GFTB!

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

The Monies

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

 "My mother used to allow me take her jewellery apart, then put them back together in my own way.", said Gerda Monies.

The Girl With The Origami Earring

Photographed By: Isabel Nilsson
Make-Up: Karin Rydström
Model: Valentina
Styled By: Ellinor Forje

And here I was thinking that Rock-Paper-Scissors, is just a silly game they play. Valentina Wali, begs to differ.

YOU HAVE A SUITABLE BRAND NAME, WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? The choice of a brand name was very hard and I thought it would take forever until I realized that "Tamashaka" felt right. Something that may sound Japanese, but really means something like "Look!" in my native language.

WHEN DID YOU START DESIGNING JEWELLERY?
I've loved handicraft since I was child, it probably started in (primary) school with knitting, and Christmas cards. When craft disappeared (from the curriculum) somewhere during middle school, I continued with it as hobby.

In the early high school period, I worked more with jewellry made of glass beads and other similar materials. But, it was only a hobby then. Something that was a relaxing and therapeutic activity for me.

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE ART OF ORIGAMI?
I folded this or the other paper crane when I was younger. But it was after my graduation (from high school) that I got more immersed. During the summer that followed I sat infront of my computer looking through ads for vacant apartments. And while I was waiting, I started folding. I tried everything that I found instructions for. Different animals, flowers and decorations. Within a short time I realized what amused me most, namely, unit origami. Several key points pieced together into a completed work.

HOW HAVE YOU OBTAINED THIS KNOWLEDGE?
With the computer habit that I have, I looked up lots of different tutorials for all possible types of origami. It's not difficult to fold. I have interest and patience. The instructions you find vary. Some are nicely illustrated instructions while some may be carelessly plotted by hand or even worse - in a completely different language. I'ts frustrating, but all you need is time to figure it out.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO JAPAN?
(The art of) Origami originates from Japan and it would be incredibly fun to visit the capital. I've promised my cousin that we should go there in the near future and stay at a kareoke hotel. It would be really exciting just to be there and experience the large and modern city, that Tokyo is.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE A PAIR OF EARRINGS?
A pair of origami earrings, take just over an hour. The most boring aspect which also takes the most time, is the preparation itself. That is, marking and cutting out all the parts.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON THE FORM AND SHAPE?
Since I've focused on unit origami, I tried different weight charts until I found this unique shape. I like it because it's triangular, circular and square at the same time. At first my idea was this "square ball" as a decorative ornament until I realized that they were cool as earrings,too.

WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF EARRINGS CAN WE FIND AMONG YOUR DESIGNS?
Origami earrings are so unique to this particular model. But I also do "regular" jewellry of beads, wood and wire. The origami earrings are fun to make and reflects more of my personality.

WHO DO YOU TARGET YOUR JEWELLRY TOWARDS?
My jewellry and my products are targeted at those who appreciate handmade, original and personal items. I've had the chance to meet many of my customers and have realized that all were exuberant and had wonderful personalities, interesting and in a way or another enterprising people, that you can do nothing but admire.

YOU ALSO DESIGN LAMPS, WHEN DID YOU START THIS VENTURE?
A few years ago I found another kind of origami - where you fold strips of paper. I quickly found a favorite shape. Found it interesting and used it as decoration in the home. After the first success of the earrings, I thought it would be interesting to make the lamps and realized that the golden oldies would fit perfectly for this. They are more transparent and allows light to shine through the triangular shapes leaving beautiful marks on the walls and ceilings.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO WORK WITH OTHER MATERIALS APART FROM PAPER?
There are endless ideas for products from Tamashaka. I would like to work with fabric and metal in the future. In due course, everything will be improved and new ideas created. Hopefully I'll be able to offer a wide range of unique things.

HOW DO YOU DISCPILINE YOURSELF?
Since childhood, I realized that I'm able to do what I want if I just want it. I also very quickly realized that reluctancy can block me from performing. I have no objection to tear and fight for something that truly interests me, that I feel that I get something out of. I can handle that type of stress.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I would say that it's mixed. I have gone through so many different styles and periods in my life that I've now become a lose bag of sweets. It's a bit sweet, a little salt and a bit sour. But, I feel balanced and happy. There are some who refuse to recognize that you can be a bit of everything.

IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE REFLECTED IN YOUR DESIGN?
As for the style of jewellry that I buy myself, it's also mixed. I think a lot of fun color combinations, different shapes and funky patterns. I personally think that it comes forward in my constructions.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO YOUR BUSINESS VENTURE?
The company is just newly hatched and a part-time job, as I recently started studies in Interaction Design in Malmö. I hope that Tamashaka eventually expands to the extent that I can spend all my time on it.

HOW YOU FIND TIME FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES?
With my studies and Tamashaka, there isn't as much time as I would have wanted to have had. When I have time, it's important to distribute it evenly with loved ones. Sometimes the balance can be difficult to keep up, but I do my best to do everything that makes me feel good. General well-being results in energy to succeed with your studies, and cope with stressful environments.

HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR BRAND TO DEVELOP?
The origami is only a small fraction of what I'd like to do. I want Tamashaka.com to have everything from an old-fashioned housewife spirit to personal geek humour. Everyone should feel that they found something handmade by artisans. Energy breeds energy. Creativity can be stimulated by others' creativity.

The Storm

Photographed By: Ellinor Forje

Rasmus Storm is constantly researching and conceptualizing. He keeps his eyes on the street and his mind on the next move. That is how he stays ahead of the game, in his game.

Rasmus and Line Storm opened the clothing store Storm in Copenhagen 16 years ago. Monocle describes it as “perfect high street.” It is consistently ranked among the world’s leading concept stores, on lists that also include Apple Stores and Colette in Paris. Storm is an opinion leading destination, anyone looking to launch a product knows it is the place to go.

Line and Rasmus consider themselves “retail creatures.” They only stock items they genuinely like themselves. Rather than simply selling products, they present ideas, inviting customers to decide for themselves who they want to be.

Inside the store, you will find designs from Visvim, Kitsuné, Thom Browne, Adam Kimmel, Ralph Lauren, Celine, Haider Ackermann, and Ann Demeulemeester, to name only a few. What began as a menswear focused lifestyle and accessory store has evolved into a 50/50 unisex space, also finding a strong balance in gender neutral offerings.

“We have everything that goes together naturally. Photography inspires fashion and vice versa,” says Rasmus. It is therefore no surprise that books on Helmut Newton sit alongside photo exhibitions and beauty products from Comme des Garçons under the same roof. With Rasmus’s background in photography, the store itself takes on the composition of a carefully framed still image, at one end, a mannequin dressed in a strict Upper East Side inspired outfit, at the other, its visual counterpoint across the space.

In all, the Storms are forward thinking figures in fashion. And unlike many couples, they have no difficulty working side by side around the clock. At the end of the day, they do not take the work home, it never leaves them to begin with.

Madam Ambassador

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

The American Ambassador to Sweden, Matthew Winthrop Barzun, graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1993. The fine arts, however, are not his strong suit. “You need to speak to my wife, Brooke, I’ll find her for you,” he said, quietly plotting an escape before he could be permanently framed inside a painting.

FashionSunday

Photographed By Isabel Nilsson

Fernanda Palmeiro - Part I

Photographed By Ellinor Forje


WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO WORK IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
I’ve always been interested, but I didn’t know exactly what it was I wanted work with within fashion…I considered becoming a stylist, it’s not really my thing to be running around dragging heavy bags and things. I was always fascinated by the publishing industry and read everything that came my way both for inspiration and for information. When I was young I used to pretend that I owned a fashion magazine.

HAVE YOU FACED ANY OBSTACLES ALONG THE WAY?
I think it all boils down to your attitude. I’ve always been so focused on working hard and reaching my goal, that I never noticed the obstacles. The fact that my Danish isn’t 100 percent perfect could have been an obstacle since I work in Copenhagen. But, I’ve been able to turn it to my advantage. People probably think it’s strange that I’m the Swedish girl, who speaks Scandinavian, who really isn’t Swedish, I’m actually Latina blah blah blaaaah…It’s become something of a joke, “When Fernanda calls you need to have a Swedish – Danish lexicon at hand,” I laugh at it myself.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY IN SPAIN?
I just wanted to get away and study abroad. I considered Paris and Milano, but I was too tired to learn a new language. Then I found an Italian school, Istituto Europeo di Design that had an affiliate in Spain (IED Barcelona), it was perfect. It didn’t hurt either that Barcelona is a wonderful city, and the warm climate!

DO YOU RECOMMEND THE SCHOOL TO OTHERS?

I studied there when the school had just opened, so it was a bit chaotic and disorganized. I don’t know if it’s gotten better, but it was satisfactory. It serves as a good foundation. Not the ultimate city to study in however. There’s so much fun stuff happening there all the time, and you also have the mañana-attitude which can be a bit dangerous.

WHICH OTHER SCHOOLS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
(Instituto) Marangoni in Milano, is supposed to be really good. I know several people who have studied there. But then, you also have to know Italian.

HAVE YOU FACED ANY NEGATIVITY CONCERNING YOUR CHOICE OF CAREER?
The fashion industry is a fascinating world, at the same time it’s hard and closed. In the beginning it was surprising to so see how rude people could be. It’s probably like that in most industries when you’re a newcomer, right? As long as you don’t let it get to you. And, as long as you do a good job and you' re polite, you'll emerge as the winner. Kill them with your kindness. But, of course, don't be kind to a fault where people start walking all over you.

Fernanda Palmeiro - Part II

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

HOW HAVE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SUPPORTED YOU?
They all think that I work too much. But, they are very understanding. My work is mostly periodical. When I work with something that I like, I tend to submerge myself in it a bit too much. I’m lucky that people put up with me, because sometimes I disappear into own work-sphere for months before the fairs. The lines between my work and private life get erased. Or, rather, my private life completely disappears. I’m also a control freak. I’m constantly checking my email, and it’s hard for me to delegate assignments to others. But, I’ve become better.

Even a week after the fair had ended, and even though we were all exhausted and there wasn’t that much to do, we all sat in the office and worked passed 5 p.m. We were in a work mode, almost like a little sect. The boss had to send us home. But, yes my friends and family have been a tremendous support!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SWEDISH/DANISH DESIGN IN GENERAL?
The fashion is democratic, price-wise and design-wise. The clothes are of good quality and of reasonable prices. I also think that there’s a difference between the Swedish and Danish fashion. The Swedish fashion is more stylish, while the Danes are more daring when it comes to form and colour. But, the Swedes are a bit sharper, while the Danes are looser. I think that we are always ahead style-wise!'

WHERE DO YOU THINK IT IS HEADING?
The brands that do really well abroad, are the very commercial; as internationally the Scandinavia isn’t known for its high end/couture. It’s probably because the target group doesn’t exist. Those who buy really expensive design probably prefer to buy well known brands like – what can I say, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana. It’s a shame that people don’t chose to support our local designers instead. Our strength lays in the fact that we can create fashion for everybody. The other day, I was at the YDE show, Ole Yde. It was very impressive and proves that we also known how to do high end/couture. But to answer the question: Where are we heading? In Copenhagen we want to profile our self as the fifth fashion capital. We are on our way, there’s no doubt about that. But, there’s still a long road ahead.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS – DANISH AS WELL AS INTERNATIONAL?
Of the Danish brands, I like the younger brands like Stine Goya and Henrik Vibskov. I can easily wear their anything from their collections straight off the catwalk. Swedish brands. Acne and Whyred, which is not completely unexpected – it’s even a bit cliché. I buy a lot of Acne and Whyred. It’s uncomplicated and affordable, and you can easily buy it online. It takes two days for the items to arrive, that is service I tell you. I love Acne’s Spring collection, and I’m starting to like Whyred more and more.

As for international brands: YSL without a doubt. The YSL look, is my idea of a power woman! When it comes to shoes, I say YSL again. It’s classy, sexy, feminine, and sky high heels - doesn’t get better than that! I also like Stella McCartney, Balenciaga and Givenchy.

WHAT WEIGHT DOES CPH VISION CARRY IN THE FASHION WORLD?
We see ourselves as a business platform. You come to our fairs to do business. It’s also a showroom, of course and a networking-platform. But, our fair is mostly known to be the fair where people place orders. CPH Vision was founded in 1998 by Jan Busch Carlsen; with the vision of focusing on the established brands, as well as to the small and upcoming designers, equally.

At the other fairs in the world, it’s only those who can afford to be profiled, who get seen. At our fairs we don’t distinguish between big and small. In order to give everybody the same pre-conditions, we have rules on how big you are allowed to build your stall. It was at CPH Vision that brands such as, Bruuns Bazaar and By Malene Birger, got established, and Birger Mikkelsen started of very small. CPH Vision and Terminal – 2, is where tomorrow’s stars are born.

WHAT TIPS CAN YOU OFFER TO PEOPLE WHO WANT A CAREER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
Flexibility, above all! There’s no such thing as a 9 to 5 job or inconvenience salary. If I had gotten paid for all the hours I’ve worked overtime, I would have been rich! I don’t think you can do it in the long-run, if it’s not something you’re passionate about or see it something that can lead to bigger things. You always have to be prepared that things can change in the last minute. Be determined, work hard, be firm and know what you want. And, don’t be afraid to speak your mind, so that people don’t run you over.

The Museum Of Sketches

Photographed By: Isabel Nilsson
Make Up: Karin Rydström
Styled By: Ellinor Forje
Model: Pauline F

The Talented Janniz Antoniou

Photographed By: Ellinor Forje

Janniz Antoniou speaks about his son without hesitation. The words come simply, almost as a fact rather than a declaration, that kind of joy doesn’t translate, he comes first, everything else follows. It is less a statement than a principle, one that quietly frames everything else.

As a child, he watched a classmate, Joakim Olofsson, draw with ease. Trying to match that fluency, he once submitted an Easter egg illustration for a school assignment. His teacher didn’t believe he had made it himself. The low grade lingered, not for the mark, but for what it implied, that authenticity could be mistaken for imitation.

Two films from the early ’80s, "Beat Street" and "Breakdance, The Movie", set something in motion. They opened the door to breakdancing, electric boogie, DJing, and eventually graffiti. In Lund, he became part of NSA, New School Authority, alongside Core and Pike. They moved through the city in parallel rhythms, others dancing in the streets while they marked the walls.

By the late ’80s and early ’90s, his focus shifted toward music. Working with some of Sweden’s strongest musicians, he became a familiar presence in Lund. Still, there were limits, some self-imposed, others shaped by the culture around him. While peers established themselves within Swedish hip-hop, Janniz held back, drawn to sounds he did not yet claim publicly.

“The street culture was conservative, at least then,” he says. Artists like Depeche Mode belonged to a different register, one he kept to himself. Over time, that restraint gave way. House music entered his sets, though the foundation remained rooted in soul.

The shift was gradual. What held him was not uncertainty, but something more persistent.

Fear.

Of failing. Of succeeding.

He does not dwell on a turning point, but he returns to a line that stayed with him, “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.” It marks less a moment than a quiet recalibration.

Around 2007, painting returned. A new apartment, blank white walls, and a canvas untouched for two decades became the catalyst. “The graff came back,” he says.

His work now is abstract, layered, and open-ended. He keeps his process largely to himself. “I still have to work on my technique,” he says, more as a working principle than a critique.

Hip-hop, in his view, extended far beyond music. “No other subculture has influenced fashion in the same way,” he says. What once signaled belonging has since dissolved into the mainstream. “The exclusivity had its appeal.”

He has seen that world up close, fashion shows, club circuits, the constant churn, but keeps a distance. “Jeans, a T-shirt, sneakers, that’s enough,” he says. His attention returns, consistently, to music. Still, he follows his sister-in-law, Fernanda Palmeiro, in her field with a kind of quiet respect, “her game,” as he calls it.

There remains a sense of searching, not for direction, but for footing. “A man has to be rational to reach his goals,” he says. It is a measured thought, steady rather than absolute, much like the path he continues to shape.

Chronicle
’83–87 Breakdance, Graffiti
’88–93 Hip-Hop Production, DJ
’93–97 House, DJ
’98–06 Hip-Hop and R&B Production, Club Promoter, DJ
’07– Progressive Production, Art

The Mannequin

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

They're standing at attention.

Behind The Scenes

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

If you go to The First Hotel on the right night, you might get a glimpse of beautiful creatures getting dressed to impress.

Melanie's Vision

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Melanie Frost Conta.

Saseline Goes Solo

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Saseline Sørensen from the now disbanded group S.O.A.P, was seated front row center at both the Bruuns Bazaar, and the Munthe plus Simonsen fashion shows. She slayed it with that Balenciaga bag.

Can't Touch This

Photographed By Fohnjang Ghebdinga

A Love Story Interrupted

STARRING IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

The Player - Antoine Hervoir

The Faithful Girlfriend - Karin Rydström

The Temptress - X

Photographed By:Isabel Nilsson
Make-Up: Karin Rydström
Styled By: Ellinor Forje
Clothes By: Asos


With the exception of a few broken hearts and bruised egos, there were no fashion models injured during this production.