INTERVIEW #82 ELLINOR NILSEN

Name: Ellinor Nilsen

Occupation: Second hand sorter

Based in: Gothenburg, Sweden but soon moving to France

Instagram: @ellinor_nilsen

Why we love her: A true fashion designer who follows her dreams, take on new adventures and think outside the box. Ellinor’s designs look like nothing we've seen before and we love it. Do like us and follow her magical journey, Ellinor told us that she’ll soon be launching her website and introduce us to new exciting upcycled products. 

Tell us about yourself?

I am 38 years old and I currently living in Gothenburg. But I just bought a house in the south of France so next summer me, my husband and our two kids will move there. It is a ruin at the moment and needs a lot of renovation. But I love adventures! 

What’s your relationship with clothes?

I’ve been working as a fashion designer for many years but got fed up with the industry so I started to work with second hand instead. Clothes should be fun, but I have periods when I don’t care so much about what to wear. 

How would you describe your style?

I love colour and to combine colours and patterns. But sometimes I am all black. I’ve always been a fan of an oversized silhouette and men’s wear. I buy most of my clothes second hand.

Any favourite items? 

I can’t get enough of hand knitted sweaters. It is an addiction. I love the time that someone has put into it.

Favorite stores or brands to shop from?

I work as a second hand sorter and valuer, so my workplace is my favourite place. I have the first pick when I open bags with clothes and textiles that people have given. 

What is a sustainable closet for you? 

When you feel something for the garments in your wardrobe. Mix this up with good quality basics (so hard to find though).

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

Most of the things you need can be bought second hand. Buy less but in good quality when you buy something new.

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

Maybe Caroline Brasch, I love how she styles second hand pieces.

Your beautiful bathrobes made from recycled towels are just amazing, tell us more about these?

Thank you! I came up with the idea when I started work at Björkå frihet earlier this year. I bought some towels and made myself a robe. I posted it on Instagram and some people asked if I could do more for sale. The first ten I sewed myself and they sold out immediately! I was so happy! Now I’ve handed over the sewing part to the micro factory @aindustri, but I do the design and cutting myself. 

Where do you find the material, in this case the towels? 

At my work. I collect textiles that can’t be sold due to defects that I cut away. A towel needs to be very nice and clean to be sold second hand.

Are the bathrobes for sale?

As soon as I have some robes ready I sell them on Instagram. But next year I will open a web shop and also try out new upcycled products.