INTERVIEW #102 KAJSA NORDIN

Name: Kajsa Nordin

Based in: Stockholm

Occupation: Fashion studies (Modevetenskap) student

Instagram: @kajsanordin

Get inspired by: Everything! I keep somewhat of a landing net with me at all times which I sweep around in my environment for inspiration. It’s a catch and release thing: some things I keep and use, and some I let go of. 

Tell us about yourself?

29 years. From Västerbotten county. Sewing-, up cycling- and remake ninja. Partner. Guinea pig lover. Second hand rat. Celebration enthusiast. Fashion nerd. Craze for clothes. Love sleeping in. Enjoy baking. 

What’s your relationship with clothes?

In the western society people base their identity on what they consume which ultimately means that it’s partially possible to construct how to be perceived through the very things we wear. Growing up my family didn’t have a lot of money so my mum sewed most of our clothes and the rest we usually bought second hand. I also inherited clothes from my older sister. When you’re lacking something, in this case economic resources, the creativity tends to become a given feature. Albeit lacking monetary assets as a kid I, of course, also wanted to take a part in this fundamental identity process. From an early age I experimented with what I had to try to develop this sense of me as an individual while at the same time trying to fit in with my peers. I started working early which meant I had some money on my own, I remember it so clearly, it was about 200 SEK/month. It wasn’t much but it allowed me to taste freedom! As a kid you’d usually find me at the sales racks or local flea market looking for something that could contribute to this sense of me. I’ve always loved clothes, not particularly fashion, and from an early age I used my creativity to counteract the shortcomings that reflected my upbringing. To this day this is still very much how I perceive the act of adorning the body, my body, and also others in the case of my sewing adventures: lack of resources doesn’t have to be negative, in many cases it might be good for the creativity. Do what you can with what you have. It’s a given that innovation doesn’t sprout from inside the box.

Your style is beyond cool, how would  you describe your style in three words? 

Versatile, fun and scattered. In a good way! Never lost, just a jumble.

Any favorite items? 

Oh my God many. My favorites are usually the pieces where I feel the intangible value exceeds the material value. That could be nostalgia, design, the material used or the designer/brand. Some favorites are the ones I’ve created myself because I own the only copy and the design comes from my own brain haha, some are things that I bought that’s just quirky and one of a kind and some are basic stuff where I love the cut or color. One example is a skirt I found second hand that is made of granny squares, such a handicraft! I love it to bits!

When scrolling on your Instagram, we see there is a high level of creativity, where do you find inspiration?

I think I need to circle back to my mum on this one. As I mentioned before she’s always had to use creativity to make ends meet and since she’s super creative to begin with it spilled over on my sister and me. She always encouraged our creative escapades. I think that if you’re introduced to this kind of mind teasing curiosity from an early age you never stop to discover new ways to interpret inspiration onto projects. With that said I find inspiration everywhere, I love looking at people in urban environments as much as scrolling online.

Do you have a style icon, if yes, who?

Basically anyone that surprises me esthetically, someone that has a diversified sense of style and isn’t afraid to explore that. A while ago I got a comment that said ”so how cool can one be? Your outfits are like a new person every time” and I’m ALL FOR people that can embody that vibe. Hence I describe my style in the word >scattered<. I hate being visually bored. That’s probably why I love second hand so much too: there’s always something ”new” to be discovered.

Favorite stores and brands to shop from?

Anything second hand! If you think about it, second hand is like all brands and stores in one, especially if you try your luck online. If I were to answer based only on design I’d say ACNE STUDIOS. I also love the lines and collaboration that H&M creates, like the Studio- and Innovation Story projects. 

What is a sustainable closet for you?

Use the things you own! To use the object (resources) you have is the best thing you can do for the environment. Also; continue to circulate the things you don’t use. Consume based on your own style preference rather than what’s in fashion right now. 

What do you think about the fashion industry in general?

Two words: too fast. After all, we wear out our clothes so to stop producing clothes would be a utopia. But the fast pace the clothing cycle is moving in is poisoning us and the environment in more ways than one. I can draw a parallel to social media: the faster the pace, the less we need to work on the attention span. If the fashion industry is going to move towards sustainability, our attention span needs to be better than that of a fly. Since money is the industry's biggest incentive we need to reduce consumption to convince them to take it slower. 

 What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?

Firstly: second hand first. Aim to find your own style and try not to focus on trends. Instead of copying the mannequins in the store by buying entire looks, think about what silhouettes, materials, cuts, colors, patterns etc inspired you. What makes you want to buy that newly produced item? Can you find the features you liked in a garment second hand? The answer is almost always yes. We just need to be open to a new way of thinking. Some people think it’s too hard to consume second hand. I’d actually say it isn’t more difficult than changing any other habit, but like any other change, you need to be willing to change and make an effort. Talking about change I feel like a few people do a lot while a lot of people do almost nothing to create a more sustainable wardrobe and living. If only a lot of us changed a slight bit the prophecy would be different.