INTERVIEW #26 WORN
Based in: Stockholm, Sweden
Founded in: Stockholm, Sweden
Founded by: Lovisa Källström
Shop at: wornvintage.se worldwide shipping
Instagram: @wornvintage
Price range: 200 - 900SEK
Why we love them: We love that WORN has something for everyone, everyone who wants to be beyond fashionable let’s say! There’s a beautiful mix of colors, patterns, fun silhouettes and minimalistic and unique items. WORN is furthermore a one woman store which we think is so powerful and inspiring.
Why did you start WORN?
I’ve always had a passion for clothing, design and fabrics. The last few years I’ve been very passionate about second hand and vintage since the global environmental crisis is progressing in the wrong direction. It made me think a lot about my habits and how we live today. Worn was a natural step to start so I can inspire and offer a platform where preloved clothing is made easy.
How do you pick your products/what you sell?
I find products anywhere; thrift shops, flea markets, online selling platforms, and even friends' closets. I usually search for eye-catching items; colourful pieces, unique patterns, great handcraft or just something that looks a little bit weird (in a good way). Worn wants to offer timeless pieces of good material that have already lasted a lifetime and hopefully will last another one.
“The last few years I’ve been very passionate about second hand and vintage since the global environmental crisis is progressing in the wrong direction. It made me think a lot about my habits and how we live today. Worn was a natural step to start so I can inspire and offer a platform where preloved clothing is made easy.”
What have been/and are the major challenges?
It’s both a curse and a blessing to work with your own company. I care a lot about Worn, which is such a special and important part of my life that I care a lot about but of course also hard at times. There is no sharp line between my private life and Worn, I’m never fully off-duty so a balanced work-life is a tricky one.
What has been the largest gain?
I’m very grateful that my job is also a passion. I wanted to fully devote myself to Worn for a long time but I didn’t have the courage to do it. So once I decided to jump into the unknown, it felt like lots of my life fell into the right place. Being true to yourself and what you want in life is a very rewarding feeling. It is also so rewarding to talk to customers everyday, and I feel so honoured when people send me photos of themselves wearing our pieces. That makes my day!
“We need to change the current linear model of fashion production with environmentally friendly processes at every stage. Less waste, better materials and better working conditions are three key points.”
What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
A lot! It’s great how many companies are working to produce more sustainably. But still, it’s not enough. We need to change the current linear model of fashion production with environmentally friendly processes at every stage. Less waste, better materials and better working conditions are three key points. Mostly I think all of us need to mentally change the way we consume daily. Not just clothes, but everything. Unfortunately we’re bought the lie that we would be happier with more items when nothing of that matters in the big run.
What do you believe is “greenwashing” and what can producers and consumers do to avoid it?
I think we need to be more critical and be more curious to learn about the fashion industry even though it can be draining and awful. When a company is launching a “sustainable” or a “conscious” collection, what does it mean? Is it even sustainable? The information is everywhere so just take time to educate yourself. Understand how important all your choices are. You have the power to change lots just depending on how you consume.
What would you advise consumers to do who seek to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
Be curious to try new ways to shop.
Be critical. We live in a consumer society that says we are worthless if we don’t buy new things. Don’t believe that.
Educate yourself to live a more sustainable life.
Buy products you love, but don’t let it define who you are.
“I think we need to be more critical and be more curious to learn about the fashion industry even though it can be draining and awful. When a company is launching a “sustainable” or a “conscious” collection, what does it mean?”