I had never walked in high heels before. I practiced around the kitchen table for hours the night before. I was nervous, curious, restless. I remember the feeling backstage before the show. The smell of Elnett hairspray. The make up artists making sure everybody got their lips done. The young girls supporting each other, but still thinking about their own walk and how they looked in the mirror.

I looked up to one girl who was a bit older, maybe 17. I thought she was so beautiful and seemed self conscious. She had done this many times. She got the best dress and started the show. I wanted to be like her when I grew up. She talked to me just before I went out. I will never forget those words.

Don´t think.

Adrenaline.

My 25th birthday. I went to see an opera at the Royal Castle in Stockholm. I got to borrow a tulle dress and light blue cinderella shoes. I felt like a princess all night.

Summer 2013. Fittings at her showroom in Hornstull, observing the process of creating the pieces. Just being there made me dream away. There was a stand with all the couture dresses in the middle of the room. I couldn´t stop watching it. The room was filled with lace, tulle, velvet and sequins.

If I ever get married I want to wear a dress from her, or the mantle.

Stockholm Fashion Week. Ida Sjöstedt AW14. Felt the energy from backstage. Remembered the feeling from my first show.

No More Drama. Chakra dress.

I knew I had to make a film about it.

Credits:

Film and words by Lina Söderström.

Clothes Ida Sjöstedt.