Team Credits:
Photography by Julia Morris
Make-up by Angela Davis-Deacon
Model Ogechi @ We Speak Models
Retouching by Color Consulting

Fashion Credits:
1 & 7) Top by Briah Artemis. Earrings by Erickson Beamon. Jeans by Diesel.
2) Balaclava by Briah Artemis.
3, 7 & 10) Cardigan by Briah Artemis. Bra by Agent Provocateur. Jeans by Diesel.
4) Top by Mola Walker.
8 & 9) Top and Skirt by Briah Artemis. Earrings by Erickson Beamon.

Team credits:
Photography by Kotaro Kawashima
Styling by Marian Beshara
Model: Maryel Sousa @ Woman Management
Hair by Rebekah Calo @ Womenmanagementny
Make-up by Mariko Arai @ Thewallgroup
Photo assistant: Javier Villegas
Styling Assistant: Michael Tong
Digital Technician: Johnny Vicari
Producer: Layla Néméjanski
Eq: Smashbox

Fashion credits:
# 1 Coat, Sweaterdress and Scarf by 1 Moncler Jw Anderson
# 2&6 Cape from New York vintage, Tights by, Wolford Socks model’s own
#3 Vest and Bracelet by Dior , Trousers by Y’S
#4 Fringe Vest by Maison Martin Margiela Archive from Artifact NY , Tights by Wolford
#5 Top from Amazon Tights by Wolford
#7 Dress by Celine by Hedi Slimane , Tights by Wolford
#8 Blouse and Bermuda Shorts by Celine by Hedi Slimane

Team credits:

Photography by Andoni+Arantxa
Styling by Mégal Grouchka
Hair by Kazue Deki (Calliste)
Make-up by Tatsu Yamanaka (Marie-France Thavonekham)
Model: Marie Louise Wedel (Elite) 

Fashion credits:

#1 Coat by Acne Studios. Boots by Isabel Marant
#2 Suit by Dior. Shoes by Tibi
#3 Dress by Nanushka. T-shirt from La Jeanerie. Shoes by Tibi
#4 Jacket and skirt by Mulberry. Boots by Isabel Marant 
#5 Top by Vanessa Seward. Trousers by Acne Studios. Shoes by Tibi
#6 Jacket by Holiday Boileau. Jeans from La Jeanerie. Shoes by Tibi
#7 Dress by Tibi. Shoes by IRO
#8 T-shirt by Sacai. Tights by Dior
#9 Skirt by Sacai
#10 Jacket and skirt by Mulberry. Boots by Isabel Marant 
#11 Jacket by Holiday Boileau. Jeans from La Jeanerie. Shoes by Tibi
#12 Coat by Acne Studios. Boots by Isabel Marant
#13 Jacket and skirt by Mulberry. Boots by Isabel Marant 
#14 T-shirt by Sacai. Tights by Dior 

With Lykke Li’s latest album, So Sad So Sexy, it doesn’t take long to notice that she has gone through big changes in her personal life as well as with her music. The concept of change is present in her honest lyrics about a relationship falling apart, as well as in the melodies that show there are new sides to her artistry. The sound is more upbeat and filled with pure pop, taking her tunes in a new direction compared with her previous records.

“It seemed that I spent my whole twenties exploring the darker themes of love in a very introspective way. After giving birth and then experiencing some personal tragedies, I felt I’d had enough of the darkness and wanted to make something that lifted me up and also showed the transformation I’d undergone as a woman,” says Li.

The soundscape on So Sad So Sexy is also filled with the pulse of Los Angeles at night, projecting an air of solitude and mystery. When Li describes it, it’s almost poetic. “Driving alone at night with only my thoughts as company,” she says. “The view from my bedroom window. Smoking cigarettes at night by my pool.” You can almost smell the cigarette smoke and hear the distant buzz of the LA traffic while the music plays.

Los Angeles seems not only to play an important role musically, it’s also the counter opposite of her life in Stockholm. “LA, for me, is where I finally became an adult and it’s also a place that’s very much about you creating the life you want to live, as there are no rules or boundaries. It’s a place for dreamers and a very modern place. And for the first time in my life I was also really inspired by what was going on culturally, on the streets, on the radio. It is a very eclectic place and I wanted to make something contemporary,” Li says.

Even her style and aesthetic has changed significantly. The Lykke Li we know from previous albums seems to be gone. She describes transition as being a natural part of being an artist, the process of getting inspired by her surroundings and creating little worlds that, sooner or later, she tires of, making her want to go in a completely opposite direction. “Being pregnant made me more aware and loving of my body, and it was really interesting to see how flexible and changeable the body is,” she says. “So for some reason, after the pregnancy, I wanted to cover it up less. And I had a very immediate impulse to chop my hair off and go blonde. But ultimately I think I just feel like a real woman for the first time in my life.”

The lyrics on So Sad So Sexy feel very upfront and honest; they’re small stories that capture different aspects of life and love. Writing lyrics is something Li uses in a therapeutic way, or as she puts it: “Sometimes I feel like I unfortunately manifest things with my lyrics before they even happen. It’s like I’m having a dialogue with my subconscious.”

On reading recent interviews with Li, you realise that the past couple of years have been rough for her, offering both happiness and sorrow. They’ve made her stronger but also more vulnerable. Nowadays she tries to take better care of her personal life and her child. “It put a lot of things in perspective. Before I could lay awake obsessing over how nothing ever turned out good enough. But now I’m more thankful that I even get the chance to do anything at all. It makes me try to think of the journey a little more, because ultimately we are all going to die. So, in a way, everything and nothing really matters. The most important thing is to live while you can. Stay open. Love,” says Li, delivering some heavy life lessons without even sounding the slightest bit clichéd.

Evolvement is essential to her, and trying to get to the bottom of what everything means is what drives her creativity. She explores her visions and dreams while staying true to the voices and urges inside her. She mentions the famous saying that a shark dies if it doesn’t swim forward and draws parallels to being an artist, as well as life in general. “All we can really be sure about is that nothing lasts for ever and things are forever changing,” says Li, reflecting on the essential core of transition.

It’s hard not to agree with her: things evolve and change for the good and for the bad. The decisions we make lead to things taking new turns and directions, transforming our life, bit by bit. For Li, life is a balancing act right now. “I have a young child and I’m on tour most of the year and then we are working on launching my female-empowerment brand Yola Mezcal in Europe,” she says. Li is making sure that she lives life to the fullest – feel the force.

Team credits:

Words by Amanda Båmstedt
Photography by John Scarisbrick
Styling by Natalie Olenheim @ Rockson
Hair by Jacob Kajrup
Make-Up by Josefina Zarmén @ Link Details

Fashion credits: 

#1 Jacket by Mashama 
#2 Jacket by Nand, Trousers by Naim Josefi 
#3 Jacket by Nand 
#4 Blanket by Johannes Adele, Trousers by Naim Josefi, Sunglasses by Prada
#5 Jacket by Johannes Adele, Shirt by Arethé, Trousers and Shoes by Ann-sofie Back.
#6 Jacket by Tove Berner-Wik, Trousers: Lykke’s own 
#7 Jacket by Tove Berner-Wik. Photograph taken by using a Samsung Galaxy S9 
#8 – #10 Jacket by Tove Berner-Wik, Trousers: Lykke’s own. Photographs taken by using a Samsung Galaxy S9 

Team credits:

Photography by Sunny Ringle 
Make up by Céline Exbrayat (using MAC)
Styling by Julie Nivert 
Hair by Sayaka Otama 
Model: Veronika Tonkha (Girls Mgmt)

Beauty credits: 

#1 Daycream: Lightful c+, Liquid Foundation fix c4, Acrylic Paint: Magenta+Pure White, 
#2 Cream: Light, Correcteur: Mineralize NC30, Mascara: 3D black lash in extreme dimension, Lipstick: Aaliyah Try Again, Pigments: Glitter 3D pink 
#3 Foundation: Chromacake, Powder: prep+prime, Lipstick: Plumful 
#4 Acrylic Paint: Landscape Green+White 
#5 Cream: Light, Correcteur: Mineralize NC30, Eyeshadow: Cranberry, Blush: Peaches 
#6 Foundation: Gloss Transparent, Correcteur: Mineralize NC30, Mascara: 3D black lash in extreme dimension, Eye Pigments: Glitter, Cerulean+Turquoise 
#7 Face and Body: White Clay with Pigments: Kitschmas+Chartreuse 
#8 Correcteur: Mineralize NC30, Eyeshadows: Cranberry matt, Blush: Peaches 
#9 Acrylic Paint: Landscape Green+White 

Fashion credits:

#1 Top and Dress by Maison Margiela, Earrings by Justine Clenquet 
#2 Earrings by Justine Clenquet 
#3 Shirt by Neith Nyer, Earrings by Justine Clenquet 
#4 Sweater and Pants by Baserange, Sweaters by Vince, Tibi and Nanushka, Earrings by Justine Clenquet 
#5 T-shirt by Jeanerica, Pants (worn as top) by Aalto, Tights by Falke 
#6 Earrings by Justine Clenquet  
#7 Top by Maison Margiela, Earrings by Justine Clenquet 
#8 Cape by Arthur Avellano 

Amanda Winberg/AMWIN
Amanda Winberg, aka AMWIN, is genuine and filled with energy. She contributes to the music scene with something fresh, new and powerful. This past summer, she did some live shows, something that has clearly got her buzzing: “I’ve been kind of on the low for a little while, as I’ve been focusing on developing my music and sound, so it was great to go out and meet the audience again!”

Winberg’s voice is clear and filled with poise: when she sings, you listen. She is daring in her lyrics and unapologetic about who she is – just take a listen to her debut single, Uber, or Living Mistake, released earlier this year. She describes the music as “a mix of all things I love – and sometimes don’t love. As I release more of it, it’s going to become even more clear who AMWIN is.”

Her artistry has grown over the years and is still evolving, taking on new shapes and expression. “I’m still growing as I’m getting to know myself and what I like even better,” she says. “I meet new people and learn new things every day, both in music and in life. It’s my goal to keep learning and growing, but I don’t think I’ll ever change.”

When it comes to fashion, Winberg reveals she is “obsessed” with FKA twigs – both her style and her artistic expression. Winberg also feels that need to express herself, to communicate and create. “To me, fashion is a tool for doing that. My style changes a lot, depending on the mood I’m in when I wake up. I’ve always been like that,” she admits. “I could show up at school as a punk girl one day, and in a preppy look the next. Fashion helps me connect and express all my different sides.”

Clearly, fashion and clothes work like an extension of her personality and mind, and she is a firm fan of Whyred’s edgy clothes. Their combination of being daring, stylish and wearable is something that suits her well. “I actually first fell in love with the brand for real a year ago, when I found this beautiful mint green suit with puff arms and oversized pants,” she says. “It’s the perfect oversized suit – I love to wear things oversize – with the perfect mix of cute and bold, two of my favourite things.”

It’s clear that the visual aspects of life are important to her: she is a visual person who sees by hearing. “I sometimes live more in my head than in the real world. So when I hear a song I immediately start thinking things like, ‘What does this song look like?’ To me, one of the most intriguing parts of working with music is making a song come alive,” she says. Of the process, she is a 100% involved, not just in the visual side of things – it goes for every part of her artistry. “I enjoy creating – it makes me calm and stimulated. I love seeing visions come alive, even though, like most creators, I always find at least a hundred things I want to improve.”

To challenge everything that is comfortable and neat is something that is important to her in order to evolve, even the seemingly small things. “It’s easy to set up rules for who you are and what you’re capable of, which are rarely true,” she says. “It’s important to challenge yourself with little things in your everyday life, or just change a routine you’ve gotten stuck in. I also think you just need to stop sometimes and take in your surroundings as well. I find myself sometimes stuck in my own mind, with my own thoughts, and when that happens I find the people around me to be a huge source of inspiration in a lot of different ways.”

Fortunately, there’s more to come from AMWIN soon – her new single is due to be out in October. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open.

Mapei
In 2013, Mapei made the world fall in love with her with Don’t Wait, her single that became an instant hit. Now she’s back to make us fall in love with her stunning voice and sound all over again.

She recently moved back to Sweden from Los Angeles, although she’s always seen the world as her home – “like a true global citizen”. But right now, Sweden is the place where she works best. “Plus it’s where most of my friends are,” she says. “It started with me doing one gig here two years ago and ended up with me staying. You never know where I will end up. As with most immigrants who come to Sweden and work hard, their dream is to build a house and go back to their motherland. My dream is to reside by the beach in Monrovia, Liberia, or somewhere, and open a small juice bar of some sort. I think I was built to chill and do art in some remote place, in order for me to come back to metropolitan areas and put my canvases on display, whether that be of art, music or theatre. Sweden is a place that uplifts artists without them having to live by a standard of not eating or sleeping.”

Living in cities all around the globe and the experience of meeting people going the distance with their thing has taught her a lot and influenced her sound and creativity. “Living in New York from the age of 18 taught me a lot about life. Watching artists on television from afar in Sweden left me in the dark about how the industry really works. It really is an industry, and when you conform to that, your art will be a product. I met artists doing their own thing, and that made me believe that I could, too. I think I brought a sense of independence to the table in Sweden. I’m definitely an explorer when it comes to music. A heavy bass never hurts, though. I grew up hearing music like Stevie V or Latin freestyle blasting out of cars, only to find myself in Stockholm, in a very melancholic setting, so I would say I am a mix of that.”

Being an artist has many sides to it – it offers the opportunity to express yourself but also demands a lot of hard work. And being a musician and artist is something that has changed over the years, Mapei feels. “Not only are you a artist nowadays, you are a model and an influencer, with the gab of a mayor,” she says, laughing. “Jokes aside, it takes balls to say you’re an artist and do what you love at the same time as keeping business afloat. It is such an abstract field that has existed for decades and there really is no blueprint.”

Mapei’s voice is powerful, timeless and warm, with that certain old-school glamour that is hard to pinpoint. It was when she noticed that she could hit the “Mariah Carey note” that she knew she could sing. “That’s when I was like, ‘Mom, I wanna be a star.’ Throughout the years I have learnt that being a star is not everything. It is the creativity that counts, and luckily I am gifted with writing songs, visual art, and so on. I am still learning, though… ”

Over the years, her sound has changed and gotten closer to her aesthetic. By creating pictures in her music of feelings and things she has gathered up seems to work as an outlet for her. “Music is like the love partner I cannot leave. It always calls on me, so I have accepted it’s love and I nourish it and make sure it reflects me,” she says.

Whyred has been a favourite of Mapei for some time now and, besides being in love with the name, she thinks their clothes and design always are on point. “Whyred is a legendary brand,” she says, although fashion is something that comes and goes in her life. “But there is no escaping the fact that everything is fashionable in or out of its context, which means anything can be fashionable. If we see a runway with naked people, nude will be the way to go. I hope… ” Mapei says, demonstrating her seemingly uncomplicated relationship with clothes.

Later this autumn, you’ll find Mapei on stage in both Copenhagen and Stockholm. While currently in the phase of working with new material, it’s hard for her to choose between the studio and being on stage. “The road is an external adventure and the studio is an internal one. I can’t choose between the two. I love sharing, so touring is the best way to do that.” He new single will be released soon, so get ready to welcome home one of Stockholm’s coolest voices.

Team credits:

Words by Amanda Båmstedt
Talents: Amanda Winberg, Mapei 
Photography by Dan Sjölund
Styling by Pejman Biroun Vand
Hair & Make-up by Lillis Hermansson
Special thanks to Whyred

Fashion credits: 

#1 Trouve Paisley Jacket  
#2 Francoise Jumpsuit, Showpiece Shoes 
#3 Showpiece Shirt and Shoes, Ruth Heavy Stone Jeans 
#4 Trouve Paisley Jacket, Babette Lux Trousers and Paul Shoes  
#5 Showpiece Jacket, Jeans and Shoes 
#6 Showpiece Dress
#7 Showpiece Jacket, Karolina Cherrie Shirt 
#8 Vincent Jacket, Showpiece T-shirt, Margaux Hat 
#9 Showpiece Jacket, Trousers and Shoes, Karolina Cherrie Shirt 
#10  Mills BD Paisley Shirt, Jeanne Trousers, Göthberg Shoes, Elroy Hat 

All looks by Whyred 

Have you ever been to Shanghai, he asks me straightaway. It’s easy to get an idea of the curious mind behind his unique art in just a few seconds. “It really doesn’t look like it’s in a communist country,” he says. The friendly, calm voice on the other end of the line gives the impression that we could probably keep talking about Shanghai for another half-hour or so.

Shrigley has just arrived back in the UK from another destination on his tour that has been showcasing his art around the world. Over the past two years, the tour has made stops in Mexico, Chile, South Korea, New Zealand and now, last on the list, China. Most famous for his drawings accompanied with text, slogans and puns, Shrigley is an artist who is not particularly easy to get a grip of. His CV lists sculptures, large installations, animations, paintings, photography and music, contributing to a complex description of an artist. Among the many projects that have got the attention of the public, there have been collaborations with musicians including Franz Ferdinand and Blur, and his giant, 7-metre-high thumb, entitled Really Good, in Trafalgar Square, London. “I’ve kind of worked in almost every media there is,” he says, laughing. “Maybe apart from dance, but dance is on its way, you know. I’m sure it will arrive in the future.”

Growing up, his heroes were Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol, and he took to the pen at an early age. After graduating from art school in the early 1990s, he returned to what he knew best. With limited funds and space, he came to create what soon would be the foundation and centre of his oeuvre. “It was the easiest and most economical way to say what I wanted to say. I have done it for my entire life. I never really intended that it be the centre of my practice, but I realised that it was my thing, so that was what it became,” he says.

After publishing his second book filled with the characteristic drawings, Shrigley ended up on the cover of what he describes as a “fancy” art magazine. “All of a sudden, everyone knew who I was, and that was that.” That was 23 years ago, and his work hasn’t stopped amusing and amazing people. “I never intended to be the ‘go-to guy’ for making funny drawings in the world of fine arts. But I sort of have become that guy,” he says. His style is truly unique in the art world, maybe best described as straightforward and simple, yet magnetic. His pieces are anything but boring – and the process isn’t either, he admits. “I’m trying to amuse myself all the time, not just to make myself laugh, but amuse myself in the sense that I’m trying to get to a place I have never been to before, and trying to do that by just making drawings a lot of the time.”

So is it art? Is it good? And who says so? Shrigley has come to challenge many basic norms of the art world since making his entry more than 20 years ago. Today, he looks at himself, his art and its place in different light. “So, the work is funny. I mean, it’s sort of unique in the world of fine art, in that it genuinely functions as comedy as well as art. It’s been a thing I always end up talking about – making funny art, and can funny art be serious, or taken seriously as art? And it’s a question I don’t really care about any more. Who cares, really? Who cares whether people take it seriously? I mean, people do take it seriously. I drive a brand-new Volvo, so… ” he says before breaking into laughter.

When asked to try to explain the success he has experienced over the years, he laughs again. “I never intended to be a success, but I’m very happy that I am. It was never anything I anticipated, and I really just do what comes naturally. I mean, my job is just to make art that I think is interesting, because I can’t expect anybody else to think it’s interesting unless I do.”

And now, his installation Exhibition of Giant Inflatable Swan-things, created exclusively for the Spritmuseum in Stockholm, is about to open. Unsurprisingly, the installation originates from what Shrigley calls a “bizarre idea”. From a typical Shrigley drawing, giant, three-dimensional swans designed as swimming-pool toys took shape. “There is something weirdly fascinating about changing shapes. Inflation and deflation, there is something about breathing, life and death somehow,” he says in a slightly dreamy voice. While nothing is quite as it seems in Shrigley’s universe, one thing is for sure: watching his work never gets boring.

Exhibition of the Giant Inflatable Swan-things, until March 31, 2019; Spritmuseum, Stockholm. For more information, visit spritmuseum.se or davidshrigley.com

Team credits: 

Words by Ted Hammerin
Artist: David Shrigley

Art & Photo credits: 

#1 Headshot by Craig Gibson 
#2 Self-portrait (2018) 
#3 Gold-shit (2018)
#4 A Pleasing Situation (2018)
#5 Knock Everything Down (2018) 
#6 Lies (2018) 
#7 Your Pizza has Arrived (2018) 
#8 4th Plint (2017), Photography by Linda Jablonsky 

The various pressures of our times make it increasingly difficult to embrace uniqueness and to stay calm in the informational overflow that we are constantly bombarded with. In many spheres, the homogeneous is favoured over the heterogeneous, the habitual over the unexplored, and the safe over the adventurous, so it’s hard not to admire the creative spirit, self-expression and ingenuity of the next generation of Swedish fashion-design talent.

During Stockholm Fashion Week at the end of August, a specially selected group of alumni from The Swedish School of Textiles and a host of other great talents showcased their playful and eye-catching designs before an expectant crowd – and the audience was not disappointed. Through a flurry of materials, colours, details and unique cuts, these talented creators showed the world that they are the future of fashion and design, the young stars who will carry the torch for years to come and whose designs will become the cult looks of tomorrow.

For Dr. Martens, the now iconic footwear brand, its designs were born from a persisting sense of rebellious self-expression and originality that has permeated the brand ever since the 1960s. Through its unabashed attitude and ingenuity, the brand has created timeless and unmistakable designs, and become a true icon – and it all came from an urge to be different, a need to embrace one’s true self. So over the next pages, The Forumist is celebrating the shared sense of originality and self-expression between Dr. Martens and this new generation of Swedish design talent.

Reflecting the rebellious, original heritage of Dr. Martens, these young designers’ creations are bound to become future classics. Whether they spread their wings on their own, or choose a more treaded path, these talents will continue to innovate, push boundaries and stay refreshingly rebellious. This is only the beginning of a transition that will not only change their own lives, but the course of fashion and design.

Team credits:

Words by Petter Bladlund 
Photography by Andreas Karlsson
Styling by Emma Thorstrand 
Special Thanks to Dr. Martens 

Fashion credits: 

#1 Mukai Mary-Jane Shoes by Dr. Martens, Dress by Stina Randestad 
#2 Mukai Shoes by Dr. Martens, Coat by Alice Jardesten, Stockings: Stylist’s own  
#3 Vegan Pascal Chrome Boots by Dr. Martens, Dress by Lynn Tallvod, Stockings: Stylist’s own 
#4 Nyberg Boots by Dr. Martens, Dress by Linn Sohl 
#5 Vegan Pascal Shoes by Dr. Martens, Dress by Matilda Envall, Stockings: Stylist’s own
#6 Serova Shoes by Dr. Martens, Jacket, Trousers and Hat by Rave Review 
#7 Vegan Pascal Chrome Boots by Dr. Martens, Dress by Matilda Forssblad 
#8 Vegan Pascal Chrome Boots by Dr. Martens, Bodysuit by Kajsa Willumsen 
#9 Nyberg Boots by Dr. Martens, Dress by Karolina Centeno Norberg, Stockings: Stylist’s own 

The connectedness of today’s world is often taken for granted and even viewed with slight suspicion. The ability to travel everywhere in a matter of hours, to plan trips on the internet and to view a multitude of destinations on your Instagram and Facebook feeds has almost rendered adventurous exploring a thing of the past. But it doesn’t have to be this way – the time of the global nomad is here.

The past decades have fostered a new generation of global nomads: curious, independent and open-minded souls who travel the world, absorbing the variety of cultural influences and experiences, valuing the journey more than the destination. For generations, these wanderers of the world have been settling in Sweden. Coming from various backgrounds, and carrying with them an abundance of cultural influences and references, they have brought with them the elements that make Sweden the multifaceted and bustling country it is today. And this continuous transition has changed Sweden from the blonde, homogenous stereotype to something much more.

To infuse a renewed sense of adventure and spontaneity into today’s global landscape, the latest Made & Crafted autumn collection by Levi’s, labelled The Nomadic Life, pays homage to these travellers who provide richness, depth and variety to Sweden. Whether it’s by making music, creating unique designs or influencing others, these individuals represent the core of the culturally diverse and perpetually evolving country that Sweden is today. And judging by the buzzing creativity and ingenuity of these young professionals, there is more greatness to come. The Forumist met up with some of the young creators who are inspiring others around them.

Ilkham Batrudinov, music producer
Creating new beats for various genres and artists while working as a music producer by day and DJ-ing at night, Ilkham Batrudinov makes sure that the dance floors and bars get the soundtrack they deserve. “When I set my mind to something, I’m very determined,” says Batrudinov. He’s dedicating all his spare time to creating music, an effort that is paying off since he’s taking big steps in achieving his dreams. “My goal is to be able to make an impact in the music industry by making beats and to get recognised as an artist and music producer.” We’ll undoubtedly be be hearing a lot more of those beats soon.

Danno Tharmarajah, DJ
It was Danno Tharmarajah’s excellent taste in music that initiated her career as a DJ. She borrowed a friend’s controller and, since then, DJing has been the love of her life. For her, the best part of her life is being surrounded by creative people. “They inspire me. Watching them doing their work keeps me motivated. Also, I’m Tamil, so my mom makes the best food!” she says, smiling. Looking at her online activity it’s quickly evident that she engages in breaking boundaries and norms, being a true inspiration for others herself. “I’m a queer POC [person of colour], so it’s impossible for me to not engage in activism. These days, being a brown woman in Sweden is scary as hell. With racism being normalised in politics, it directly affects society. Everything is messed up. We have to fight the racists by showing the Swedish government we are angry. We have to organise and demonstrate. We have to fight for our trans sisters and brothers, for our disabled sisters and brothers, for our sisters and brothers of colour. White people have to use their privilege and be the best ally they can.” Tharmarajah faces the challenges of today’s society by drawing on the strengths that come from love and acceptance.

Anfa Lashari, rapper
Anfa Lashari is one half of the rap duo Lash, which has been taking Sweden by storm. But the way to the success hasn’t always been straightforward for Lash. Growing up in Hulta, Borås, was not that easy, but music fed her dreams. “I have always been a little rebel,” says Lashari. “I spent my childhood dealing with drugs, gender confusion and hopelessness. Everything was a struggle – school, life, home – and that’s when I turned to music. It helped me escape reality and allowed me to dream of a better future for me and my friends.” She is a true creative, fiercely driven by her wish to see equality in society. “Fitting in just wasn’t my thing. I shocked my parents by shaving my eyebrows when I was eight. Everyone wants to be different in today’s society. Disrupting the norm is trendy and ‘cool’. Growing up and breaking norms at a very young age was a struggle and a blessing, it still is. Yes, I was bullied, I was threatened and I was treated differently by society but I also got a lot of love and support from family, friends and random people.” Today Lashari is thankful and proud of where she comes from: “Hulta is in my heart! I will never forget where it all started.”

Beri Gerwise, musician and rapper
Music has always served as an escape for Beri Gerwise. Concerned that it might sound clichéd, she stresses it’s nevertheless true. “I think everyone has their own escapes and solutions to their past and present. I became my own therapist by writing down whatever I was feeling, no matter how dark it was, and I just sat there and had to face it,” she says. Growing up, she wasn’t considered as belonging to the norms set by society and came out three times to her relatives, yet explains that she doesn’t know any other way than being who she is. “I think it is the most scary, strengthening and beautiful thing. Most of all I think being gay has really raised me into understanding that norms are just boxes made to separate people from each other, making us think that we are different when we’re not,” she says. Gerwise is proof that wisdom doesn’t necessarily need to come with age.

Fanny Amelita, social-media manager
A true creative mind, Fanny Amelita not only works as a media manager at a clothing brand but writes music and sings, something she wants to do more of in the future. “I enjoy working with things where creative minds can meet and create together. I’m also very engaged in how society deals with mental illness, as well as women’s and black people’s rights,” says Amelita of some of the things she is passionate about. She gets her energy and inspiration from discussing with others. “I feel powerful when I’m with people who respect others as humans, and when we are working together. I feel powerful when we talk about the future and life the way we want it. Then I feel blessed, hopeful and not alone.” For Amelita, strength and energy is found in togetherness and friendship.

Nora Fazel, influencer
A digital native, Nora Fazel goes her own way. At the beginning of her career she thought that working as an influencer automatically meant she was supposed to fill her life with seemingly interesting activities to please those who followed her, sharing stories from a continuous flow of events and receiving clothes – which is exactly what she did until she decided to stop try pleasing others. “A normal day for me now consists of studying journalism, dressing comfortably but still feeling confident in what I wear, eating well and taking care of myself. I make my own path and, honestly, I only need to influence myself,” she says. Fazel dreams of contributing to society and wants to publish a book. “I want to use my mind and body to make things better for those who need to kick back and relax. For now it seems like I’ll achieve this through journalism.” She already uses her space online to share warmth and strength, and she despises inhumanity. “Sweden is for everybody,” says Fazel.

Team credits:

Words by Amanda Båmstedt
Photography by Johan Nilsson 
Styling by Nathalie Olenheim (Rockson)
Hair & Make up by Helen Borg (Agent Bauer)
Casting by Helin Honung 
Talents: Ilkham Batrudinov, Danno Tharmarajah, Anfa Lashari, Beri Gerwise, Fanny Amelita, Nora Fazel   
Special Thanks to Levi’s 

Fashion credits:

#1 and #2 Love Letter Trucker Jacket and Boy Tee T-shirt 
#3 and #4 Crop Cherpa Trucket Jacket and Hombre Mist Tunic 
#5 and #6 Type II Worn Trucker Dark Blue Jacket, Type II Worn Trucker Light Blue Jacket, Boy Tee T-shirt and 501 Jeans 
#7 and #8 Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, Pop Over Sweatshirt, 501 Original Jeans (around waist) and Steam Flare Jeans 
#9 and #10 Trucker Jacket and Barrel Jeans 
#11 and #12 Trucker Trench Denim Jacket, Traveller’s Knitted Jacket, Greaser Straight Jeans (around waist) and Track Trousers 

All looks by Levi’s

Team credits: 

Photography by Motohiko Hasui
Styling by Koji Oyamada 
Hair by Ritsu 
Make up by Mariko Suzuki 
Talents: Rorurari, Mei, Satsuki and Mei

Fashion credits: 

#2 Shirt by Doublet, bustier and pants by Neon Sign; Dress by GVGV; Knit by Doublet, socks by Facetasm; Jacket by Facetasm, skirt by Miu Miu
#4 Jacket and skirt by Moschino
#7 Rompers by Facetasm
#8 Pea coat by Doublet,, arm knit by Raf Simons , socks by Facetasm , shoes by Converse
#9 Knit and skirt by JW. Anderson, backpack by Adidas
#10 Jacket and skirt by Moschino
#11 Bodysuit by GVGV, shoes by Converse
#12 Jacket and skirt by GVGV 
#13 Shirt by Facetasm, shawl by Neon Sign, knitwear by Raf Simons 
#15 Track jacket and track pants by Neon Sign
#16 Dress by Facetasm
#18 Dress by GVGV
#19 Shirt by Doublet,, bustier by Neon Sign; Knit by Doublet, socks by Facetasm
#20 Knit and polo shirt by Neon Sign