Imagine you are dancing in the forest. A towering sound system woven between moss and pine, basslines reverberating through the trees. Techno pulses through the undergrowth, moving bodies into an organic flow. Time loosens its grip. Edges blur. At raves, space and self have a way of dissolving, inviting us to transcend the moment.
Somewhere in the crowd, you might find Stockholm-based DJ Jessie Granqvist. Not separate from the scene, but inside it, absorbing the details: light cutting through branches, the emotional temperature, the subtle shifts in energy. These fragments become part of the journey she shapes behind the decks, guiding people from one feeling to another, from one memory or imagined place to the next.

“As obvious as it may sound, we need spaces where we can truly be ourselves. Where we can enter our different flows, hang out, and experience what life feels like when it’s driven by joy and love and community, not rules and systems. It’s in free spaces that free thoughts are born, and where life’s most meaningful encounters take place,” she says.
For Jessie, those free spaces have been formative. DJing for over fifteen years around the world and curating club nights in southern Stockholm, she grew up in the underground rave scene that would later define her career. As a teenager, she remembers being glued to the stereo at house parties, bringing her own CD case to take charge of the soundtrack.

“When I turned 18, becoming a club kid was just natural. The first time someone lent me a pair of CDJs and a mixer, I was completely hooked. I experienced my first rave and totally immersed myself in the beautiful world of underground parties.”

Forest raves, in particular, hold a special place in her heart. They are never just about the music. “It’s more of a mission,” she says, laughing, describing the ritual of it all: finding the location, dressing for the weather, packing bananas for sustenance. “I’ve had many magic moments in the forest by just trying to find somewhere to pee. It’s about people taking care of each other and their surroundings in a respectful way that makes it beautiful, and who doesn’t love the aesthetics of a beautiful sound system next to the trees?”
There is something about the wild that calms the human nervous system. For Jessie, nature is not an escape from nightlife but rather its counterpart. “When I think of parties or spaces where I feel most secure playing at, it always comes back to the Swedish forest. Nature overall brings me balance, and when I need to reset my brain, I usually take walks in nature. It helps both mentally and creatively.”

That balance, between intensity and grounding, pulse and pause, has shaped her sound. It is also a balance that chef Filip Jansson has eloquently translated into a white pizza titled Skogen, the Swedish word for forest, for an exclusive Asahi Session evening featuring Jessie.

Each bite is like a step closer to nature; the crisp crust is a perfect base for Swedish spruce bark cheese, drizzled with spruce needle oil, delicately shaved wild forest mushrooms layered with agretti, a fresh, grassy Italian herb, on top. The finishing touch, a dusting of dried black trumpet mushroom powder, creates just the right amount of woody umami. Like her sets, it is less about spectacle than sensation, less about excess than intention. The forest lingers in flavor, in rhythm, in repetition.

It’s this ability to translate place into feeling that defines Jessie’s artistry. Moving seamlessly between sources of inspiration, she extends beyond the confines of genre. “I try my best to affect the scene positively and for it to thrive. For me, transcendence in my artistry comes through storytelling. A great set isn’t just a sequence of tracks. It’s a story shaped by my history, emotions, memories, and the atmosphere of the moment.”
And perhaps that is where the forest rave becomes more than a party. A reminder that when sound, nature, and community converge, we can step beyond the rigid systems of everyday life, if only for a few hours, into something freer and more alive.

Talent: Jessie Granqvist

Team Credits:

Photography by Jakob Möller
Styling by Josef Forselius
Hair and Make-up by Petra Stenhammar
Hair colorist: Sara Dahlgren
Styling Assistants: Vanja Filipovic and Ishi Okenmor
Special Thanks to Studio Turbo, Neo & Mia Wallenius

Fashion Credits:

1 & 10) Dress by J.Simone. Socks: stylist’s own. Shoes by Rombaut. Earrings by All Blues.
2) Knitted hat by Imaskopi. Knitted crop top by V4K. Leather top by KRIBA. Track suit pants by Adidas. Slippers by Crocs. Rings by Laôma Atelier and Arto. Necklace by Arto. Bracelet by All Blues.
3) Top by Tommy Hilfiger. Skirt by Ono Ateliers. Knee socks by Swedish Stockings. Boots by Rombaut. Rings by All Blues.
4) Top and skirt by Ono Ateliers. Knee socks by Swedish Stockings. Mules by Humana. Bracelet by All Blues. Rings by Arto.
5) Jacket and jeans by K16ch1. Sandals by Humana. Rings by Laôma Atelier and Arto. Necklace by Arto.
6) Pink and black knitted tops by V4K. Denim skirt by KRIBA. Rings by Laôma Atelier and Arto. Earrings by All Blues. Hat by Ono Ateliers.
7) Dress by Keta Gutmane. Sunglasses by Chimi. Earrings by All Blues. Sling Back Sandals by Rombaut.
8) Tracksuit jacket and skirt by Aniele Stroz. Boots by Rombaut. Belt by Inan. Rings by Arto. Earrings by All Blues.
9) Dress by KRIBA. Gloves by Trashy Clothing. Socks: stylist’s own. Earrings by All Blues.
11) Dress by Keta Gutmane. Bag by Naff. Earrings by All Blues. Rings by Arto.

In the hushed, dimly lit backstage of a bustling venue, amidst the faint scent of anticipation and the electric hum of pre-performance nerves, Say Lou Lou finds themselves in familiar territory. For the twin sisters behind the artist name, Miranda and Elektra Kilbey, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life, a shared journey woven into the very fabric of their existence.

Growing up under the sway of musician parents, the sisters found themselves navigating the peculiar blend of embarrassment and inspiration that comes with being raised in a musical household. “You find yourself sitting backstage waiting to play a show in a smelly, tiny venue in the middle of nowhere and you’re like ‘SHIT’!” Miranda chuckles. “We don’t have anything to compare to, but having our parents and other family members in music and theatre made us feel like expressing ourselves through music, visuals, films, etc. was a natural and essential part of life.”

Their journey as collaborators has mirrored their personal growth, evolving alongside the ebb and flow of their relationship. “Learning to have more patience and gratitude and acceptance for our individual selves has made it easier to have it for each other,” Elektra reflects. “But with that said, a part of our dynamic is really close and intense (both in a fantastic and sometimes chaotic way) and it’s a part of what gives our project energy and life but also makes it hard to handle and frustrating for others to be around.”

Their latest EP, “Dust, Pt.1,” serves as a poignant exploration of the emotional terrain of heartbreak. Through their music, the sisters have found catharsis and growth, gaining new perspectives on love and loss. “The only way through is through, and when you’re in it, you’re in it but it’s so temporary,” Elektra reflects. “You’ll always come out on the other side with more wisdom and clearer perspectives.”

The unique bond of twinship infuses every chord and lyric, shaping both their personal lives and their artistic endeavors. “Having an unbreakable closeness, synchronicity and understanding makes us secure and confident,” Miranda explains. “There’s always someone to give you a reality check, an honest answer, someone who can tell what you’re thinking without you having to say a word.”

Yet, with closeness comes challenge, as the sisters navigate the pitfalls of shared insecurities and inner criticisms. “Our shared inner criticisms can get in our way a lot,” Elektra admits. “We’ve gotten better at seeing studio time as a fun way of bonding and deepening our love and respect for each other’s differences rather than fixating on each other’s flaws and insecurities.”

Relocating to Los Angeles, a city steeped in dreams and creativity has added a new dimension to their musical odyssey. “LA is such a strange and interesting place,” Miranda muses. “There’s no center, it’s so spread out and everyone is tucked away in secret hiding places that you don’t find unless someone introduces you to them.”

As they look to the future, Say Lou Lou is poised on the brink of new horizons, with plans to release singles and EPs leading up to their album ‘Dust Pt.2.’ Yet amidst the whirlwind of their musical journey, the sisters remain grounded, cherishing the simple pleasures of life’s quieter moments. “Finding time for doing nothing, swimming in the ocean, going on long walks with our dogs,” Elektra smiles. “These are the things that keep us inspired and alive.

Team Credits:
Words by Hannah Magnusson
Photography by Ellen Nykvist at MINK MGMT
Styling by Sandra Ekenstam
Makeup by Jasmine Ärnström at Mikas Looks
Hair by Amanda Lund at Lund Lund
Photo assistant: Lisa Larsson

Fashion Credits:
1) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Skirt by Korlekie. Tights by Alisa Cayoo. Boots by Rombaut. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
2) On the left: Elektra wears a Bolero and skirt by Linda Dekhla. Sleeves by Hildur Evenlind. Stockings by No Dress. Mules by & Other Stories. Rings by Laôma Atelier.
On the right: Miranda wears a top and skirt by Anna Lastro. Knee-high boots by ATP Atelier. Elektra wears two different tops by Albin Granaas. Trousers by Christian Dior. Earrings by Freya Douglas Ferguson.
3) Miranda wears a top by Keta Gutmane. Skirt by Hildur Evenlind. Tights by Alisa Cayoo. Mules by Tiger of Sweden. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
4) Miranda wears a top and skirt by Anna Lastro. Knee-high boots by ATP Atelier.
5,6) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Trousers by Lowe Lind- blad. Elektra wears top by Hildur Evenlind and skirt by Wera. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
7) Miranda wears dress by Albin Gra- naas. Elektra wears two different tops by Albin Granaas.
Trousers by Christian Dior.
8) Elektra wears a leather jacket by Keta Gutmane. Flaming bra by Perlensau. Skirt by Albin Granaas. Boots by Tiger of Sweden.
9&10) Elektra wears Earrings by SYDORIA.
11) Elektra wears blazer sleeves and a corset by STHLM MISC. Earrings by SYDORIA.
12) Miranda wears top and skirt by Anna Lastro.
13) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Trousers by Lowe Lind- blad. Elektra wears top by Hildur Evenlind and skirt by Wera. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
15&16) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Trousers by Lowe Lind- blad. Elektra wears top by Hildur Evenlind and skirt by Wera. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
17) Elektra wears top and skirt by Linda Dekhla. Sleeves by Hildur Evenlind. Stockings by No Dress. Rings by Laôma Atelier.
18) Miranda wears coat by Keta Gutmane. Rings by Sara Robertsson. Boots by Rombaut.

Team Credits:

Photographer Zohra Hamidi @zohra.hamidi
Stylist Elodie Deval @elodiedeval
Hairstylist Romain Durand @romaindurandhair
Make Up Artist Jawhara @jaw_mua
Photographer Assistant Joséphine Lefebvre @lefebvrejosephine
Models Ophélie Him & Tian at Mademoiselle Agency @mlleagency
Flowerist Instagram : @aubonheurdesdameslevallois
Flowerist Website : www.au-bonheur-des-dames.com

Fashion Credits:

#1 Left: Dress by Marianna Ladreyt, Earring & Ring by Diana Law, Right: Dress by Materiel Tbilsi, Earrings & Ring by Pittsbroc, Neckless by Bless.
#2 Jacket by Prululla, Corset by Cadolle, Knitted pants by Lou de Betoly Tights & Socks by Falke Shoes by Soloviere Hat by Anthony Peto , Jewels by Pittsbroc
#3 Top by Altuzarra, Jupe by Paul Smith, Shoes by Maya Lakis, Socks Falke, Hat Anthony Peto, Earrings & Bag by Diana Law, Cuff Bracelet by Forte Forte.
#4 Jacket by Leandro Cano, Tights by Falke, Shoes by UGG, Earrings by Pittsbroc
#5 Left: Corset by Cadolle, Pants by Essentiel Antwerp, Shoes by Sarenza Socks by Falke Earrings by Pittsbroc. Right: Tee-shirt by Uniqlo, Corset by Cadolle, Skirt by Untitled
#6 Top by Lou de Betoly, Pants by Versace on matchesfashion.com, Shoes by UGG, Socks by Falke
#7 Left: Dress by Marianna Ladreyt, Shoes by Rombaut, Socks by Falke, Earring & Ring by Diana Law, Right: Dress by Materiel Tbilisi, Shoes by Rombaut, Socks by Falke, Earrings & Ring by Pittsbroc, Necklaces by Bless.
#8 Top by Altuzaarra, Jupe by Paul Smith,Hat by Anthony Peto, Earring & Bag by Diana Law, Cuff bracelet by Forte Forte
#9 Jacket by Jiwon Yun, Corset by Cadolle, Short by American Vintage, Shoes by Tory Burch, Scarf by Blue Marble, White Socks by Falke, Lavender socks by Simone Wild, Earrings & Butterflies Pins by Pittsbroc.
#10 Top by Heattech Uniqglo, Jumper by Uniqlo, Skirt by Lou de Betoly, Shoes by Maya Lakis, Socks by Falke, Scrunchie by Masion Chou, Jewels by Pittsbroc.
#11 Jacket by Prululla, Corset by Cadolle, Knitted Pants by Lou de Betoly Earrings by Pittsbroc, Ring by Diana Law
#12 Rainscarf by Bless, Skirt by Stand Studio.
#13 Jacket by Jiwon Yun, Corset by Cadolle, Short by American Vintage, Shoes by Tory Burch, Scarf by Blue Marble, White Socks by Falke, Lavender socks by Simone Wild, Earrings & Butterflies Pins by Pittsbroc.

Team Credits:
Photography by Jolistudio
Styling by Sofia Giordano
Makeup by Amandine Costa & Ruben Masolivier
Hair by Quentin Lafforgue @ Agence Saint-Germain
Models: Calista Choley @women360paris + Farnoush Hamidian @metropolitan_mmanagement + Hanna Lhoumeau @metropolitan_mmanagement + Anis Ben Choug @elitemodelworld + Matteo Picard @ metropolitan_mmanagement + Yvan Gurung @elitemodelworld
Photo assistant: Sandro Volpe
Set designer: Lauriane Gouhier + Céline Leprine

Fashion Credits:
#1 Top Andrea Crews
#2 Top The Unsissen, Jacket Vintage, Short Vintage, shoe’s Vintage
#3 Shirt Victoria/Tomas, Short The Unissen, Shoes Vintage, Bag Y/PROJECT, Sunglasses Vintage
#4 Shirt The Unissen
#5 Top Vintage, Pants Vintage, Shoes Rombaut
#6 Top vintage, Skirt Vince, Shoes Litkovskaya
#7 Sunglasses vintage
#8 Jacket & Skirt Matériel Tbilisi
#9 Top Marine Henrion, Jewelry Nu atelier
#10 Hat vintage
#11Top vintage, Skirt Vince, Shoes Litkovskaya

Photography by Mélanie Rey
Fashion design, Styling & grooming by Louise Poet
Model Huang Bai Yang (at Marilyn Agency)

Fashion Credits:

#All clothes by Louise Poet, Shoes Rombaut