The Eyes

Photographed By:Isabel Nilsson
Make-up: Karin Rydström
Model: Pauline

Busnel

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

They had me at the scarf.

La Grande Abbuffata

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

The decadence all-you-can-eat dessert buffet at Berns Asian.

Rachilde ("Monsieur Venus: A Materialist Novel"): No, no, don't let my vulnerable heart share in this sacrifice to lust! Let it disgust me before pleasing me! Let it be what others have been, an instrument that I can break before becoming the echoes of its vibration.

Ellinor: Oooohkaaay?

Glamour Me

Photopgraphed By Ellinor Forje

I'm guessing Victoria Silvstedt has first dibs on the entire Lexington Company collection.

On Lexington Avenue

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Okay, I don't know under what rock I've been living, this past decade. But prior to attending the Lexington fashion show, I mostly associated the brand with bed and bathroom stuff. Cleary, somebody needs to keep themselves more updated.

But, how rad is their AW 2011 collection? I like the mixture of genres, the idea that there's something in store for every soul. Cool stuff.

By Berns

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

This is my view, from where I was seated, having dinner at Berns Salonger, on one of the days, in between the fashion shows. Of course I forgot to snap a photo of my meal - shame on me. But, it was a plate of salmon in some Teriyaki-sauce-tasting-thingy, paired with rice. Delicious. I love seafood. So, if you're a fish reading this; given the opportunity I'll eat you, and yes, your family too.

Back to fashion. The shows that I attended during Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in Stockholm, were held both inside Berns Salonger, and in a tent at a park near by. It was kinda tedious walking back 'n' forth. Yes, to some of us, especially when wearing heels, 5-minute walks are tedious. But I enjoyed the fact that the place was busy.

The scene brought on throwback-images of dancers racing to make it to their audition, from some of my favourite flicks of the 80's. One girl, who grabbed my attention - while running to her next gig, had some Alek Wek thing going on. She looked so cool in her skinny jeans and faux fur by Lanvin for H&M. "A Model In Flight" - I wish I'd caught it on film.

On The Page It Looked Simple

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

At the presention of Altewai.Saome's collection for the next autumn and winter, all I did was stare at the details and the accessories.

Some Birds Aren't Meant To Be Caged

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Stockholm, was attending a press event hosted by designer and illustrator Lovisa Burfitt, in lieu of her latest collaboration with pottery and ceramics company, Rörstrand.

The bone china tableware set, with fashion illustrations by Burfitt, comes in five parts. And the sketches on the porslin, are based on the eccentric life of the fictional character, Mademoiselle Oiseau (Miss Bird), which is fittingly also the name of the collection.

The pastries you see in the photos, are from the bakery, Petite France. And as the true artist that I am, I pretended to create a culinary moodboard for the perfect photo shoot, when in fact, I was just looking for a way to pile a large quantity of macarons, on my dishware, unnoticed. "I need one of each colour for the perfect colour palette...I'm sure these are two different shades of pink, right?". Okay, let's make-believe that they are, and stop looking at my plate."

Anyway, I love the fact that Burfitt created a stage set for where Mademoiselle Oiseau, to act out her high drama. Although La Miss herself, was nowhere to be found. Believe me, I looked and looked. Then again, why should she be confined to such a small space, when her feathers shine so bright?

L'Ultimo Imperatore

Photographed By Ellinor

I finally watched the film. My dramatic Valentino, you still linger in unexpected places.

I also recommend "L’Amour Fou," if you haven’t seen it already. It is an introspective, intimate portrait of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, tracing a life shaped by love, work, and quiet intensity. Melancholic, yet gentle in its way.

I think I’ll watch it again, this time on mute, just to sit with the images and let the artwork speak for itself.

The Fashion Assistant

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

 She wore a green coat paired with a black hat.

How Do You Solve Your Acne Problem...

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

When I could spot them a mile away?

Ménage À Trois

Photographed By Alexandre Diallo

Stéphane - Alexandre - Stéphane - Alexandre, Je t'aime!!! Ah, mais non, I'm not really involved in a love triangle. But in a real case scenario: How would you pick your lover between the person, Stéphane Rolland, who designed the above collection; and Alexandre Diallo, who snapped the perfect images?
Rolland, as one of the potentials, "is rumoured to be the next best thing in (haute) couture". Well, I don't have time for rumours. And this particular one, has persisted for a few years now. So let's put it to rest, and conclude, that he is.

And where to be begin with his latest collection? There are so many iconic shapes. From the Alexis Carrington "shoulder pads" on garments one, four, five, 11 and 15. To the Roman Empirical cut of outfit seven. There's also the presence of architectural gravitas in all of the pieces. I find it hard to pick a favourite.
But, I think I've decided now. A selection has finally been made. And no, I'm no longer talking about the clothes.

The Lamentations Of Lucifer

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

At the London Zoo lives a lion with the stud number 666. His name is Lucifer.

Befitting a supreme ruler, his mane is dark and larger than those of other Asiatic lions, falling all the way to his stomach. He is magnificent to behold, especially when he stands on his podium. Most of the time he is calm.

But occasionally he seethes. And in those moments you can’t help but wonder: What is eating the old Light Bearer?

Perhaps it’s his near-total exclusion from the fashion industry. Well, not entirely. Over the years Lucifer has served as inspiration for many a designer’s seasonal collar. But how often has he graced the cover of glossy fashion magazines? Or been invited to those equally glossy fashion shows?

What’s that? You don’t just stampede the front row.

The same neglect applies to the giraffe, with its perfect eyes and lashes. In its perfection, I’m convinced this creature has turned many an erect mascara brush flaccid with envy. Yet we still wait for the day when we’ll see it in a major cosmetic campaign.

And yes, Naomi, I’m speaking directly to you now. That walk, the strut, was not invented by you, sweetie. The Serengeti just called to say they’re less than impressed with the swagger-jacking.

So what’s the solution? How do we stop Lucifer, and Naomi, while we’re at it, from pacing with rage?

Maybe it’s time he received an invitation. I don’t know, perhaps to the next Prada show? Then we could all enjoy the parade of zebra-mohawk-inspired shoes.

Man and Beast, together.

Les Enfants Du Paradis

Photographed By Alexandre Diallo

Christophe Josse’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection immediately brought to mind "Les Enfants du Paradis", "Children of Paradise," 1945. It wasn’t a literal reference, so much as a resonance, the poetry of the title, the atmosphere it evokes, and the emotional impression that surfaced the moment I saw the collection. I didn’t experience the show in person, a friend of mine, Alex, a graduate student and occasional photographer, attended in Paris. A city I often feel I should be living in.

Set within the theatrical world of 19th century Paris, the film centers on the enigmatic courtesan Garance, Arletty, and the four men who fall in love with her. Among them is Baptiste, the mime, Jean-Louis Barrault, whose expressive pantomime and luminous presence, often clad in white harlequin costume, lend the film some of its most striking, almost transcendent moments.

Directed by Marcel Carné, the film was voted the greatest French film ever made in 1995. While I hesitate to fully endorse that claim, having since encountered many extraordinary works of French cinema, I understand why it holds such a reputation. Its scale, artistry, and emotional depth are undeniable.

Critics David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz captured this well in their discussion. They note not only the film’s artistic achievement, but also the extraordinary circumstances of its production. Filmed during the German occupation beginning in 1942, and released after the Liberation in 1945, it came to symbolize France’s cultural reawakening after years of war.

Margaret highlights the remarkable work of set designer Alexandre Trauner, whose vast, intricate sets remain astonishing, especially considering the constraints under which they were created. Trauner would later go on to Hollywood, contributing to films such as "The Apartment".

The film’s ambition is perhaps most evident in its scale, thousands of extras, sweeping scenes, and an immersive theatrical world brought vividly to life despite immense limitations. It’s a testament to creative resilience.

Margaret also recalls a famously provocative remark by Arletty, who faced accusations of collaboration during the war due to a relationship with a German officer, “My heart is French, but my ass is international.” The line, irreverent and unapologetic, has become part of the film’s enduring mythology.

Ultimately, "Les Enfants du Paradis" is a film that invites repeated viewings. Though it spans nearly three hours, it rarely feels excessive. It’s immersive, generous, and deeply affecting, a work that lingers long after it ends.