• Image by Pia Ulin

    An interview with Carina Seth Andersson

    Written by Ulrika Lindqvist

    Carina Seth Andersson, the versatile and renowned designer, is showcasing her latest exhibition at Galleri Glas in Stockholm.
    Carina is celebrated for her impressive projects and groundbreaking contributions to the design world, having collaborated with prestigious companies such as Svenskt Tenn, Arket, Poltrona Frau, Skruf, Iittala, and Marimekko. She has designed glass and ceramic pieces for Sweden's Nationalmuseum and created several modern classics, including the iconic Dagg vase for Svenskt Tenn.


    Ulrika Lindqvist: Congratulations on your new exhibition at Galleri Glas! Please tell me a little about how you got the idea for the exhibition.

    Carina Seth Andersson: The idea behind the exhibition is a continuation of work that has been going on for several years—working with free-blown glass. But the goal was to let the glass become a bit rough, to mix in chamotte, lava, different sands, soda—to somehow remove the glossy, sparkling glass, and in a positive sense, to “dirty” the glass. For me, the space is important. It became clear fairly early on that I wanted to gather the glass in one area, not spread out across the room, so that the objects can interact with each other, becoming solitaires but also forming a unit during this exhibition.

    UL: Could you tell us a bit about how you started as an artist? Was there a decisive moment when you realized this was what you wanted to do?

    CSA: No… there wasn’t a direct plan. Maybe I didn’t know at all, or maybe it was so obvious that I couldn’t see it. It’s been a process that has always been ongoing—a constant engagement in projects since I was very young. It was nothing I thought about and not something that was a goal in itself.

    UL: Please tell us about your creative process. How do your ideas go from being just ideas to becoming glass objects? What was the process for this exhibition?

    CSA: It's hard to answer. The process has no clear beginning and perhaps no end. I think about form, silhouettes, shadows… about what happens when you place two or more objects together or apart.

    UL: Do you have any specific routines that help you get into your creative mindset?

    CSA: Between different projects, I need to clean up, rearrange, make the studio empty, to start fresh again. I also need periods of rest and solitude to find my way back.

    UL: Where did you find your inspiration for this exhibition?

    CSA: For my work on Mono, I have looked a lot at structures in nature, like how sand moves in water. But I've also been inspired by various objects throughout history, particularly in medicine/pharmacy. However, it's something that's constantly evolving and stretches over many years.

    UL: Can you tell us a memorable moment from your career?

    CSA: A long time ago, I made a series of large bowls shaped like a lotus for Iittala’s Relation. At the press preview in Finland, an older woman came up to me and said she was so happy that I made bowls big enough to bathe her feet in. I love when the user takes over an object and makes it their own in their own way.

    UL: Do you have a specific project or object that you’re the proudest of?

    CSA: There is so much that could have turned out better, but also worse. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to do amazing collaborations with different clients. But just as important is when I, like with the Mono exhibition, get to work on completely free objects, entirely from myself and my studio, at my own pace. I am very thankful for this combination, and one thing supports the other.

    UL: What are your plans for the future?

    CSA: Right now, after the exhibition, I plan to install a public bronze sculpture at Lokstallarna in Hagastaden.

    Carina Seth Andersson

    Mono
    4 september - 9 oktober
    Galleri Glas, Nybrogatan 34

  • images courtsy of Tiffany & Co.

    Tiffany & Co. Unveils Freshwater Pearl Designs from Pharrell Williams' Tiffany Titan Collection

    Written by Astrid Birnbaum by Sandra Myhrberg

    Tiffany & Co. is turning heads once again with the release of stunning new jewelry featuring freshwater pearls, part of Pharrell Williams' exclusive Tiffany Titan collection. This latest collaboration draws inspiration from the mighty trident of Poseidon, a symbol of the ocean and the mythical city of Atlantis—a nod to Pharrell’s roots in Virginia Beach, where the legendary Atlantis connection runs deep.
    The original Tiffany Titan collection from Pharrell showcased bold pieces crafted from 18k yellow gold and black titanium, accented with diamonds. Now, Tiffany takes it to the next level, adding lustrous freshwater pearls and shimmering diamonds to this latest drop, blending timeless elegance with modern edge.

  • Zalando Unveils New Brand Identity with Star-Studded ‘What Should I Wear?’ Campaign

    Written by Fashion Tales

    Zalando’s latest campaign, “What Should I Wear?”, celebrates the universal experience of choosing what to wear—an everyday dilemma that transcends age, location, and gender. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling subway, the campaign captures the dynamic interplay between diverse lives, backgrounds, and style preferences. It highlights fashion that resonates with everyone, regardless of their journey.

    In an exclusive interview, Sabrina Bahsoon, who gained prominence through her viral Tube dancing videos and her rich multicultural background, shares her unique perspective on fashion. Sabrina’s journey from Malaysia to London has profoundly shaped her fashion sense and daily wardrobe choices. Her insights offer a glimpse into how fashion serves as a tool for confidence and self-expression.

    Sabrina’s story reflects the campaign’s theme perfectly. Through her experiences, she illustrates how Zalando simplifies fashion choices and inspires individuals to discover their own style and confidence. The campaign, like Sabrina’s journey, emphasizes the importance of fashion in expressing one’s identity and ambitions.

    By offering a comprehensive range of styles, inspiring content, and an exceptional shopping experience, Zalando aims to help everyone find their perfect look, no matter where their path may lead.

    What is the most important thing for you when deciding what to wear every day, and does this change when you’re preparing for a special occasion?

    Sabrina: The first thing I consider is my vision for the day. I think about my mood, the weather, and whether I want to be more conservative or show off more of myself. Growing up in Malaysia, I balanced the hot weather with conservative settings. My daily outfits are based on what I want to portray and my mood.

    How does your choice of outfit impact your confidence and mood?

    Sabrina: My confidence is closely tied to what I wear. If I'm feeling confident, I'll dress more flashy. Comfortability plays a huge part because it influences how confident I feel in any situation.

    How did your move from Malaysia to London influence your fashion sense and daily wardrobe choices?

    Sabrina: I first moved to a small town called Hartpury, which was a big change from Malaysia. In Hartpury, I was training as an athlete and didn't care much about fashion. Moving to London during COVID then going to University in Durham exposed me to diverse fashion influences and helped me develop my style.

    That must have been a big adjustment. How did it feel?

    Sabrina: It was challenging, especially in small towns where fashion wasn't a focus. In London, everyone dresses uniquely, making it easier to express my style.

    What inspired you to start dancing on the Tube, and how did fashion play a role in those viral videos?

    Sabrina: I wanted to break out of my law student image and show my love for music and fashion. I started filming myself on the Tube because I spent so much time commuting and listening to music. Fashion played a big role because I dressed up every day to express my style.

    How did you choose your outfits for these videos?

    Sabrina: I would think about the image I wanted to portray and choose outfits that reflected that.
    The way my hair blew in the wind on the Tube was a big factor too.

    How has your life changed since you went viral, and how does this influence your fashion choices and daily wardrobe decisions?

    Sabrina: Going viral changed everything. I started getting recognized, which made me more conscious of my fashion choices. I wanted to ensure that my style remained authentic and true to myself despite the attention.

    Do you still feel pressure when choosing outfits for your videos?

    Sabrina: Definitely. Depending on who I'm filming with or where we are, I always want to wear
    something that represents my style and the vibe of the shoot.

    How do you believe fashion can help build confidence and self-expression, especially in public settings?

    Sabrina: Fashion is an easy way to change how you feel about yourself. Even if you're not confident yet, dressing the part can help you feel more like the person you want to become. It’s a way of foreshadowing your future self and building confidence.

    Can you share an example of how this worked for you?

    Sabrina: When I started focusing on my fashion, I felt more put together and confident, which
    helped me project the image I wanted to the world.

    How has the cultural diversity of London shaped your approach to fashion and the question, “What do I wear?”

    Sabrina: London’s diversity has made it easier to dress how I want without judgment. Growing up in Malaysia influenced my love for colorful, lightweight fabrics, which I still incorporate into my style. London allows me to blend these cultural influences freely.

    What specific elements from Malaysian culture do you incorporate into your fashion?

    Sabrina: The fabric material„ the patterns, and the traditional silhouettes like the Kebaya. These elements are always a part of my wardrobe.

    What challenges do you think people face in expressing their true selves through fashion in different cultural contexts?

    Sabrina: People often worry about societal perceptions. In Malaysia, there’s a strong emphasis on what others think. Overcoming that mindset and realizing that most people don’t care as much as you think can be liberating.

    How did you shift your mindset?

    Sabrina: I started telling myself that people are staring because my outfit is great, not because it’s weird. This positive reinforcement helped me feel more confident.

    How do you balance staying true to your unique style while also engaging with global fashion trends?

    Sabrina: It’s a challenge, especially with having access to so many clothes. I’ve learned to be selective and only choose pieces that truly represent my style and that I can wear long-term. Sustainability is also important to me, so I focus on thrifting and finding unique pieces.

    What strategies do you use to stay true to your style?

    Sabrina: I ask myself if I would wear the piece more than once and if it fits my personal style. If not, I pass on it.

    Can you share a moment when your outfit choice significantly impacted your interaction with others on the Tube?

    Sabrina: One time, I wore a bold, colorful outfit that caught everyone’s attention. People were curious and started conversations with me, which wouldn’t have happened if I had worn something more subdued.

    How did this experience influence your fashion choices?

    Sabrina: I loved the idea that fashion can be a great conversation starter and a way to connect with others.

    How do you think fashion can bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding between different communities?

    Sabrina: Fashion is a universal language. When you wear something from another culture, it can spark curiosity and conversations. It’s a way to share stories and traditions.

    Can you give an example of how fashion helped you connect with someone from a different background?

    Sabrina: When celebrating Eid at home , my friends would wear my traditional Malaysian attire, which led to discussions about our cultures and traditions, creating a deeper understanding and connection.

    What role do you believe fashion plays in creating viral social media moments, like your Tube dancing videos?

    Sabrina: Fashion plays a crucial role. It’s not just about the dance or the music but also about the visual appeal. My outfits helped convey my personality and added to the overall impact of the videos.

    Do you still plan your outfits meticulously for your videos?

    Sabrina: Yes, I always consider what I’m wearing and how it will come across on camera. The right outfit can elevate the entire video.

    Zalando aims to offer a wide range of styles for all. How do you think this inclusivity can help people find their confidence in fashion?

    Sabrina: Having a wide range of styles means that everyone can find something that fits their personality and body type. It’s encouraging for people who might not have found their style yet to explore different options and see what resonates with them.

    How did Zalando’s range help you when you first started exploring fashion?

    Sabrina: It provided me with so many choices that I could experiment with different looks until I found what truly represented me.

    If you were to create a fashion line with Zalando inspired by your Tube videos, what key elements would you include?

    Sabrina: I’d include three main moods: a siren/mermaid energy, a witchy-boho vibe, and a structured, put-together look. These represent the different aspects of my personality and the various roles I play in my life.

    How would you ensure these pieces are versatile?

    Sabrina: I’d design them to be mix-and-matchable, so people can create multiple outfits from a few key pieces.

    How do you think technology and social media have changed the way people make decisions about what to wear daily?

    Sabrina: Social media provides endless inspiration and allows people to see how others style their outfits. It’s easier to experiment and find your style when you can see real people wearing the clothes.

    Do you rely on social media for fashion inspiration?

    Sabrina: Definitely. I follow influencers who inspire me and adapt their looks to fit my style. It’s a great way to discover new ways to wear my clothes.

    www.zalando.se

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