is that fashion and craftsmanship are, of course, the core of what we do, but we’ve had to put enormous resources into tech around that core in order to thrive in the landscape as it looks today.  UL: Please tell us a memorable moment

Crafting Timelessness: The Essence of Sara Robertsson Jewellery text Natalia Muntean In the field of contemporary jewellery design, Swedish jewellery designer Sara Robertsson stands out for her approach, weaving together organic minimalism and sustainable aesthetics. Established in 2015, Sara Robertsson Jewellery is deeply grounded in genuine craftsmanship, with each piece meticulously produced either in Sweden or Portugal, and Scandinavian minimalism. Sara’s designs are the result of a thorough design process where intuition and patience are combined. This delicate balance ensures that each piece takes the time it needs to develop without rushing. Discover more about the core identity, creative process, and future vision of the Sara Robertsson Jewellery brand. Natalia Muntean: How would you define the core identity and values of the Sara Robertsson Jewellery brand? And what sets it apart from others in the industry?Sara Robertsson: I’m a designer first, and this shines through in everything my brand is about. Every decision in the company comes from my deep passion for creating beautiful, sustainable pieces that speak a universal language. I think this is what makes the range I offer a unique mix of organic universal shapes and minimalism, both with pieces you will want to wear every day and also bold statements that can be seen as wearable sculptures. NM: How did your background in womenswear design influence your transition to becoming a jewellery designer, particularly in terms of inspiration and techniques?SR: From the moment I created my first piece in silver, I felt an immediate connection and meaning that I felt was lacking for me working with fashion womenswear. Working with jewellery also matched my longing to work with a more sustainable approach and to move away from fast fashion and set production quotas and seasons. I would say that being a womenswear designer first is definitely a very big part of my expression as a jewellery designer. For my collection Silk, I am inspired directly by fabric and draping, and I wanted to create lightweight pieces in larger sizes reminiscent of the flow of fabric. Being trained in working with such a different material first has given me a different approach to silver and what that material can do. I think it has made me freer as a jewellery designer. NM: Could you elaborate on the concept of “organic minimalism” that serves as the core ideology for your jewellery collections, and how it is reflected in your designs?SR: I’m very inspired by the shapes in nature and evolution, but I always strive to find the core of the shape and simplify it as much as possible to make it feel universal, timeless and elegant. It’s not minimalism in the sense of straight lines and geometric shapes, it’s soft and organic but very stripped down and simplified.   NM: What sources of inspiration, whether from art, nature, or culture, consistently inform your designs? How do you stay creatively inspired and avoid design stagnation?SR: Like probably all creatives, I have my good and bad periods creatively, that is inevitable. But having worked as a designer for so long, I have now come to learn what helps me when I’ve lost inspiration. The most important thing is to not try to push it since that almost always leads to bad decisions that you will regret later. Have patience and trust that these periods are also important. When I start the design process, I always try to work intuitively and not overthink. It can be sketching, painting simple shapes with watercolour, or working with clay, paper or thin metal sheets. The important thing is to let the hands work and find the connection between the hands and the mind. That’s where the magic happens. I find most of my inspiration in the shapes in nature, but I can also look to art, sculpture, clothing, ceramics, interior design or other creative fields. Sometimes just a glimpse of something sparks the mind and starts the process. NM: Given your emphasis on a balance between intuition and patience in the design process, could you walk us through how you typically approach the creation of a new piece of jewellery from concept to completion?SR: This is very much related to the question above. Trust is the key, I think. Trust in the process, that ideas will come and you need to let them evolve in their own time, and not rush it. Typically, I start with one of the above creative processes, where I use my hands and work intuitively without overthinking. When I find a shape or silhouette I like, I explore it further in more sketches or other 3-D techniques like clay or paper. I always try to simplify and stylize as much as possible. Once the shape is set, the technical part starts: how is it worn, do I need a lock, an ear pin etc. And then I create either a prototype in my studio or a digital technical drawing. Then it’s ready to send to the workshop to create the first samples, and these are then revised until everything is perfect. I never work with set production timelines, a piece is finished when it is finished and it will take as long as it takes. That is the beauty of working in your own company, you can decide this yourself. I think there are so many bad products released on the market just because companies want to fill their production quotas and always release news instead of focusing on only the actual good products. NM: Your designs are meant to be worn and cherished for many years. How do you ensure both durability and timelessness in your creations?SR: I always put a lot of consideration into the designs, making sure they are as simple and genuine as possible – focusing on the core expression and removing any unnecessary elements. By simplifying, you automatically move towards more timeless shapes and minimise the risk of it just being a trend. I also only work with very experienced goldsmiths with excellent