This post is a nostalgic story about my own upbringing and the influence that fashion and creativity had onmy journey of self-discovery. Growing up in a family of tailors and being inspired by myelegant grandmother and mother, and I explore how fashion became a source of self-expression. From being influenced by fashion in a popular TV series to delving into French design and seeking out unique vintage pieces, I showcase how fashion can be an art form that shapes our identities and sparks creative self-discovery. Finally, I express my deep gratitude for the creative space and the passion for fashion that has accompanied me throughout my life.
In the house where I grew up, a world of creativity and craftsmanship thrived. My grandparents ran a renowned tailoring business that filled every corner of the ground floor. Oh, how I miss that place! The rhythmic hum of sewing machines, the scent of freshly cut fabric, and the elegant display of bespoke garments enchanted me from an early age.
A treasure hunter in a magical haven
Fond memories of my grandmother’s sewing studio linger in my mind. Even after my grandfather’s passing, she carried on the legacy with unwavering passion. Alongside her, I would spend hours exploring the enchanting realm of textiles and notions. Intriguing spools of thread, shimmering buttons of all shapes and sizes, and the delicate hooks for corsets fascinated me endlessly. As a curious 4-year-old, I felt like a treasure hunter in that magical haven.
Avant-garde creations
But the influence of fashion extended beyond the walls of my grandparents’ tailoring empire. My stylish grandmother (mother of my mother, who possessed an innate sense of elegance, left an indelible mark on my sartorial journey. She designed and crafted breathtaking garments that were far ahead of their time. Despite being born in 1916, she embraced the trends of French and German fashion with fervor. I still recall those moments of doubt when I hesitated, wondering if that unique sense of style would be appreciated along the Norrland coast or even in the bustling streets of Stockholm. Little did I know that my grandmother’s avant-garde creations were like whispers of tomorrow, echoing the fashion world’s future zeitgeist.
The timeless elegance of Chanel
My mother, too, nurtured my fashion sensibilities. Growing up in the heart of Stockholm, she effortlessly embodied chic sophistication. It was my mother’s influence that ignited my passion for iconic designs. Like a seamstress of dreams, my grandmother meticulously replicated the timeless elegance of Chanel suits, allowing me to don them proudly during my high school years. The feeling of slipping into those impeccably tailored garments and pairing them with carefully chosen hats was transformative. I knew then that fashion had the power to transcend mere fabric and thread, becoming an art form that shaped one’s identity.
Clandestine escapades
Yet, the path to self-discovery through fashion was not without obstacles. Initially, I embarked on an engineering course that left me feeling out of place. The conformity stifled my spirit, as I longed for a creative outlet that could channel my vibrant individuality. And so, after a few months of clandestine escapades into the world of shopping, and indulging in cigarettes at the city’s cafes, a glimmer of hope:
A chance to switch to the Music program, where uniqueness was celebrated and creativity flourished, beckoned me like a melody that only I could hear. It was in the vibrant tapestry of diverse styles and timeless expressions that I finally found solace!
As a shy 15-year-old, dressed in my mother’s dress, a Chanel-inspired creation sewn by my grandmother, I took my first steps into adulthood. It was often that I inherited my mother’s wardrobe, and it was during that summer that I truly began to feel grown-up. Childhood was slipping away, and my choice of attire became pivotal in defining my emerging identity.
External influences
During this transformative time in the mid-80s, I found external influences in unexpected places. It was through a television series called ”Lace” that I discovered a whole new world of fashion inspiration. Set in a prestigious girls’ school in Switzerland, the show transported me back to the glamour of the 1950s and 1960s. The three women whose lives unfolded onscreen possessed an exquisite sense of style, donning breathtaking garments, including the finest French designs sourced from one of the girls’ aunts living in Paris.
One particular character captivated me – Maxine Pascal, played by the talented actress Arielle Dombasle. Maxine’s embodiment of French elegance and sophistication became my sartorial aspiration. I yearned to exude her poise and grace. Inspired by her character, I delved into the realm of French culture, immersing myself in French language studies at school.
Fashion, music and second-hand
My dedication to learning French went beyond classroom walls. I devoured French fashion magazines, carefully studying the latest trends from the city of Paris and listened to french music and learning the lyrics of the songs of Édith Piaf. The allure of French design, coupled with the influence of ”Lace,” fueled my desire to experiment with new looks, to create my own personal style that reflected both timeless elegance and a touch of the unconventional.
Vintage and second-hand
As my sartorial journey unfolded, I ventured beyond the confines of our small town, seeking out unique clothing pieces and accessories that would allow my inner Maxine to shine through. With my grandmother’s help, I began exploring vintage and second-hand stores, finding hidden gems reminiscent of the eras depicted in ”Lace.” The thrill of discovering a well-preserved Chanel or Dior piece was intoxicating, as each garment whispered tales of past glamour and timeless allure.
In the stifling halls of my high school, where conformity seemed to reign, I proudly showcased my newfound individuality. Each carefully chosen outfit became a declaration of my burgeoning self-expression, a testament to the fusion of my grandmother’s craftsmanship, the influence of ”Lace,” and my longing to embody the spirit of the French fashion world.
The power of fashion
Those transformative years laid the foundation for my lifelong passion for fashion. Today, as I reflect on that shy 15-year-old girl who saw herself in her mother’s dress, I am grateful for the external influences that guided me, the fictional worlds that ignited my imagination, and the power of fashion to shape our identities and spark creative self-discovery.
Fashion became my sanctuary—a realm where creativity, self-expression, and impeccable craftsmanship converged. It is not merely clothing or an accessory; it is an extension of one’s innermost aspirations. Just as music, art, and interior design permeate our lives with beauty and meaning, fashion has the power to inspire, empower, and ignite our souls. It is a language that transcends boundaries, intertwining culture and personal narrative, forever igniting the flame of curiosity and wonder within me. From my grandparents’ attic to the grandest fashion houses, the thread of passion for quality and inspired design weaves its way through my veins, enriching my sense of self and infusing every stitch of my being.
Annika Österling