INTERVIEW #56 MAJA DELBORN
Based in: Dalsland, Sweden
Occupation: Jewelry art student at Steneby
Get inspired by: Textiles
Instagram: @majade
Why we love her: Maja is a true change maker, she’s inspiring and her homemade items are fabulous. We believe anyone who reads about her or follows her creative journey on Instagram would want to invest in a sewing machine ASAP and start producing their own designs.
Tell us about yourself, who is Maja?
Hmm, tough question. Well, I’m originally from Västerbotten in the north part of Sweden but now I live in Dalsland since I study over here. I’m a creative person who loves to do stuff and create things. I think that says a lot about me, it’s the “doing” part I’m passionate about without any pressure on how the end product comes out. It can be sewing a jacket, baking croissants or building a stool, it depends on my mood and what I feel like doing at the moment.
What’s your relationship with clothes?
My relationship to clothes includes a lot of thinking. I think about clothes A LOT and I even think about it more than I actually wear clothes, does that make sense? To feel comfortable in what I’m wearing is crucial for me. Like, when I’m at home I wear comfy clothes like fleece jackets, shorts and tights and in school I wear workshop attire. To sum up, I think about clothes all the time but I don’t always wear the stylish gems that spin around in my head. I’m kind of carefree in what I wear on a daily basis, except when it comes to materials. I’m very picky when it comes to the materials and I prefer (without any doubts) natural materials, simply because it’s way more comfortable than synthetic fibers. I want my clothes to be soft and not to be associated with its fit on my body, meaning I want the clothes to “be themselves” so the body can be itself too. For me it’s more about the level of comfiness rather than the fit.
“To feel comfortable in what I’m wearing is crucial for me.”
“I’m very picky when it comes to the materials and I prefer (without any doubts) natural materials, simply because it’s way more comfortable than synthetic fibers.”
What is your favorite textile material?
Wool.
How would you describe your style?
My style is comfortable, a little fun and a little sporty. I like outdoor clothing and well-fitting sandals. I really like wearing a cute dress matched with comfy shoes and a sporty bag for instance. For me that’s cool!
Any favourite items?
It’s hard to pick one but I have to say my homemade shorts. In summertime I wear them everyday.
How would you describe your closet?
Simply comfortable items in soft natural fibres and homemade favorites, actually 50% of my closet is handmade by me from thrifted fabrics and gifted textile pieces from friends. I do buy newly produced clothes as well but I don’t think it’s a good thing to do. To be honest I believe buying newly produced fashion is equal to being lazy. We shouldn’t do it but it's so accessible and you can find cool stuff for a cheap price. But at the same time, if you’re sure about the garment and that you’ll use it over and over again, go for it! It’s about having sort of a balance in your wardrobe and consumption pattern.
“To be honest I believe buying newly produced fashion is equal to being lazy.”
How often do you sew?
Now, during summer I haven’t spent much time in front of the sewing machine, mainly because I’m not home at the moment. But normally I’d say I sew several times a week.
What is a sustainable closet for you?
A sustainable closet is a closet that’s being used and is wanted. But, I would also like to add that a sustainable closet is also a wardrobe that fits your personality and needs and not your body type. I think we’re sometimes too obsessed by the fact that certain items don’t fit certain body types, our bodies change all the time so rather having clothes that are comfortable for you than having the perfect fit but aren’t comfy.
What do you think about the fashion industry?
I’m not an expert on the field but what I do know is that the fashion industry isn’t the best let’s say, no industry is. Almost everything that’s being produced does have an impact on the environment. I think it’s a tough industry to be in and as I sew and make my own clothes, many people think fashion is what I want to work with, but no, I don’t want to work in the fashion industry.
“A sustainable closet is a closet that’s being used and is wanted.”
What do you believe needs to change?
I think the fashion industry is too fast, collections are being produced all the time, it’s completely insane. We should become outfit repeaters and erase the demand for a new blouse or dress before every weekend or occasion. It’s a weird behavior. Let’s slow down the pace a bit and only buy things we want to use and re-use.
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
Try to buy second hand first hand. Let’s say one of the big fast fashion chains releases a new dress with a special silhouette and cut, I’m SURE you can find a similar dress second hand instead, because almost everything has been done before, time is just repeating itself. Another point is the materials, if you invest in nice and durable materials you’re going to love and prefer those garments way more than the cheap synthetic ones.
Who inspires you?
I follow this girl Frede on Instagram, she’s a danish, super cool influencer with GREAT style. I get very inspired by her. @fredesblog
“Let’s slow down the pace a bit and only buy things we want to use and re-use.”
Your best tips for someone who wants to start sewing?
Do something simple.
Buy a pattern and follow it.
Leave out the pressure and prestige, it’s not the whole world if it doesn’t turn out the way you expected it to. Be happy about the fact that you actually sewed something, it doesn’t have to be perfect, you can wear it anyway!