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Dior Arrives in Stockholm: A 400-Square-Meter Dream on Birger Jarlsgatan text Jahwanna Berglund photography Jonathan Taylor images courtesy of Dior Dior’s first Stockholm boutique has opened in the heart of Bibliotekstan, at Birger Jarlsgatan 15. Spanning 400 square meters over two levels, the space is calm, light-filled and unmistakably Dior, yet grounded by a distinctly Nordic touch. Versailles parquet underfoot, sculptural furniture, and carefully placed works by Swedish artists set a dialogue between Parisian heritage and Scandinavian restraint. Here, Cruise collections meet house icons like Lady Dior, Dior Toujours and Rose des Vents, while the men’s Dior Icons wardrobe offers a masterclass in pared-back power dressing. Pieces feel intentionally curated for the Stockholm clientele, confidently understated and quietly luxurious. The right house, in the right city, at the right time. Step inside when you have a moment. Walk slowly. Look closely. Order a coffee à la Maison Dior.Luxury isn’t the spectacle here, it’s the stillness.

Eton Introduces Maggie Gyllenhaal as Brand Ambassador text Ulrika Lindqvist photography Gray Sorrenti Eton steps confidently into a new era by announcing actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal as its latest brand ambassador. As the first woman to represent the Swedish menswear label, Gyllenhaal reinterprets the classic shirt through her own creative lens, challenging conventions and inviting a more personal, liberated view of style. Known for her uncompromising artistry and thoughtful direction, Gyllenhaal brings her distinctive sensibility to the collaboration. For the campaign, she wears four silhouettes crafted exclusively for her through Eton’s custom-made service, where fabric, collar and fit have been tailored to her individual preferences. The result is an exploration of how a timeless garment can embody both tradition and personality. Photographed by the acclaimed New York–based artist Gray Sorrenti, the Eton x Maggie Gyllenhaal campaign presents a series of pared-back portraits that highlight the quiet power of simplicity. The imagery places focus on the shirt itself and on Gyllenhaal’s commanding presence. Her interpretation transforms the shirt—long regarded as a symbol of masculine refinement—into an emblem of confidence, sensuality and self-expression. “Maggie embodies everything that inspires us: an intuitive sense of style, intellect and individuality,” says Janelle Hallberg, Brand Communications Director at Eton. “She reminds us that the shirt need not follow rules. It can instead become a personal tool for identity and creative freedom.” Rooted in Swedish craftsmanship since 1928, Eton continues to evolve its dialogue with contemporary culture, where film, art and fashion intersect. The collaboration extends an invitation to see the shirt as something fluid, inclusive and enduring. A woman in a men’s shirt. A new gaze on a classic piece. A style built on authenticity rather than convention. Maggie Gyllenhaal proves that true style is about being oneself, setting the tone for a fresh direction in modern menswear.

Inside Estrid’s Launch Event for the Limited-Edition Ruby Collection photography Jean Lapin

HOTEL J – A Reimagined Oasis by the Sea text Jahwanna Berglund  photography Ted Jansson Only a short sail or drive away from the heartbeat of Stockholm, Hotel J in Nacka Strand rises between sea and sky as a serene harbour-front sanctuary. What was once a stately summer villa built in 1889 and later expanded in 1912 has, after a thoughtful renovation, emerged with a new identity: one of nature, rituals, and deep rest. The hotel’s own narration tells how the landmark building J’s Tornvilla was originally built by Erik Fredlundh as a grand summer residence with over twenty rooms and three kitchens. Nestled at Ellensviksvägen 1, where the Stockholm archipelago begins, Hotel J draws deeply on its maritime heritage. The “J” in its name references the J-Class yachts of the America’s Cup era, a symbol of craftsmanship, elegance, and connection to the sea. Over a three-year renewal period culminating in the summer of 2025, the hotel’s 158 rooms were renovated under the guidance of Wingårdhs and designer Helena Toresson, with a focus on reuse, sustainability, and natural materials. The result is a space that feels timelessly Scandinavian clean lines, pale wood, sea-washed tones, and open views that blur the boundary between interior and horizon. Now reopened, Hotel J has evolved into a haven where every detail is designed with care and consciousness. Here, wellbeing is not an afterthought but a way of being. Guests are invited to slow down and reconnect with nature, beginning with a walk through the herb and flower garden curated in collaboration with herbalist and author Lisen Sundgren. Known for her philosophy that plants hold both healing and poetic power, Lisen celebrates the connection between people and nature through scent, taste, and ritual. At Hotel J, her garden is more than a visual delight; it’s a living space for reflection, inviting guests to touch, breathe, and rediscover the quiet intelligence of the natural world. Inside the panorama sauna, floor-to-ceiling windows open toward Djurgården’s shifting horizon. Guests are encouraged to try both the evening and morning sauna rituals, two distinct experiences for body and mind. The evening session soothes and prepares you for deep rest, while the morning ritual awakens the senses, offering a refreshing calm that carries you through the day. Each session concludes with a cold plunge or a swim directly in the sea, a quintessential Swedish act of renewal. A variety of wellness classes is offered, from yoga and Pilates to breathwork to complement the spa’s signature treatments, creating a holistic retreat where movement, rest, and nourishment flow together. Even in the privacy of your room, the focus on wellbeing continues. Red-light therapy lamps are available, adding a modern, science-backed touch to the 360° wellness experience that defines the new Hotel J. As Managing Director Alla Sokolova describes, “We want our guests to feel more connected to both nature and themselves and to leave us with a stronger sense of well-being than when they arrived.” Just minutes from central Stockholm, this newly revived sanctuary offers the luxury of balance where nature, design and thoughtful rituals meet the art of feeling well. Whether you arrive by boat, bike, or the ferry that glides across the bay, Hotel J reminds you that stillness can exist right at the edge of the city and that true modern luxury begins with the simple act of slowing down.

The Creative Open: Interview with  Maria Lashari, Chair and Co-founder of The Creative Open text Yasmine Mubarak images courtesy of The Creative Open In a world where creative conversations often circle the same voices, and the same kind of people and where networking is key. The Creative Open steps in to try to find new ways to meet. Founded on the belief that creative exchange begins with dialogue the summit invites artists, designers, and thinkers from across disciplines to meet. The first edition of the summit was last week in Stockholm, Sweden and sparked a vibrant response for those who could attend. In this interview with Odalisque Magazine, Lashari reflects on the inspiration behind the summit, the importance of “killing the algorithm of sameness,” and how The Creative Open is redefining what it means to gather creatively. Q: What inspired you to be a part of creating The Creative Open Summit, and what do you feel it brings to the international creative scene that’s been missing until now? At its core, we are a movement for creative exchange. We believe that real exchange begins with conversation, but not the same ones we’ve always had.
Scandinavia has incredible design and creative talent, but often struggles to produce the kind of open, cross disciplinary communities and platforms that thrive in other parts of the world, such as Paris, Milan, and London. Q: What do you want people to take away from the talks? To move creativity forward, we must invite new voices with unfamiliar perspectives, and perhaps we need to step outside of the usual creative circles to do so. The Creative Open is our way of killing the algorithm of sameness when it comes to talks, events, and creative dialogues.  At least, that’s what we wanted to achieve with the opening event. And the response has truly exceeded anything we imagined. People are here for it. Q: You’re focusing on Creative Confidence, Creative Expression, and the Creative Economy – why those three themes, and how do they reflect what’s happening in the creative world right now? We began by asking industry creatives about their biggest challenges, and then we had an application process for the first seats at the concert hall that helped us shape and define the topics even further with the speakers. Our goal was for the themes to feel deeply in tune with the times and challenges we’re navigating as creatives at the moment. Q: How did you go about choosing your nine speakers? Our speakers were chosen to reflect an eclectic mix of today’s creative industry. We curated the lineup with emerging talents, innovative challengers, and established top-creatives. It was important to us that there was something for everyone, no matter where they are on their creative journey. Q: Do you see The Creative Open becoming a yearly thing –maybe even growing into something international or digital down the line? Absolutely, that’s been the intention from the beginning. We see The Creative Open as something with long-term potential both physically and digitally. The response to our first edition confirms that there’s an appetite for this kind of platform.  Everything we do will continue to have an international lens, connecting creatives around the world who value conversation, connection, and believe in the power of open, creative dialogues. Q: How do you think it went, and how do you think the creative industry is working today? We are more than happy with the event; it exceeded our expectations, but there is always room to grow and make it even better. The creative industry is a wicked game, but still, we play it, and we should. “Creative thinking” has become one of the most sought-after skills, according to the World Economic Forum. It’s among the top 10 most important skills employers look for. It’s a clear sign that we need to do more in terms of nurturing, celebrating, and pushing the needle for creativity, and give it the space it deserves. Our ticket sales revealed a truth we all felt: the creative industry is bored, and the amazing response after the event indicates that there is a hunger for more.

RAINS NEW STOCKHOLM STORE  photography Francesco Stelitano Pictures from RAINS store opening event

Leica M EV1: The First M with an Integrated Electronic Viewfinder   images courtesy of Leica  Leica unveils the M EV1, the first M-System camera to feature a fully integrated electronic viewfinder: a milestone that ushers the M range into a new era of precision photography. The M EV1 remains faithful to the M philosophy: pure design, exceptional materials, and a focus on the essentials of image-making. While maintaining the unmistakable silhouette of a classic M, the M EV1 combines tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Its high-resolution electronic viewfinder with dioptre adjustment offers a real-time preview of the final image, allowing for an intuitive and highly accurate manual shooting experience. Whether framing, focusing, or adjusting exposure, the photographer sees precisely what will be captured. At its core lies a full-frame sensor with Leica’s Triple Resolution Technology, producing images in 60, 36 or 18 megapixels. Paired with the Maestro III processor, it ensures remarkable image quality and rapid performance in both DNG and JPEG formats. Files can be stored either on the built-in 64 GB memory or an SD card, providing flexible storage options. Connectivity is seamlessly integrated, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB-C enabling swift transfers via the Leica FOTOS app. Images can be shared or edited instantly (even in the background) thanks to energy-efficient Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The M EV1 is also the first in the series to feature Content Credentials. This relevant feature affirm each photograph’s authenticity with a bitcoin-esque credential that in turn provides proof that AI or photoshop hasn’t tweaked or disrupted the images.   True to Leica’s design ethos, the M EV1 follows no trend but sets its own standards. Its clean lines, robust metal construction and refined leather trim convey both durability and timeless style. An optional ergonomic handgrip with matching leather covering is also available separately. The Leica M EV1 was made available on 23 October 2025 in Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and through authorised dealers worldwide. Released in the year marking 100 years of Leica photography, the M EV1 stands as both a celebration of heritage and a statement of modern craftsmanship; a new icon for the next century of image-making.

PENTATONIC The Infinite Loop: Design’s Missing Nervous System text Christine Deckert images courtesy of PENTATONIC In fashion and design we obsess over the moment of first sight—a perfect line, a pristine surface, a product as promise. What happens after that moment has long been a blind spot. Pentatonic, a London-based circularity company, argues that the most important design phase begins after purchase. By converting returns and post-use objects into structured data, it claims to give designers a live feed of reality—how things are actually used, loved, broken, repaired, and reborn. Inside Pentatonic’s lab, shelves hold everything from box-fresh returns to battered veterans. “Every mark is data,” co-founder Johann Boedecker says, tracing a worn edge on a luxury bag from a household-name client he can’t disclose. The proposition is stark: if designers could “read” wear like language, they could design for what life does to objects—rather than for what a photoshootpromises. The feedback you never getPentatonic’s platform photographs, weighs and analyses returned products using computer vision and machine learning trained on millions of samples. Patterns—friction points, stress lines, off-label use—are turned into dashboards, design briefs and material recommendations. It’s quality control flipped: not to reject, but to learn.Vova Nesin, R&D and Innovation Director, calls it a “grammar of wear”. Shoes reveal gait; jackets reveal the choreography of daily life; toys reveal creative misuse. In one anonymised programme, Pentatonic’s data suggested 73%of returns showed off-label usage; re-engineered connections and material blends reportedly cut structural-failure returns by 34% and sparked new lines built for how people actually play. The thesis: misuse isn’t failure—it’s information. Beyond fit and finish: the emotional lifecycleThe company combines return reasons with sentiment streams to model when attachment peaks, plateaus and drops. Jamie Hall, Chief Commercial Strategy Officer, draws a line between tags-on returns (desire decisions) and returns after years of use (completed relationships). The latter, he says, carries deeper design insight: why someone stayed. For a winter coat, abandonment mightcorrelate less with wear-out than with shifts in climate, size or style. Designing for these transitions—clean alterations, re-dye programmes, modular add-ons—becomes part of the brief. Material intelligence, not material virtue                                                     Sustainability stories often sit on packaging; circularity lives in disassembly, sorting and value-retention. Pentatonic’s Product Genome Graph tracks how specific blends age, separate and recycle. In one cosmetics project (confidential), a plant-based plastic performed worse in the circular system than a conventional alternative: it degraded in use and resisted clean separation. A hybrid redesign reportedly improved durability by 67% and enabled a fully circular end-of-life. Thepoint is uncomfortable but useful: “bio-based” isn’t automatically best; verified circular performance is. Designers working with this data are starting to specify temporal materials-combinations intended to age legibly, separate cleanly and reconstitute predictably. The repair renaissanceRepair is no longer an admission of defeat; it’s a chapter in the product’s story. Pentatonic’s repair heat maps show where failure is most likely—and when visible mends increase value. In certain luxury categories, the company reports a 15–30% uplift in resale for beautifully repaired items. Cue a new philosophy: break beautifully. Not planned obsolescence, but designed reparability—failure that can be forgiven, even celebrated. Design for second and third livesThrough resale and reverse-logistics partners, Pentatonic follows products into subsequent ownerships. The best circular products aren’t immortal; they’re transformable. A chair that accrues character. A bag whose patina is a feature, not a flaw. A phone case refreshed seasonally without landfill. For brands, this becomes a new P&L: value captured at repair, refresh, refit and resaletouchpoints—relationships instead of single transactions. The algorithmic atelierIn Pentatonic’s visualisation rooms, returns scatter like weather systems. Teams filter by geography, seasonality, construction, failure mode. Correlations surface—useful, sometimes surprising. Boedecker is quick to say the goal isn’t to replace intuition: “AI doesn’t design. It validates and amplifies hunches with evidence.” The outcome is a different designer archetype: data-literate, materially fluent, emotionally aware. From ownership to circulationWhen designers see lifecycles rather than line sheets, ownership looks more like stewardship. Pentatonic’s internal models suggest products designed for multiple relationships can deliver ~3× higher lifetime value and ~60% lower total environmental impact versus like-for-like linear baselines. Whether those figures hold across categories is a fair question; the strategic direction isharder to dispute.   Predictive design The endgame is foresight: adjust a material thickness by 0.5 mm, and the system forecasts a trade-off between structural failures and weight-related returns; shift a colour palette, and it models refresh timing and second-life value. It is not prophecy—but it’s closer than moodboards. What changes if we design with this information? Fewer flawless first impressions; more pieces that age with grace. Durability that includes the right to repair. Materials chosen for how they come apart as much as how they hold together. Products that know how to die—and be reborn.                                                                                     

Interview: Sober STHLM text Christine Deckert   images courtesy of Sober STHLM   Sober Sthlm was born from a life survived. Here, sobriety isn’t moralism but  raw strength: jewellery that’s both soft and solid, created by founder Julia Koistinen, who’s seen  hell and chosen to stay on earth. Every engraving carries a promise—that truth  and vulnerability can coexist with power—and every collection pushes back  against stigma: addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. This is design that  says “you are seen, you belong”—and an invitation to The Sober Family, where  recovery becomes community. Your journey from addiction to artistry is profoundly hopeful. How does recovery show in  your designs, and what do you hope someone feels the moment they put on a piece? Recovery—and dodging death multiple times—have shaped every layer of who I am. My journey  inevitably flows into my designs. It’s taught me that tenderness and strength are not opposites—they  coexist. The tenderness comes from vulnerability and honesty; the strength comes from choosing to  rise again. Hell was boring—I’d prefer not to go there again. Every piece I create carries that  balance—something soft yet solid. Heaven and hell have always coexisted on Earth—but only I can  choose where I prefer to stay.  Sober Sthlm is made to empower. I want people to feel seen and grounded in their story. To stand  proud. Addiction is a disease—not a choice. Addicts are not weak in character or lacking willpower.  We all have a disease, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.   Society’s prejudice about addiction keeps stigma alive. You wouldn’t tell a diabetic to just try  harder to recover, that they lack morals, or that their condition is their own fault. No one chooses to  become an addict. Most would do anything to avoid hurting everyone they love, ruining their lives,  or dying. Like any other serious disease: once it has begun, we simply cannot stop or change its  course without proper psychological and medical treatment.   To everyone in recovery: I hope my designs remind you that sobriety is strength, and that you are  not alone in it. “Sober Sthlm” is a beautiful invitation to belong. What welcoming, practical steps can a  reader take today if they’re curious about support, either for themselves or someone they  love?  The first step is simply reaching out—you don’t have to do this alone. Talk to someone you trust. If  that is hard, maybe start by finding more information about substance use disorder online. Be honest  with yourself and courageous enough to admit you might have a problem. Even though your life  still looks good on the outside, hiding what is going on behind the curtains can be exhausting.  Having a functioning career, kids, or working out five days a week might keep you from seeking  help—because alcoholics couldn’t possibly keep up with a lifestyle like yours? Maybe you are the  weekend sniffer. Or the one who needs a glass of wine or two every day after work to feel relaxed.  Are you hungover on a Tuesday even though you promised yourself you would only have two beers  at dinner? Does one drink always turn into five? Or did you promise yourself to keep your nose out  of the bag this weekend, yet somehow it still ended up there? It’s not always defined by how often  and how much you consume; it’s about that feeling of losing control, the crippling anxiety, and the  bad choices that come with the behavior. Or maybe you are just tired of being tired. Either way—if  you’ve been thinking about it lately, there might be some truth in it.   There are numerous support groups, therapists, 12-Step programs, and communities where you can  get support and advice on how to regain control of your life.   Through Sober STHLM and The Sober Family, we’ve built a global community that welcomes  anyone in recovery, healing, or supporting a loved one. Connecting with us on Instagram—sharing  your story by tagging a picture—can be an act of courage and belonging. We are showing the world  that addicts are regular people and that recovery leads to a life beyond your wildest dreams.  I’m currently working on an app for The Sober Family. It will be a forum to get support, make  friends, share your journeys, and inspire each other. Healing often arrives in small, luminous moments. Could you share a piece that symbolizes  one of those moments for you, and how its materials or form carry a message of self compassion rather than perfection?  For me, the Signature Bracelet holds that meaning. It’s engraved with “SOBER,” a word that  changed my entire life. That engraving isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being real, choosing  life one day at a time.   The material is strong and lasting, but it rests gently on the skin, reminding you of your own  resilience. Whenever the laser-engraved logo catches your eye, you’ll be reminded of what you  have accomplished. Or, if you spot it out on the town, you feel united. It’s a symbol of belonging.  You are loved, not alone, and we all stand united. Each piece, to me, is an act of self-compassion—a  reminder that healing isn’t about perfection, but about presence and showing up for yourself one  day at a time. Entrepreneurship can be intense. What gentle boundaries or daily rituals help you protect  your sobriety while growing a high-end brand—and how might these practices inspire others  who are building something new in recovery?  Running a brand and working as a therapist can be all-consuming, so I’ve learned to protect my  energy carefully. I have dedicated my life to helping others, so I mustn’t forget to tend to my own  needs. I practice keeping strong boundaries around rest and connection.   Every day I remind myself: it’s not about the money—it’s about keeping as many people as possible  from going through hell. Remembering what I am working for allows me to slow down—I can’t  help others if I don’t take care of myself first.   My mornings often

Aino and Alvar Aalto: Two Visionary Icons of Nordic Design This autumn, Millesgården Museum presents AALTO – Aino & Alvar, an exhibition celebrating two pioneers who redefined modern design through creativity, equality and human values. Working side by side, Aino and Alvar Aalto developed a timeless vision where architecture, interiors and everyday objects formed a unified and organic whole. The exhibition features more than 200 pieces from the world’s largest private Aalto collection, including furniture, lighting, glassware and prototypes that reveal their experimental approach and shared philosophy. Together they created a design language that fused beauty, function and empathy, shaping the foundation of what we now recognize as Nordic design. Millesgården invites visitors to explore their enduring legacy, a celebration of form, harmony and the deeply human spirit at the heart of their work.