INTERVIEW #68 MIKAELA LARSELL AYESA
Name: Mikaela Larsell Ayesa
Occupation: COO and Co-founder of Hack Your Closet.
Based in: Stockholm
Occupation: COO and Co-founder of Hack Your Closet.
Get inspired by: People with confidence, thoughtful homes, new business ideas, nature and inspirational leaders.
Why we love her: A true entrepreneur! It’s so inspiring to see what Mikaela has achieved so far in her career. What if everyone could have that relationship that Mikaela has to clothes and fashion, the world would be an even better place. You go girl!
Tell us about yourself?
I have a background in engineering, innovation management, and circular economy with a very solution-oriented mindset. With that said, you're guessing just right if I tell you that I'm a very structured, organized, and practical person. BUT nevertheless, I enjoy being surrounded by creative people and create things myself (even though I'm not very good at it). Here is where my passion for innovation comes in: I would say that I'm pretty good at listening to other people's ideas and finding solutions!
What’s your relationship with clothes?
My relationship with clothes has changed over the past years, especially since Hack Your Closet became a big part of my life. My grandmother is a seamstress and has always sewed her own and my mother's clothes when she was young, mostly because of economical reasons. I became really interested in fashion in high school and started my own fashion blog. I read a lot about the industry, the latest trends, the greatest brands, designers and models. Then I met my co-founder who taught me how to second-hand shop! When our shared closet grew after about 6 months, I basically stopped buying new clothes and started borrowing from our closet. I really appreciate good quality and design, you can definitely find that second-hand! Today, I care a lot about my clothes - it's emotional.
How would you describe your style?
My style is minimal, both in design and colors, with a touch of edginess to it. I like to mix styles - one day I can dress like I was working in a bank and the next day like I went to work on a skateboard. I tend to go more for the classy, sophisticated looks but tone it down with sneakers. Or the opposite: go more for the casual looks but level them up with heels.
Any favourite items?
My blazers and my basic tank tops.
How would you describe your closet?
My closet contains a few favorite items that I use a lot, mixed in different outfits. It also contains items from my mom and my sister, as we have the same size and similar style. My closet is very... plain, nude, black & white, beige & brown and green. There are no bright colors or items with patterns. Wow, that sounds really boring! I have too many black office pants and basic tank tops, but what can ever go wrong with those items?
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in other people, in nature, in furniture, in art...
Do you have a style icon, if yes, who?
Yes! Rosie Huntington-Whiteley inspires me A LOT, not only with her style but also with her career and her as a leader. I like the style of Sofia Richie as well, a bit more playful. And Anine Bing and Pernille Teisbaek... There are so many! Their styles are timeless, simple and it's easy to keep a sustainable closet with basic items that you can match in different outfits.
What is a sustainable closet for you?
It's a closet full of favorite items that are very used and cared about. Items that are not basic and that you are not going to use every day are borrowed and are not always there. A sustainable closet has different sections: the basic section that contains items that are yours, that you own and that you use a lot, and the rotating section with fun, diverse and seasonal/occasional items that you borrow, rent or swap and that don't stay in your closet forever.
What do you think about the fashion industry in general?
I think that the fashion industry has created an unhealthy consumption behavior that is now looking for a change. It is one of the industries where we are going to see a massive transformation during our lifetime and it's happening now.
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
Don't go for the cheap, fast options just because the trends are dragging your attention towards it. Find out what you like and stick to it. Look for what you are searching for in second-hand shops first and if you're not sure and want to experiment: try renting, borrowing, swapping or hacking your closet. Divide your closet in the sections explained above and organize your closet so that you clearly see what you have!