INTERVIEW #104 ELINA KAUKOSALO

Name: Elina Kaukosalo 

Based in: Karlstad, Sweden

Occupation: Vintage entrepreneur and part time executive secretary.

Get inspired by: Music, vintage style icons, modern parisiannes, movies and all the beautiful vintage treasures out there. 

Instagram: @elina.livilou 

Hi Elina, so much fun welcoming you to A Sustainable Closet! Tell us about yourself? What’s your relationship with clothes?

Clothes to me are three main things:

Number one it’s an extension of my inner self. I think as an introvert I’ve always appreciated the fact that I can express myself through my clothes, for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had my own unique sense of style and my parents let me dress any way that I wanted which has made me trust my own sense of style. 

Second, clothes are a resource for creativity. I’ve experimented with all different kinds of styles, especially in my teens. I come from a kind of humble upbringing with money always being tight so I had to get creative in the ways I achieved my looks. Secondhand was a natural way of buying clothes, swapping with friends and also a lot of DIY!

And third, clothes are a powerful tool for personal development. The way you dress has a huge impact on the way you view and feel about yourself and also the way others project you. Therefore, dress like the woman you aspire to be and other people will mirror that image back to you making you feel like that dream woman. 

How would you describe your style?

I describe it as parisian style with vintage. I’ve been buying vintage clothing, shoes and accessories almost exclusively since 2020. I mentioned experimenting a lot with personal style, but one thing that’s been a common thread is the feeling of effortlessness. I remember my mom used to tell me that it looked like I’d just ”thrown something on” and she meant that in the biggest compliment. With that said I also really like feminine cuts and details like ruffles, floral patterns, low cut, a fitted waist but always with a kind of cool girl twist, like a pair of blue jeans, stand-out vintage boots or a basket bag. 

Any favorite items? 

There are so many! My most recent obsessions in my wardrobe are my cherry red 70’s tall boots, 70’s black dress with spaghetti straps and tiers of ruffles all over in a floral print and my 90’s/Y2K handbag in a metallic red/pink-ish color. 

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

French women has always had a great sense of style. My modern day style icon is Jeanne Damas. I also love vintage French style icons like Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot and Françoise Hardy. 

Favorite stores or brands to shop from?

My favorite vintage shops are Imparfaite Paris, 1968 vintage, Portobelloeyetoo on Instagram, Katharina Vintage, Aline mode on Depop and of course Vintagesphere which is my most recent venture partnering up with my friend and fellow vintage entrepreneur Olivia Robertsdotter to offer more curated vintage with a modern vibe. 

What is a sustainable closet for you?

To me a sustainable closet is all about deepening your relationship with each piece in your wardrobe and with your personal style as a whole. Because loved clothes last. This is opposed to the fast fashion approach where it’s all about catching on to every new trend, wearing items once and then getting bored. Instead, imagine feeling confident in your personal style, shopping for unique high quality pieces with good conscience and feeling emotionally attached to each garment which makes you want to wear it, care for it and treasure it for a long time. That is exactly what vintage is to me, that is how vintage has transformed me and my closet. 

What do you think about the fashion industry in general? 

I’m really sort of anti fashion industry to be completely honest. I mean how could you not be? With all the negative impact it has on the environment and withholding the patriarchal structure with a few men in power positions making money off of women thinking they always have to improve themselves and the notion that they aren’t enough. Not to mention the exploitation of female textile workers. It’s exhausting and aggravating to just think of. On the other hand I love the art of fashion, creativity and nostalgia. 

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

Analyze and find your own personal style and when you do practice consistency and assertiveness to really feel connected and rooted in it. When looking to add new items, always source secondhand first since by doing that you can be sure of not making any negative impact on the environment. And if you want my advice, go the extra mile to source true vintage pieces, you’ll find that the quality is exceptional and its history will hug your heart strings making you feel extra special to be a part of this item’s journey. 

Describe what fashion is for you, in three words:

A way of communicating, source for creativity and a confidence booster.