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A Decade of Crime, Psychology, and Gripping Twists, an Interview with Author Mikaela Bley photography Linda Alfvegren fashion editor Ulrika Lindqvist hair and makeup Filippa Smedhagen all clothes talents own Swedish author Mikaela Bley marks 10 years since her debut with Lycke, the first in a string of bestselling psychological thrillers. With a background in television and a fascination for female perpetrators, Bley has carved out a distinctive voice in Scandinavian noir. In this interview, she reflects on her creative journey, the real-life inspiration behind her stories, and how her own fears and recent reality TV experience, shape the narratives she writes. Ulrika Lindqvist: Congratulations on celebrating 10 years as an author! Did you always now you wanted to write? What made you take the leap into writing your first novel 10 years ago? Mikaela Bley: Thank you! When I worked as an acquisition executive at TV4, I bought a true crime series about women who kill and became completely hooked. I read everything about female perpetrators, and that’s where the idea for my first book series about Ellen Tamm (crime reporter at TV4) was born. Female killers and victims are still a recurring theme in my books. I have always been interested in exploring the origins of a crime, its psychology, and the underlying motives. My ambition is to write multifaceted, exciting, and gripping stories – where nothing is as it first seems. My ambition is to portray our contemporary society from different and new perspectives and to raise questions about guilt, power and justice – where the line between perpetrator and victim lies dangerously close. UL: You released your debut Lycke in 2015, how has the response, both critically and from readers, shaped your perception of the novel over time? MB: The response was very positive from both readers and critics, and that made me so happy. It went much better than I had ever dared to hope. The series was sold directly to fourteen countries and made it possible for me to continue writing. Since it was a gamble when I quit my job at TV4 to write, it was an incredible relief and luxury to be able to continue writing full-time. I have released eight books since then and take all constructive criticism to heart so I can improve my craft, and of course, I have developed both as a person and as a writer since then. Reading experiences and reviews are subjective, someone loves a book and someone else hates the same book and I love them all! UL: You worked at Swedish channel TV4 before becoming an author, how did it feel to return to the channel, this time as a participant in the show The Traitors? MB: Completely different. Working on or watching a show like The Traitors is nothing like actually being one of the participants-it’s like night and day. Even though I was prepared for it to be a tough game, it turned out to be much more psychologically demanding than I had imagined. Reality quickly became isolated, and even though I knew and understood intellectually that it was “just” a game, it still felt like it was about life and death. It was very interesting to see and experience my own and other people’s behavior in such a special situation and group, not to mention the group dynamics! UL: Ellen Tamm, your character, works as a reporter at TV4. Has your own experience in front of the camera inspired any new developments or insights that you plan to explore in the next book about her? MB: Being falsely accused and what that does to a person. When we watch interrogations and interviews with suspected perpetrators and they can’t answer all the questions directly or give vague answers, it is often instinctively interpreted as if they are guilty. My experience in The Traitors made me realize how difficult it is to defend yourself against unreasonable accusations when you are mistrusted. Ellen Tamm will definitely be digging deeper into this. UL: What was the inspiration behind your new novel If One Falls, All Fall? Did any particular events, ideas, or themes inspire you more during the writing process? MB: In If One Falls, All Fall, I wanted to explore the modern spy-what kind of people infiltrate our societies and live seemingly ordinary lives among us. It could be a colleague, a neighbor, or even the person you are married to. I wanted to try to understand how someone, year after year, can live their life as someone else, lie to everyone, make friends and have a family? What is the driving force behind it? How do they manage it? UL: If One Falls, All Fall is launched exklusively as an audiobook before being published in hardback this fall, what is your relationship to audiobooks? Do you have favorite books or genres that you specifically like to listen to? MB: The audiobook is the most popular format in Sweden. Most of my “readers” now listen to my books. I myself alternate between reading and listening. They are two different experiences. Some books work better in audio format and others the opposite. When it comes to audiobooks, I mostly listen to nonfiction, biographies, and life stories-preferably narrated by the authors themselves. UL: I’ve heard that you’re afraid of the dark, do you often draw from your own fears in your writing? MB:Absolutely, I always write about what scares me. Writing is a kind of therapy, a way to confront my fears  and ghosts, get to know them, and try to understand them. UL: Which novels or authors have been most influential to your writing style and the themes you explore? Do you find yourself returning to specific works during your creative process? MB: Michael Connelly was my great role model; now I am inspired by many different authors in all genres. I read so many books, and all of them teach me something new. UL: Could you share some insights into your creative process? When and how do you find you’re the most productive or inspired to write? MB: I always have inspiration to write; time is my biggest challenge. The best thing for me is to isolate myself and focus solely on my writing, really immersing myself in the

Levi’s x Oasis  Levi’s® is launching a new collection that celebrates the band’s iconic style and attitude – the Levi’s x Oasis Collection . The collection was released on July 1, just in time for the tour premiere, and includes both vintage-inspired band tees and denim pieces inspired by the band’s most legendary looks – including a parka in true Liam Gallagher spirit and a new version of the Levi’s Type II Trucker Jacket.

A Clash of Cultures: HUGO x RB by Slawn Melds Tailoring with Artistic Rebellion  Jahwanna Berglund There’s something electric about fashion when it dares to defy its own codes, when tailoring gets tangled up with graffiti, when tradition collides with youthful urgency. That’s exactly what’s happening in the newly unveiled collaboration between HUGO and rising London-based designer Redesigning Britain (RB), led by Idris Balogun, featuring the artistic voice of Nigerian-British creative Slawn. For Fall/Winter 2025, HUGO once again leans into its bold, rebellious DNA, this time inviting RB’s modern tailoring language into the mix. The result is a collection that feels both raw and refined, where street energy meets craftsmanship head-on. But it’s Slawn’s unmistakable hand that adds a twist of unruly charm. Known for his fast-paced, emotional brushstrokes and explosive palette, Slawn quite literally paints over convention. Each garment becomes a canvas. Think tailored jackets interrupted by hand-drawn typography, graphic-lined outerwear, and classic silhouettes shaken up by Slawn’s signature expressive style. It’s not just a meeting of aesthetics, it’s a conversation between generations, backgrounds, and creative disciplines. Slawn’s contribution doesn’t feel like a guest appearance, it feels like a takeover. As editors who often navigate the worlds of fashion, art, and cultural commentary, we’re drawn to collaborations that feel alive. This one doesn’t whisper, it yells.And it does so with intention. For HUGO, this collaboration reinforces its commitment to the unapologetic and unexpected. For RB, it’s a canvas to push its already distinct point of view further and for Slawn, it’s a moment of beautiful chaos, captured in stitch, spray, and spirit. Expect limited pieces, collector energy, and a fierce reminder that tailoring can have teeth. www.hugo.com

AKIND’s New Collection Reimagines Special Occasion Jewelry for the Modern Era text Ulrika Lindqvist Swedish fine jewelry brand AKIND unveils its largest drop to date—a striking new collection that elevates special occasion jewelry with bold, lab-grown diamond designs. Rooted in sustainability and modern storytelling, the release marks a significant evolution in AKIND’s mission to blend luxury with conscious craftsmanship. The collection features standout pieces designed to honor life’s personal milestones, including organically shaped “sibling rings” like the Pear Cut Diamond Band, Alliance Band, and Gold Band. Whether worn solo or stacked, each piece allows wearers to express their individuality with elegance and intention. “Jewelry should reflect your own journey, not just tradition,” says Anna Wallander, AKIND’s founder. “These are pieces you can wear, stack, and love for a lifetime.” True to the brand’s ethos, all diamonds are lab-grown—offering the same brilliance as mined stones, but without the ethical and environmental cost. Handcrafted in Europe using 100% recycled gold, the collection underscores AKIND’s commitment to responsible luxury. With this release, AKIND continues to reshape the narrative around fine jewelry—inviting wearers to celebrate love, success, and self-expression on their own terms.

HUGO x RB Back with Third Capsule Collection Drop for Summer 2025 Roaring into summer 2025, the HUGO x RB collab is back with a daring third drop, bringing the brands’ rebellious spirit and unique character to the track, to the streets, and to the culture with convention-defying, statement-making styles. Showcased in a high-impact campaign starring Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda, the latest release in this ongoing collab embodies unapologetic individuality and the relentless pursuit of on-track glory. In summer 2025, HUGO x RB makes only the strongest of statements. Racing-inspired details and playful twists on the iconic Bull logo have been incorporated across signature casual HUGO pieces, including fresh hoodies and sweats, bold graphic tees, a statement leather jacket, and, in a HUGO x RB first, accessories such as caps and sneakers. HUGO made its presence felt at the sold-out F175 Live event at the Q2 in London last night, where Formulas 1 teams’ new liveries were revealed to mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary year. The new HUGO x RB capsule collection and other new-season HUGO pieces were seen on top talents and influencers at the event, including The Pitstop podcasters Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca, Danny Lomas, Sophie Milner, Andre Dixon, Jolie Sharpe, Emma Walsh, Cordell McLean, Kyan Francis, Mac Griffiths, and Maximilian Chester. 2025 marks HUGO’s second year as the official apparel partner of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) Formula One Team. From the beginning of the new F1 season, HUGO has featured on the team’s race suit, teamwear, and livery. The partnership goes beyond the track with limited-edition capsules of bold styles featuring the sophisticated edge of HUGO tailoring, fashion-forward performance wear, and stylish fanwear. Alongside high-performance racewear, the brand also designs and develops off-duty looks for VCARB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Osack Hadjar, and outfits the entire team in travel wear from its collections. The HUGO x RB partnership continues to exhilarate and resonate with motorsport and fashion fans alike, echoing the thrill of F1, levelling up the hype and combining the power of sports and style under the brand’s core motto: HUGO Your Way.

HUGO Introduces Next-Level Tailoring in Spring/Summer 2025 for a New Generation of Bold Style text Katharina Baumgarten images courtesy of HUGO In its Spring/Summer 2025 global brand campaign, HUGO flips the script on tailoring. Photographed by Dan Jackson under the creative direction of Trey Laird and his agency, Team Laird, the focus is on flexible, infinitely adaptable suiting. This full-year campaign will unfold in two chapters: Chapter 1 this Spring/Summer, followed by Chapter 2 in Fall/Winter. In Chapter 1, HUGO captures a youthful maverick as he navigates a series of red rooms. The styling of his sharply cut suit evolves from classic and timeless, to offbeat and inspired, combined with a snug tank top, a chunky leather boot, a boldly printed short-sleeved shirt, and tailored shorts. His looks are inspired by the concept of The GO Suit: a new, very HUGO approach to building a go-to tailored wardrobe for every aesthetic and occasion. In womenswear, we meet a heroine in a sleek white three-piece suit in the red rooms. The camera zooms in on the details: a bold belt, a strappy heel, the cropped cut of a vest, highlighting the adaptability of HUGO’s tailoring for all genders, and celebrating the individuality of the person inside the suit: recharging the brand’s motto, “HUGO Your Way” as a true statement for self-expression. The “go your way” narrative of the campaign also underscores the brand’s commitment to a better fashion industry. Enter: HUGO FORWARD, a new platform showcasing HUGO’s innovative, technology-driven approach to design. HUGO FORWARD pieces will carve a path of transformational exploration, following the mantra, “You’ve got to keep moving to stay ahead of the game.” HUGO FORWARD’s first drop arrives this season: three tailored styles created with plant- based HeiQ AeoniQTM, a groundbreaking cellulose yarn made from wood pulp that rivals the performance properties of polyester. A modular constellation of menswear suit separates, including a single-breasted blazer, casual jacket, and trousers, all in timeless black, these HeiQ AeoniQTM and wool-blend pieces can be worn matched or clashed, smart or casual. Further cementing HUGO’s status as a tailoring pioneer, these are the first-ever suiting separates crafted with this fiber to go to market.

HUGO x Les Benjamins text Emelie Boden “HUGO x Les Benjamins is a vibrant exploration of cultural intersections, where the rich heritage of Istanbul’s streets meets HUGO’s self-expressive style,” says Marco Falcioni, SVP of Creative Direction at HUGO BOSS. “This collaboration is more than just a merging of aesthetics; it’s a dialogue between traditions, a blend of histories, and a bold statement on the power of fashion to bridge worlds and inspire individuals across the world. Embracing Les Benjamins’ unique viewpoint and HUGO’s innovative design DNA, we’ve created a collection that celebrates the spirit of discovery, the joy of creative expression, and the shared journey of interculturality.” Q1. At what point did you realize that a career in design was your calling, and was this aspiration always a part of your journey?Design was always calling me, but I wasn’t paying attention to the signals. Growing up in Germany as an immigrant child was already a challenge by itself. My Turkish parents did not want me to study fashion design, as any creative study felt limiting to them; they wanted me to have a bright future. At age 21, when I designed my first Les Benjamins collection in university, I realized that I needed to quit and pursue my fashion design journey as a storyteller. Q2. What motivated you to establish this brand, and what were the core inspirations that shaped its vision and direction?I wanted to give a voice to Eastern youth, and I’m also interested in diaspora. My collection “Herzlich Willkommen” was one of my favorite seasons as it summarized everything from design to storytelling, symbolism, and giving back to my grandparents. Identity is important, but having a globally cultured vision is just as crucial. Every human has the right to live the way they want to live. Q3. What drives your ongoing commitment to this brand, and what inspires you to continually innovate and evolve its identity?Seeing people hide their identities because they are scared of what others might think drives me. For me, seeing everyone’s identity celebrated and welcomed is richness. My focus is on Eastern youth, meaning Near-East, Middle-East, and Far-East. My wife and I just spent two months in Japan and one and a half months in South Korea. I want to bring the Near-East and Far-East together in conversation with the West. Building a cultural bridge of exchange of Eastern youth culture through arts, craft, music, fashion, and conversations is my goal. This platform will allow other brands, designers, musicians, photographers, and artists to emerge and be seen globally. Seeing someone grow who is part of your community is the most fulfilling feeling in the world. We all win.   Q4. Given the significance of culture and community to you and your brand, how do you effectively communicate and embed these values within your brand’s identity and consumer experience?I see this in multiple dimensions. The first dimension is my collections, where people dig into the details and meanings I try to convey in each design. Every season, I try telling a new story inspired by the Wide East. Our followers and community love to explore these details and understand the symbols’ meanings. Through seeing us do it, they feel more confident in incorporating their own identity into their music videos or songs. The second dimension is the people we work with. In every campaign, we ensure a good mix of identities that live out the story we’re trying to tell. The third dimension is how we present our collections. I love to imagine the world from designing the collection to space and architecturalQ5. How do you perceive the collaboration with HUGO? Would you consider it a significant milestone in achieving your brand’s objectives?Most definitely, it’s a special milestone. It’s the first German fashion brand to ever welcome a Turkish-German immigrant fashion designer to tell his grandparents’ story. The HUGO x Les Benjamins collection is inspired by my grandfather and grandmother, who came to Germany as Gastarbeiter in the 1960s. My grandfather, who was a welder, came first. HUGO welcoming me and giving me the freedom to express myself through art and fashion made this moment extra special. This collection pays homage to all Gastarbeiter grandparents. May their memories live on with us forever. Q6. What are your future plans for this brand, including any key goals and upcoming projects?I’m working on a "100 Year Friendship" collaboration with seven Japanese craftsmen and seven Turkish craftsmen, creating unique objects that will be sold in limited quantities and exhibited in our Les Benjamins flagship store. We also have some surprise guests visiting, and it will be a beautiful cultural moment. Unfortunately, craftsmanship is dying with the rise of AI and isn’t receiving the attention it deserves. People are opting for more cost-effective manufactured goods. This special crafts project will be released on September 13th in Istanbul.   images courtesy of Hugo

Breitling x Cutler and Gross: Where Time Meets Vision text Natalia Muntean When two masters of craftsmanship come together, the result is more than just a product, it’s a shared expression of style, heritage, and innovation. Breitling, renowned for its precision timepieces, has joined forces with Cutler and Gross, the iconic British eyewear brand, to bring their distinct worlds into perfect focus.
 This exclusive collaboration extends Breitling’s signature spirit of adventure beyond the wrist, introducing a limited-edition sunglass collection that’s as functional as it is striking. Each pair reflects the same meticulous attention to detail found in Breitling’s watches: luminous lacquer-filled temple tips, Milanese-engraved core wires reminiscent of the Superocean’s iconic mesh bracelets, and handcrafted frames that feel as good as they look.
 Available in metal, eco-conscious cellulose acetate, or mixed materials, each style is produced in a limited run of just 500 pieces, a true collector’s item for those who appreciate design with a story. 

HUGO BLUE x Uniform Display: A New Chapter in Personal Style text Fashion Tales HUGO’s denim-forward line, HUGO BLUE, has joined forces with fashion platform Uniform Display to launch a new print magazine dedicated to self-expression and personal style. Known for its streetwise edge and cultural fluency, Uniform Display brings its unique voice to the collaboration, spotlighting Hugo Blue’s latest collections through immersive storytelling and editorial content. The project features style-savvy creatives from London, Paris, and Berlin, each city represented by local talents from Uniform Display’s network. Through personal city guides and authentic visuals, the magazine captures the real-world vibe of Hugi Blue’s street culture-inspired designs. The collaboration officially launched in London on May 22 with a celebratory dinner and afterparty at STEREO in Covent Garden. Guests explored editorial installations, a HUGO BLUE x Uniform Display claw machine, and a custom magazine stall, all bathed in the brand’s signature electric blue. With distribution across key London locations and select EMEA partners, the magazine cements HUGO BLUE’s position as a voice of the new generation, one that dresses with attitude, individuality, and cultural awareness.

Three Playful Watches from Hermès That Capture the Spirit of Movement text Jahwanna Berglund Hermès continues to weave its artistic heritage into its watchmaking, creating timepieces that are as playful as they are refined. This year, three standout designs demonstrate the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship and storytelling, with two inspired by its iconic silk scarves and one a celestial ode to timeless elegance. Arceau Belles du Mexique Inspired by the vibrant jarabe tapatío, or Mexican “hat dance,” from Jalisco, this watch channels the energy and movement of this traditional folk performance. Its intricate design pays homage to a beloved Hermès silk scarf first released in 2017, now transformed into a dynamic and colorful timepiece. With its lively aesthetic and connection to cultural celebration, the Arceau Belles du Mexique is a joyful tribute to the art of movement. Grand Tralala Brides et Mors This watch reinterprets the Grand Tralala silk scarf, designed by French artist Virginie Jamin, within a precious 34mm case. Celebrating Hermès’ equestrian heritage, the design features intricate motifs of bridles and bits (brides et mors) brought to life with remarkable craftsmanship. The Grand Tralala blends the elegance of the equestrian world with the playful artistry of Hermès scarves, making it a truly captivating accessory. Arceau Petite Lune Unlike the scarf-inspired designs, the Arceau Petite Lune takes a celestial turn. This steel timepiece, set with 99 diamonds and crowned with a rose-cut diamond, exudes understated luxury. Its interchangeable abyss-blue alligator strap showcases Hermès’ leather-making expertise, crafted entirely in the Maison’s Horloger workshops. Originally designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Petite Lune features a moon-phase complication, inviting wearers to journey “to the moon and back.” With its luminous charm, it is an elegant homage to the mysteries of the night sky.