INTERVIEW #127 CLARA FINA FRISK
Based in: Gothenburg
Founded in: 2019
Founded by: Clara Fina Frisk
Stores: www.clarafina.se and a small physical studio/store in Gamlestaden in Gothenburg
Price range: ca 400-1500 SEK
Instagram: @clarafina.se
Hello! Welcome to A Sustainable Closet, who is Clara Fina Frisk?
Hi! Thank you so much, I am a jewellery designer and artist from Skåne, living and working in Gothenburg.
During my studies at HDK in Gothenburg in 2017, I decided to stop buying new clothes. I started buying lots of new earrings to fill the void of no shopping, but I soon realized that's not sustainable either, so I began making my own earrings instead. People around me seemed to like them and in 2019 I started my business and began my journey towards becoming a full time jewellery designer and artist.
Can you please tell us more about your earrings and jewellery brand?
I design and craft light weight statement earrings that are colorful and bold. The earrings can be worn to accent a minimalist outfit or complete a look for a maximalist. Either way, they are made to make you feel confident and the earrings certainly demand the attention you deserve to get!
What inspires you and how do you design them?
My signature earrings, in the sculptural Satin collection are inspired by the inherent tactility and movement within textile and nature. I have refined the shape of this design since I made the first pair in 2018. I love seeing how the shape has evolved through the years, revealing the progress of my craftsmanship. I choose my colors based on the season, but more importantly, based on my mood for the day. I need to feel something for the colors and shapes I’m working with.
How do you source the material and what are they made of?
I sculpt each earring in the Satin collection by hand in polymer clay, made in Europe. My production is very small scale and I don't let any of the clay go to waste. I also have a collection of earrings made from acrylic, which is of course not environmentally friendly. Right now I’m looking at switching to recycled acrylic, as a replacement for these.
My biggest project in the past year and a half has been researching ways to produce sculptural Satin earrings on a larger scale, using waste material and keeping the production in Sweden. In December 2023 I released a collection of 3D-printed earrings made from 50% recycled polyamide. A step in the right direction, but not good enough! I still have some way to go before I can start producing my earrings in 100% recycled plastic waste. Until then, I will keep sculpting each earring by hand.
Who is your typical customer and what feedback do you get from people?
My typical customers are women 25-45 years old, who want to add some extra color and sparkle to their lives. The feedback I get from them is how the earrings make them feel a little happier on a rainy day, more confident walking down the street, and how these feelings always translate and mirror back to them, through the people they meet.
Any good styling tips when it comes to jewellery?
Don’t save your best earrings and other extravagant jewellery for special events. Wear sparkles with jeans, every day is a special occasion, be bold!
What do you think needs to happen to make the fashion industry more sustainable?
There needs to be laws and restrictions for how much waste a company is allowed to create and we need to get used to the fact that there can’t be an excess of everything. We need more circular initiatives, like working rental services from the big fashion brands. There is no need for us to own as many clothes and things as we do. The change needs to come from higher-ups (big businesses and politicians). The consumers can not be the ones responsible for making change happen. As long as we live in a world where capitalism rules we will be working against the wind.