“I want to look French”- Every Girl Ever. “I want to look Scandinavian”- Every Fashion Girl in 2015.
Minimalism might have seen it’s peak in 2015, but simplistic style will never be out of fashion. I sat down and interviewed on of my good friends and Swedish babe, Matilda, on what the deal with Scandinavian style is, and what to expect for the Fall. Although Gucci, Moschino, and Fendi are all about bringing back excess to fashion, Scandinavians have a way of doing fashion that is both simple and bold. For the girl who loves leather, denim, and sneakers— take note.
Mackenzie: Scandinavians have recently become major players in the global fashion industry, why the sudden exposure?
Matilda: Scandinavians’ love everything minimalistic! I have read several blogs that refer to Swedish fashion as ’gothic’ and Darth Vador like. Black is definitely a featured color on the fashion mood board, but honestly it’s a great color! The core of our likings can be seen in brands like H&M and IKEA, and in movies like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
In the past few years, I feel many Scandinavian fashion idols have crossed the huge pool of water to try and establish themselves in the land of the free. Getting exposure and ’making it in America’ may be a dream of many because it could mean broader exposure, more followers, and may add some Viagra to your career.
We’re not very for glitz and glamour, and now that the runways are showing more minimalistic and classic styles, Scandinavian design is being highlighted. We prefer clogs over stripper heals, and jeans shorts and a top over a skintight bandage Herve Leger imitation. We love our leather and we love our denim. Leather jackets in all colors are favorites all year round; over a floral dress in the summer and with a cashmere scarf in the winter, it’s perfect
Mackenzie: What are some trends all the stylist Swedes have been wearing?
Matilda: Minimalistic! Definite homerun! Otherwise we like simple – many Swedish girls let their hair air-dry and enjoy the “au natural” look with minimal make-up during the summer.
Mackenzie: What fall trends we’ve seen in U.S retail stores originally gained popularity in Scandinavian countries?
Matilda: I feel like high-waisted skinny jeans, the sneaker – everyone in Sweden owns at least one pair of converse! It’s a lot more low key and laid back yet very stylish. The Pistol boots from Acne have been mimicked by fashion houses like Steve Madden, and can now be found in most chain stores. The poncho is making a huge comeback and i think this is something that has been a staple in Sweden for some time now.
Mackenzie: Are there many distinctions between the different styles worn by people in different regions of Scandinavia?
Matilda: Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are the three major industry players. They all have their own fashion weeks. Looking at strictly designers, Sweden has a handful of brands that are available worldwide. Acne Studios have made enormous strides in little time, becoming a leader in the fashion industry. They have provided us with trends like no other. Parts of their collections are so unique and special they could be considered more art pieces and don’t speak to the masses. But many things do, like their Pistol boots that are timeless.
close enough via forever 21.
MAckenzie: name some major fashion icons?
Matilda: Sofi Fahrman is a blogger that has been around as long as I can remember and she is very easy to relate to. Her style is cool and on point, yet simple enough that it inspires many. Elin Kling is another icon, her style is more trendy and minimalistic. My favorite thing she’s done is go to Mercedes Benz fashion week in NY in black Converse matched with a baby blue linen suit. She said her feet hurt too much from wearing heels all week and she made international head lines. Both these ladies have started their own magazines – Sofis Mode (Sofi’s Fashion) and Style by Kling (Elin Kling).
Mackenzie: Who are the bloggers/publications we should be reading?
Matilda: Anine Bing is a wonderfully typical Swedish stylist. Her style is simple yet so cool. She teamed up with Sofi Fahrman and Pernille Teisbaek to start the You Way. It’s an online shop, a blog, and an overdose of fashion mixed together beautifully! All three ladies have crazy successful blogs – Sofi’s Snapshots, Anine’s World, and Look de Pernille. Kenza is a another blogger that I occasionally look in on. It is more streetfashion – but pretty cool!
Mackenzie: What are some Instagram accounts we should be following?
Matilda: Some of my favorite instagram accounts are Sofi Fahrman, Anine Bing, AcneStudios, johannapetterss, collage vintage, & bluebillieofficial. This is a mix of bloggers, “fashionistas,” brands, and friends!
Follow my sweet Swedish friend Matilda on Instagram <3
