• images courtesy of Dr. Martens

    Inside the SS25 Collection: The People, Passion, and Process Behind Dr. Martens’ Next Chapter

    Written by Sandra Myhrberg

    Dr. Martens has always been more than just footwear. It’s a symbol of individuality, rebellion, and self-expression. The SS25 collection marks an exciting evolution, driven by the talented individuals shaping the brand’s designs and storytelling. At the core of SS25 is The Buzz, a bold ‘90s-inspired silhouette reimagined for today’s wearers, alongside Genix Nappa, a sustainable material crafted from reclaimed leather offcuts. This season is all about fusing past and future while pushing boundaries in both design and sustainability. The Buzz shoe and campaign mark an exciting evolution for the brand, driven by the talented individuals behind Dr. Martens’ designs and storytelling. This season shines a light on the incredible team behind the scenes at Dr. Martens—the designers, product experts, and marketeers whose creativity brings each collection and campaign to life. Balancing heritage with innovation is at the heart of the brand’s approach. The design teams constantly reference Dr. Martens’ 64-year archive to maintain the integrity of its brand DNA – whether it’s through iconic silhouettes, distinctive design details, or standout campaigns over the years. At the same time, this new generation of talent brings fresh ideas, materials and design approaches that push the brand forward. It’s this fusion of past and future that keeps Dr. Martens evolving while remaining unmistakably Doc’s. In this exclusive interview, Becki Evans, Jack Connors, and Bridie Husband share how Dr. Martens stays true to its rebellious roots while continuing to evolve.

    What has been the biggest challenge in launching the SS25 collections, and how did the team overcome it?
    Becki Evans (Global Brand Manager): Dr. Martens has a rich heritage, making it both exciting and challenging to decide which elements of our DNA and legacy to retain whilst ensuring a launch resonates with a new generation of wearers. At our core, we defy norms and celebrate individuality. This philosophy shapes our decision-making process. The Buzz collection embodies that spirit. Infused with confidence and the warmth of friendship, the campaign is bold, bright, and unapologetically Dr. Martens. Our regional teams have brought it to life through local partnerships and activations, helping new audiences to feel the buzz.

    Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in fashion. How does the SS25 collection, particularly the Genix Nappa line, reflect Dr. Martens commitment to sustainability?
    Jack Connors (Sustainability Project Manager): Dr. Martens long-term sustainability ambition is to become a net-zero business by 2040, and a key step towards this goal is integrating more *sustainable materials across all our product ranges. The Genix Nappa line embodies this commitment by reclaiming leather offcuts that would otherwise go to landfill and re-engineering them into a soft, lightweight, and durable material. Since its launch in Spring 2024, the range has been a huge success, and we’re excited to push its potential even further with new print and embroidery designs available next month. Beyond Genix Nappa, we’re continuously evolving our material mix, increasing the number of sustainable options across all product categories to drive long-term change.

    *At DM’s, a sustainable material is one that is durable, made from recycled, renewable, or regenerative sources, and produced responsibly.

    How does Dr. Martens ensure its products remain relevant to both loyal customers and new generations of wearers?
    Bridie Husband (Footwear Designer): At Dr. Martens we rely on our rich archive to influence what’s next for us, with nearly 65 years of heritage, we have a deep pool of inspiration to explore. Our design ethos is to stay true to our DNA whilst appealing to a new generation of wearers by experimenting with new materials, colours and collaboration partners. The Buzz shoe draws inspiration from the ‘90s archive. What aspects of that era influenced its design the most? Everything about the Buzz shoe is inspired by the ‘90s – from the chunky, rounded proportions to the leopard prints and pink hues. The Buzz has a sporty, vintage aesthetic that our wearers haven’t seen from us in recent seasons. There’s a sense of physical elevation and confidence that comes with a big platform sole: it takes up space and demands attention.

    Bridie, you led the design for Buzz and championed the return of an archive sole. What drew you to this specific element, and how did you modernize it?
    Bridie:     Bringing a classic back in a new way feels extra special. Our team always references the archive to make sure new styles align with our heritage. This type of style had been sought after by true brand fans for years – you can see the love for it by the traction it gets on resale sites and the customer interactions on our own platforms. When I pitched the idea to bring iback in my interview at DM’s, the idea snowballed, and the newly imagined Buzz is now the key mainline style for this season and beyond. The new Buzz silhouette has a classic DM’s identity but brings something bold and playful to a potential new wearer.
    The Buzz platform sits between a sneaker and a shoe.

    What kind of consumer do you envision embracing this new hybrid style?
    Bridie: The Buzz is the perfect choice for anyone who typically reaches for sneakers but wants to elevate their look whilst keeping things effortless. It’s designed for those who love to stand out yet appreciate timeless, investment-worthy pieces. With its unique shape, elevated height and versatile neutral tones of black, brown, and leopard, the Buzz seamlessly fits into any wardrobe, making it easy to dress up or down.

    What do you hope consumers will take away from the SS25 collections?
    Bridie:     With our SS25 collections, we hope to inspire a sense of playfulness and optimism. We’ve dialled up the joy and introduced fresh silhouettes and bold design details that bring new energy to our offering. We can’t wait for our wearers to make them their own.


     



     

    images courtesy of Dr. Martens

  • photography Andy Liffner

    courtesy Layered

    A Decade of Design: Malin Glemme on Layered’s 10-Year Journey and the Future of Interior Aesthetics

    Written by Ulrika Lindqvist

    As Layered celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we sit down with founder and CEO Malin Glemme to reflect on a decade of design, creativity, and innovation. From an unexpected beginning—creating a rug for her own home—to building an internationally recognized brand, Malin shares her journey, the inspirations behind her work, and what’s next for Layered.

    Ulrika Lindqvist: Hi Malin, congratulations on celebrating 10 years with Layered!

    Malin Glemme: Thank you so much! It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved.

    UL: Could you share how long you've been working in the interior design industry and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

    MG: I’ve been working in the design industry for over a decade now. My journey began with a deep passion for creating beautiful spaces that evoke emotion and feel personal. In 2014, I was decorating my new 200-square-meter home on a limited budget. Having a background in product development, I decided to design my own rug. I found an amazing supplier in India who helped bring my idea to life, and the rug ended up being featured in Sköna Hem. Readers started reaching out, asking where they could purchase it, and that’s when I realized there was real interest in this kind of design. That moment inspired me to launch LAYERED with a vision of offering rugs that combine innovative and sustainable design.

    UL: What motivated you to establish Layered a decade ago?

    MG: The experience of creating that first rug and seeing people’s excitement about it made me realize there was a gap in the market. At the time, rugs were often treated as neutral backdrops rather than statement pieces. I wanted to change that by introducing designs that felt bold, stylish, and high-quality while being crafted sustainably. Layered was born out of a desire to elevate rugs to something that could truly anchor a room and tell a story.

    UL: Over the past 10 years, have there been any standout projects or events that hold a special place in your journey?

    MG: There are so many memorable moments! Collaborating with inspiring designers and launching collections that push creative boundaries has been incredibly rewarding. One standout memory is when we launched internationally—it was a pivotal moment that showed how far we’d come. Every production trip has also been memorable and inspiring. Meeting our suppliers, many of whom run family-owned businesses, and seeing their craftsmanship up close is always fascinating and invaluable. But honestly, some of the most meaningful moments come from customers who share how our products have transformed their homes. That connection to real people and their stories is what makes it all worthwhile.

    UL: We’d love to hear more about your jubilee collection—what inspired its creation, and what makes it unique?

    MG: The Ten Years Unfolded collection is a celebration of our journey. We revisited our archives and reimagined three of the very first designs we ever launched. These were pieces that helped define our signature style in Layered’s early days. While the patterns still felt relevant, we updated the color combinations to give them a fresh, contemporary look that fits today’s aesthetic. The collection is special because it represents where we started and how far we’ve come, blending heritage with innovation.

    UL: What is your most cherished piece of interior design in your own home, and why?

    MG: That’s such a difficult question, but I’d have to say my old wooden table from the 1800s. It has a very simple design with a beautiful patina and has been with me through every home over the past 20 years. I’ve even promised my children that it will always be a part of our homes—it’s become a symbol of comfort and continuity for us all. 

    UL: Can you take us through a typical workday in your life?

    MG: No two days are ever the same! I usually start my mornings with some quiet time to gather my thoughts—either a quick walk or a cup of coffee at home. A large part of my day revolves around my role as CEO, ensuring that Layered is not just creatively inspiring but also a healthy, thriving company. This means everything from reviewing budgets and planning long-term strategies to connecting with my team and fostering a strong company culture. I also make time for creative meetings, working on new designs, and planning collaborations. And, of course, balancing work with family life is incredibly important to me.

    UL: You’ve also launched another company, PICK A POPPY. How do you manage the demands of running two businesses simultaneously?

    MG: It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m passionate about both brands and their unique stories. I’ve learned to focus on what I do best and surround myself with amazing teams who share the same vision. Time management is key, as is trusting the people I work with. PICK A POPPY allows me to explore a more playful side of design, which complements my work with Layered beautifully.

    UL: Looking to the future, what’s next for you? Are there any specific projects, goals, or aspirations you’re especially excited about?

    MG: I’m excited to continue pushing creative boundaries with both Layered and PICK A POPPY. For Layered, we’re focusing heavily on expanding in the U.S., where we’re seeing significant growth. In 2024, we’ll also be participating in several major global design weeks and fairs, including New York Design Festival, 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, and Paris Design Week. These events are incredible opportunities to connect with international audiences and showcase our vision on a larger stage. Alongside that, we’re exploring ways to make our products even more sustainable and timeless, with exciting design collaborations in the works. Personally, I’d love to dive deeper into storytelling through design—whether it’s through new collections, partnerships, or finding fresh ways to inspire people in their homes.

  • photography Agnes Strand

    fashion & all clothing Katja Inga

    An interview with Katja Inga

    Written by Agnes Strand by Zohra Vanlerberghe

    Five years ago, designer and stylist Katja Hägelmark Johansson started her business, focusing on custom-made clothing. Since then, she has dressed many celebrities, brides and bridesmaids . In the fall of 2024, she pursued one of her other dreams and launched her ready-to-wear brand, KATJA INGA - clothing that is made in Stockholm, from first sketch to last seam.

    Agnes Strand: Who are you?
    Katja Inga: I’m Katja Hägelmark Johansson, designer and also founder of the Swedish brand KATJA INGA. I make a lot of custom-made pieces, for artists for example, but also wedding dresses and I do some styling under the name Katja Johansson Design. I also run my own brand since fall 2024, KATJA INGA. It’s a ready-to-wear brand where everything is sewn and designed in Stockholm.

    AS: Describe your design
    KI: I usually describe my design at KATJA INGA as Scandinavian and timeless, but with a twist. I work a lot with draping, for example, and I like to create pieces that can be worn in several different ways, so that they can have a long life in your wardrobe. I love simplicity, less is more, especially when it comes to color, but it shouldn’t be too basic. I work 90% of the time in black and white/cream white.

    AS: How did you get to where you are today?
    KI: I sewed a lot when I was a teenager. But then a lot of other things happened in life, I lived abroad for a while, then I started studying journalism in Kalmar, and that’s when I finally picked up my interest again and started sewing, day and night really. Thats almost 10 years ago now. I’ve taken a few classes at Tillskärarakademin in Gothenburg, in pattern making, materials science, etc., but at the core, I am self-taught. I started my own company in 2020 and it gave me a reel boost in my carrier when I was working with Idol in 2021. I saw that Sebastian Hammarberg (Stylebyseb) was going to style the Idols and was looking for an assistant who could sew, so I applied—and that’s how it started. I got the job, and since then, I’ve been working with this. A lot of custommade work, which I love; it’s so fun and creative. But having my own KATJA INGA has been something I’ve been longing for for such a long time.

    AS: Biggest challenges of running your own business?
    KI: Getting the word out! Right now, all of my designs and garments are made in Stockholm, which I’m incredibly proud of, and I want people to know that, but it’s so easy to get lost in the noise. It would be so wonderful if people actually realized that you can buy clothes that are made in Stockholm.

    AS: Where do you see yourself in the future?
    KI: My dream is to be able to work 100% with KATJA INGA. Right now, I do everything myself, design, sketches, social media, sewing, the business part etc. My goal is for KATJA INGA to grow, and to have employees, so that I can do what I love the most, the design part. I wish to have a showroom or a small store, with large windows facing the street. That’s what I’m hoping for.

    photography & text Agnes Strand

    fashion & all clothing Katja Inga

    models Sanna Sellbrand & Lili Gustafsson & Jamie Sallmén

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