INTERVIEW #110 LINNÉA BJÖRKEGREN
Name: Linnéa Björkegren
Based in: Gotland, Sweden
Occupation: Student
Get inspired by: Making vintage fashion feel modern and relevant, while at the same time pushing the boundaries of what is masculine and feminine silhouettes.
Instagram: @Helthallbart
Hi Linnéa, we're so happy to include you on A Sustainable Closet! Tell us about yourself?
Yes, so my name is Linnéa, I’m 28 years old and I have taken an interest in a sustainable lifestyle in general, not just fashion. In a year I will hopefully take my bachelor's degree in science with a major in rehabilitation science. Where my goal is to create healthy and sustainable workplaces, an environment where people can thrive and develop.
What’s your relationship with clothes?
Since early childhood, I have been interested in both fashion and beauty. I liked to put on make-up and create a personal style. Clothes can be an outer reinforcing shell that protects against the outside world or strengthens my mood one day.
I love the way old clothes have a history because then they are more than "just clothes". Maybe it's because I've always loved books and how certain characters are associated with a certain character. It could also be that I like to connect clothes with people or places I like. I have garments that my grandmother once owned, or that are reminiscent of my grandmother's old style. I hold these tight as the memories are so strongly attached to them.
How would you describe your style?
I have let go of my thoughts about what is seen as "feminine" and "masculine". One of my favourite words is liminal and my style ends up there, in the borderland where I can play with the silhouettes. The limit for me has instead become a spectrum where I can have space to express my style.
Recently, I have almost completely ruled out buying second-hand "fast fashion" garments. Instead, I look for vintage and a focus on good materials. I like to mix patterns and colours, but I can still appreciate a simple outfit.
Any favourite items?
My favourite accessory will always be a pair of earrings from Pow Studio. Have them in at least seven colours by now. They make me SO happy and tie together all the outfits! Otherwise when I do not need to have a backpack full of course literature (thank goodness for Kånken) I have a red vintage Celine bag. It is classic and really worth the investment and has a permanent place in my collection.
Where do you find inspiration?
In both my environment and in people I meet, online and in real life. On Instagram, there are infinitely inspiring women above all. Last winter I saw a new edition of West Side Story and fell in love with the costume. Have not been able to let go of that feeling! I'm also inspired by vintage fashion, current trends are repetitions from the past, which make vintage clothing stand the test of time.
Do you have a style icon, if yes, who?
No, I do not have that. I think it's an incredibly sad answer and therefore say Alexa Sunshine83. Her Youtube channel was eye-opening and the reason why I feel so at home in the second-hand community today. It might also be Fairfashionfilippa, the girl who inspired me to love colour as much as I do today!
Favourite stores or brands to shop from?
I love looking for the “gold nuggets” online or in stores. I like Sellpy online because there are a lot of products and it is easy to discover new brands. Wahls, Petri, Betty Barclay, Cappucini, Mac Scott, Jacett and Cartoon are some of the brands I like to keep my eyes open for.
What is a sustainable closet for you?
A sustainable wardrobe for me is to shop second-hand and circular. It's about taking good care of the garments you already own. It's about recycling the garments you do not use. I unpack and change my wardrobe according to the season, which means that I do not always see all the clothes all the time! When they are in season again, it almost feels like I have a new wardrobe with clothes that have been resting.
What do you think about the fashion industry in general?
Oh, I'm not against fashion. I am against “fast fashion” and unsustainable consumption. We can clearly see that fashion goes in cycles. There we need to rethink as consumers and producers. Maybe it's about programming the definition of fashion and changing the norm that says we should and want to consume new fashion all the time. So the fashion industry I have a love-hate relationship to.
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
Shop second-hand and really use the garments in the closet. I also want to dare people to borrow and rent clothes. It feels like more and more people are choosing to do this and I think that is the right way to go. I do not need four "party dresses'' that can only be used for special occasions. My cousin is getting married in September and I was probably thinking of renting the perfect dress for it. Another way is that I consciously chose to save several of my favourite garments and create a capsule for my children. So they can keep a part of me or get a similar association when they are older.
Describe what fashion is for you, in three words:
Expression, self-awareness and history.