Photographer Rupert Tapper – Fashion Editor Veton Metaj – Model Signe Michaelsson at Mikas – Makeup by Sara Ericsson at LinkDetails – Hair by Philip Fohlin at LinkDetails – Casting by Rise – Fashion Assistant Siri Gertonsson – Special Thanks to Ping Pong Studios – Interview by Melania Musci // Total Look Isabel Marant // Total Look Acne Studios // Belt as Top Stylist’s Own
Belt as Top Stylist’s Own – Skirt Nicklas Skovgaard – Socks Stylist’s Own – Shoes Isabel Marant / Fur Celine – Thights Stylist’s Own – Shoes Isabel Marant
Before becoming a part of it, what intrigued you about the fashion world?
I was honestly not so intrigued by the fashion world before I entered it. I think I was angry at how designers could be so out of touch with ‘real clothes’. Then I realised they create the trends that are, later on, turned into wearable clothing.
Now that you’re a that’re it, what aspect of this world has surprised you the most?
Something that you don’t see from the outside is how big the production of a single picture in a magazine can be. The production team, photographer, stylist, hair, nail and makeup artist, all with their own assistants. And then, a whole casting process on top of that, with a casting director and team.
Have you ever had a moment on a runway or during a shoot where you felt the outfit truly embodied your personal style?
One of my favourite things about this job is getting to try on completely crazy outfits, that I’d never wear otherwise. They always bring out some new parts of me. Where else would I walk around with 10-cm stilettos and a belt as top? It’s also nice to wear clothes that’re more in my comfort zone every now and then. I always thrive in a good big suit, where I can embrace my bad posture. I really like Petra Fagerström’s clothes, it’s kind of like an elevated version of my personal style.
Total Look Acne Studios / Total Look Isabel Marant – Socks Stylist’s Own
Expanding the conversation to creative arts, who’s an artist whose work you particularly admire?
I’m a bit late to the party, but I really admire Nan Goldin and her work. There’s something that’s just really captivating about her pictures. I think part of it is because of how intimate they feel, with her being visible in the art she makes and how close she is with most people she portrays. Everything feels like it’s made so passionately, whether it’s how the picture is taken or how she displays it; I think I went four times when her show was in Stockholm.
Staying on this topic, do you perceive fashion as an artistic expression, or is it more accurately described as a commercial enterprise?
I’d absolutely say that fashion is an artistic expression. Unfortunately, that doesn’t rule out that it’s financed and driven by commercial forces. Unlike other art forms, it’s almost impossible to work in fashion without supporting consumerism, capitalism, and climate pollution, since all this can be found in the industry’s very foundation. I think the problem is that people accept this as the premises for working in the industry, and become paralysed from acting for real change. It’s easier to focus on the art part and let that excuse the lifestyle.
Total Look Prada
The fashion industry is often seen as superficial and cruel. Do you think that’s a fair assessment?
The image of fashion as a cruel industry could be envisioned as a bunch of malicious people who rule fashion with their old-fashioned values. Most of the people I’ve met through work are neither superficial nor cruel. Still, it’s an industry that’s responsible for almost 10% of global carbon emissions, where 0.8% of models during SS25 fashion weeks were plus size, and that flies people all over the world for a job. I believe it’s more about narrow-minded values and an outdated system that’s still allowed to govern an industry where most claim to hold different views. It’s interesting how a majority seems to be pro inclusivity and sustainability but still accepts the industry’s fundamental resistance to changing. As mentioned before, I think a lot of people accept the cruel parts as premises for the job, especially since it’s hard to get into the industry and stay there. It may be hypocritical to preach inclusivity and sustainability but work in an industry that represents the exact opposite. So, why not doing something about it? Go by train instead of flying, cast different body types, choose a team that lives closer to the job. I don’t think people who work in fashion are cruel the industry doesn’t have to be either.
Total Look Prada / T-Shirt Fadead Vintage Biarritz – Jeans Acne Studios – Necklace Isabel Marant
Your modelling career has undoubtedly shaped your relationship with your body and image. Can you reflect on this journey and share any personal growth you’ve experienced?
I’ve definitely become more objective about my body, separating it from my view of myself as a person. When I started modelling, I soon realised I look a bit weird and that’s why I got the job (Laughs, E.D.). I don’t mind, I think I’ve learnt to carry myself more confidently than before because of that. Knowing what my niche is.
What’s a beauty secret you’ve learnt on set that you use regularly?
I’ve been planning to start cutting my cuticles regularly. It’s very satisfying. One tip I got was making your own lip scrub with sugar and coconut oil. Very efficient to get rid of crusty lips, which seems to be the no.1 beauty problem this time of year.
Your job is constantly changing and exciting. What’s the most beautiful place you’ve visited because of your work?
This sounds very nationalistic since I’ve got to visit a ton of beautiful countries, but one moment that pops up in my mind is when we shot in the archipelago outside of Stockholm. Early summer, when the sun never really goes down. We shot by the sea all night and it was a constant dusk/dawn.
With such a dynamic and demanding career, do you foresee a point where you’ll feel the need for a change of pace? How do you envision your professional journey unfolding?
Absolutely. As much of a spontaneous person I am, I’ll probably grow tired of the last-minute lifestyle someday. I’ve never really seen modelling as my real occupation, even when it’s been, because it’s not really something you can see yourself doing forever. That’s nice because I still feel surprised every time I get to work or travel somewhere. I’m still waiting for the vision of my professional journey to unfold. I know I want to learn and study more.
Fur Celine – Thights Stylist Own – Shoes Isabel Marant