INTERVIEW #38 ATELIER FANNY CASTRO
Based in: Malmö
Founded in: 2021 in Malmö/Moneglia (Italy)
Founded by: Fanny Castro
Stores: Free shipping to Sweden and world wide shipping but not free
Price range: 200-1500 SEK
Why we love her: Fanny makes the cutest accessories that you can use and wear for years and years. We really like her mindset and approach and that we all doubt ourselves sometimes, just like she said *WTF, am I doing”! However she is living her life the way she wants to and creating a lovely world around herself. FYI she also runs a blog on her website where she, among other things writes about Italy and we swear, you’re going to want to go there immediately.
What is Atelier Fanny Castro and why did you start?
Atelier Fanny is a Swedish lifestyle company with an Italian touch. Scandinavian goes Italian one could say. Founded in March 2021 in Malmö, Sweden. Started with a few scrunchies and pretty quickly expanded with more accessories. I started Atelier F just like a tiny project that I shared on my private Instagram account and get so much positive feedback about it and then the idea of starting my own company started to grow. Then I just did it pretty quickly.
What is your sustainability profile?
I try to buy a lot of vintage fabrics when traveling to Italy, but I also use new fabric. The most important thing for me is to use every single piece of fabric that I buy.
How and where are the products produced?
All of the pieces are handmade by me here in Malmö. I always start by doing only a few pieces at time so everything is very limited edition
Your best selling product?
It's my silk scrunchies in a bright pink!
Where do you find inspiration?
I find my inspiration in Italy, the colors everywhere and the colors on all the old buildings and how they combine the dusty colors together. I also find super big inspiration from Italy in the 70's, the interiors, the colors, all of the flower patterns.
What have been and are the major challenges?
It's absolutely a big challenge to do everything by myself and doing everything for the first time. Like "is this right, can I do like this, will people buy, WTF am I doing?" But I wouldn't change it for a second. It's so nice to finally do everything for myself and to create things that I love.
What has been and are the largest gains?
To challenge myself and grow. And as I wrote to finally do everything for myself and create things that I love! To be my own boss is so wonderful (most of the time) and to be able to manage my own time. Before I started my company I worked as a Floor Manager in a clothing store and never had any spare time so now it finally feels like I'm living the life that I always wanted.
What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
We need to buy less, and when we are buying something it should be something that works for years. Also the big companies need to be even more conscious and to slow down the fashion.
What would you advise consumers to do who seek to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
Buy less, and buy clothes that are made with care and love.
