• The rise of Hawsoon Jobe and Port Au Mansa

    Written by Yasmine M

    Having worked in the shadows for years, crafting the dream of a fragrance. Many of us now know the name Port Au Mansa, the distinctive fragrance brand crafted in the suburbs of Stockholm, latest showcased in a project at Fotografiska and the British Embassy. 

    But it took time to get there, instead, the founder Hawsoon Jobe, focused on his studies and experiencing the world - gathering knowledge and inspiration. Now he is on the rise, and the support is huge. This brand is not about the look, but the scent - don’t judge the book by its cover.

    Let’s begin with the classic question, how would you describe yourself?
    I would describe myself as a creative and curious individual who expresses myself through my art. Always with a warm heart.

    Some time ago you moved back home to Stockholm, after living abroad, in for example London. How was that?
    Living in London was a great experience. I felt inspired every day by all the different cultures and seeing young creatives, especially people of color, creating their own waves without compromising their art. I also had the amazing opportunity to live in New York City and San Francisco during my studies, where also there seeing young creatives not compromising their art.

    ’..I felt like living in a place like London, you can be true with your expressions.’’

    How would you compare for example London’s community for artists compared to, Stockholm?
    I felt like living in a place like London, you can be true with your expressions and admired for it. You don't have to follow a certain formula in contrast to Sweden, where people often dismiss something they're not familiar with.

    Living abroad, getting exposed to new environments – did you learn anything that changed you?
    I learned a lot about myself navigating through hard times and just exposing myself to new environments. At the same time, I feel living abroad demolished my fear of anything – making me braver. It changed me a lot, I had to step out of my comfort zone and understand that normality is subjective depending on where you are in the world. Also getting exposed to different cultures made me widen my horizon. That I am much grateful for.


    ’..I took a photo in The Gambia, of young black schoolgirls holding a t-shirt of tennis star Serena Williams. That photo just speaks to the magnitude of having role models that look like you. It means a lot to me.’’

    .

    For the people who follow you, photography seems close to your heart. I can personally say you take inspiring pictures, what does it come from?
    Thank you so much! Photography is close to my heart; I feel like it’s the only format where time stops. When you see an image, you literally go back in time to that exact moment mentally.

    If you could choose one of your photos to tell us about, which one would it be?
    The photo that I’ve captured that’s special to me, is the one that I took in The Gambia of young black schoolgirls, holding up a t-shirt of tennis star Serena Williams. That photo just speaks to the magnitude of having role models that look like you. It means a lot to me.

    Creating the brand focusing on scents, what was most important?
    The importance of creating Port Au Mansa was to be authentic to myself and bring people to my world, instead of me adapting to their world. Not to mention, make sure I bring my community with me, through my journey. Since they were the first ones to support and embrace me.

    What does it mean for you to have support?
    For me, it means a lot – having the support from day one, even when they can’t see the result instantly, but they believe that you will get there one day. Hopefully, when people see the brand, they will get inspired to pursue their dreams and understand that the world is their oyster. The days of the gatekeepers are over.

    ''The days of the gatekeepers are over.''

    Tell us about the inspiration behind the brand?
    The inspiration comes from my surroundings and the gems that I picked up from living overseas, and the books I’ve read which is showcased in my storytelling.

    Working with the fragrances, what's your inspiration?
    Working with fragrance, for me, is all about keeping it simple and making sure it smells astonishing. Often, when I create a scent I might think about a particular color, song, or place that want the scent to reflect.

    Is there a fragrance you are most proud of? And wish everyone could smell?
    The scent, that I think everyone needs to smell, is Shinjuku and Bamboo. You will never find a scent like those anywhere.

    What's the perfect scent to get for spring?
    The perfect scent for spring is Dead Presidents, 432 Hz and Sweet November.

    What's next for Port Au Mansa?
    During the Fotografiska x British Embassy presentation, I was able to introduce the scents of Port Au Mansa to a new crowd which was amazing, and present a short film that I have done with my friend Ronson who is a videographer. Both these things made me believe we can broad the horizon.

    The next for the brand is to establish myself as a self-proclaimed business taking over the world without compromising.

    Where do you wish, everyone could travel to (if they could)?
    I wish everyone could travel to Anguilla in the Caribbean. It looks like paradise on earth. I haven't been there myself but hopefully soon.

    Get to know the brand closer at Portaumansa.com

  • photography & fashion Alexander Urombi
    jacket Weekday
    shirt Acne Studios
    pants Our Legacy
    shoes Reebok Club 85
    glasses Bavé's Own
    tie J. Lindeberg

    Words Into Melodies, an Interview With Bavé

    Written by Selma Omar Costa by Thea Undemo

    The Stockholm music scene has a new addition to keep an eye on. Bavé released his debut EP ‘In Vermouth’ in September 2021. It is saturated by escapism and takes us back to warm late nights and summer nostalgia. His charismatic stage presence is influenced by iconic guitar heroes and he has no fear of venturing into new territories. We met in his charming underground Stockholm studio to get deeper into his background, dreamy sensual sound, inspirations and first ever live performance.

    What’s in your Vermouth? How often do people mispronounce the album title?
    My Vermouth is both a place and a drink, which is why it's treated as the two on the album: first track is called Vermouth but the album is named In Vermouth. You’re in Vermouth, drunk on Vermouth. It’s intentional and perhaps a little confusing, but it will be a way to use the listener's own imagination and provide room for interpretation. People, at least Swedes, tend to mispronounce it and I think it might be because they think of Vermont. Bartenders always get it right though.

    When you create music, what are you most inspired by?
    For me, it is always first and foremost about text. Which is usually inspired by coming-of-age movies, books, teenage dramas - the classic, person X meets person Y who in turn changes one person's life over a summer. I can never get tired of portrayals of teenage love.

    Where does In Vermouth transport you?
    I am transported to the summer of 2018, when I moved to Stockholm after living on the island Biskops Arnö and writing music for a year. Almost everything that is treated on the EP takes place just before and after that summer in terms of time. It is and will remain the best summer of my life I think!

    It is a hugely personal and intimate album for you that takes you to a specific time in life. At the same time you give listeners their own room for interpretation through the title in a way. Where do you want to transport your listeners?
    I would like to transport them to love as they see it, sex, fresh fruits, the sun, swimming together with friends, alcohol, summer and late after-parties that you overstay for way too long.

    In your interview in P3, you talk about your single “Summer House”, how it has a deeper meaning for you and is dedicated to your mother. But also how it reflects on class differences you experienced growing up segregated. Where is “home” for you and how does it show in you as a person?
    I was born and raised in Gottsunda and kind of always thought that that’s always where home was going to be for me. But every time I go there I just feel more distanced from the physical place. Not that it has changed much but rather because I have found home to be where my friends are. And we have changed. Gottsunda still shows in me as the everyday hustler and smooth talker I am though.

    You feel more distanced from the physical place, but do you feel that the place has somehow inspired your music?
    I guess it might have subconsciously affected some of the themes in my writing, but not musically.

    So what or whom has inspired your sound?
    A lot of psychedelic rock music, Funkadelic and Jimi Hendrix for instance. But also the nature in Nancy Sinatra and the sex in Prince.

    Is there any song that has had a greater impact on the body of the entire EP?
    In terms of sound, I would say the title track Vermouth, which also was the first song written for the EP. It was the first track me and Leo Goldmann did where both of us had an aha moment; this is how we want the EP to sound. That song kind of became the framework or color palette that we kept looking back at while writing other songs.

    When you collaborate with someone like Leo, how do you communicate a feeling between each other?
    Leo and I have a very special bond where we can tap into the same energy real quick. For instance, before making ''Skies'' we both knew that we wanted to write something to dance to. I hit the bathroom for literally two minutes when I heard him playing the bass riff for it. I just entered the room again and sang ''Star-spangled eyes'' and that was that.

    How did Leo help develop your sound?
    I would say that it would be a combination of him being way ahead of me on the technical side of things, but also that he has a background playing in bands. Leo being a drummer levitated the shit out of my sound. I think this is what gives our music that small indie-rock vibe you sometimes can hear on the EP, but also what is now a requirement for both of us - that the music sounds organic.

    What kind of music are you listening to at the moment?
    I’m very much listening to the local scene at the moment - Jelly Crystal, Venus fantastic debut EP, NEY LIQA and June Vide. The sound of Stockholm has never been so sexy.

    Do you have any dream collaboration?
    I would love to make a Rick Rubin record barefoot at his place. I think he could push me into interesting head-spaces.
    You had your first live performance at Södra Teatern in October last year.

    How did it feel?
    First of all, I felt nothing. I didn't even really understand what had happened until a whole day later. Once I landed it was as if every second I had spent in the studio had been leading up to that moment. Seeing hundreds of beautiful, unknown faces sing my songs is completely indescribable.

    How did the gig come about?
    Södra Teatern called me and I panicked because it was in two weeks and I had no band. My friends told me to accept the offer, which I did and a couple of days later Leo and I found Theo Kylin (guitar) and Karl Perlskog (drums).

    You looked very comfortable on stage for your first performance. You may not have any stage fright, but is there something you tap into to make you feel at home on stage?
    Actually, I do have stage fright but I was completely gone once I stood up there. I tapped into my Prince mode and I knew that standing still before the microphone was no option. The dancing part comes more naturally for me than the singing just because I've danced since I was a kid and still do. Honestly it was the singing I was worried about. Before doing the show I even called my friend Stella Cartiers (Stella Explorer) for tips. She basically told me that you always sing off-key a bit at the beginning which calmed me a lot. And I'm pretty sure I did (sing off-key), which is aight.

    How do you feel like the album translates when it's performed live?
    There are parts of the album that get lighter and darker when I perform live. On the EP, In Vermouth has this floral, quiet and vacuum-type vibe. Whereas live, more instruments are added and the hard, dark and psychedelic sides of it are channeled, which gives me room to behave as I do on stage. It's like the backside of Vermouth when playing it live. I want people to recognize the songs while offering them a new experience.

    What did you take with you from your studies while studying at the island Biskops Arnö?
    I understood the importance of isolation while creating but also the total opposite - to let people in.

    It’s been a while since the EP was released and we've had the time to vibe and learn the lyrics. What can we expect from Bavé in 2022?
    This year me and the team are trying to pick up the pace a bit. There will be more music and I’m excited to hopefully be able to perform again.

    jacket Weekday
    shirt Acne Studios
    pants Our Legacy
    shoes Reebok Club 85
    glasses Bavé's Own
    tie J. Lindeberg
    top Our Legacy
    boxers Calvin Klein
    shoes Reebok x Awake
    glasses Bavé's Own
    t-Shirt ULAX Studios
    pants Daily Paper
    boots Saint Laurent
    glasses Bavé's Own
    belt BB Simon
    t-shirt, pants & mules Our Legacy
    glasses Bavé's Own
  • The products to save your hair in 2022

    Written by Yasmine M

    Say hi to the best friends in hair care. That keep our curls hydrated, frizz smooth, and split-ends whole. But most important, that gives us a little joy everyday. 

    HairLust – Pure Bamboo Pillowcase
    If there is one thing to treat yourself with in 2022, is a soft pillowcase. And HairLust, a Scandinavian brand focused on haircare and accessories, has just that. The Pure Bamboo pillowcase is not only gentle on your hair, but kind to your skin. The case comes in four different colors to fit your room the best. The Bamboo fibers are soft as silk (and cruelty-free) that protects your hair during the night. As an assessment, I have the classic HairLust pink case, which perhaps don't fit into the rest of my décor, but I use it anyway since it’s absolutely marvelous. 

    Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
    My dry and curly hair can’t live without this oil. While we are supposed to highlight the new products. This one is a go-to, I am on my second bottle and while it’s on the more expensive side, my hair thanks me every time. I have noticed that using an oil, my hair is much softer than using a spray leave-in. On the plus side, it smells enormously amazing. But most importantly the Honey Infused Oil gets rid of the frizz and makes the hair shiny and soft.

    Redken Extreme Heat Protection
    When you are using heat tools, we all know it’s so important to apply heat protection. Redken Extreme, one of Redkens bestseller series for damaged hair is a worthy option.This heat protection cream provides protection from not only the heat but helps strengthening your hair. It’s a multi-benefit treatment and leave-in conditioner. It’s very powerful as it is infused with plant proteins and tourmaline – helping prevent split ends and reduces the appearance of split ends by 70%. Another go-to is the Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner, which I use 1-2 times a month depending on my hair status - just to strengthen my hair and give it a protection layer.

    Tangle Teezer - Styling Brush
    If you haven't yet come across the Tangle Teezer brush, here is your chance. The perfect styling and finishing tool for hair comes in a spring fresh mint color. It's availble both in compact more travel friendly designs as well as larger brushes. The tangle teezer have multply different version that is customized to work for your specific hair type. 

    Sachajuan Scalp Scrub The deep cleansing and sugar scrub, have become a favorite of mine this winter. Formulated with Ocean Silk Technology, climbazole, soybean, and shea butter oil, it’s a lovely scalp scrub that easily transforms from a scrub to a foam. It contains natural Sucrose which helps to exfoliate and unclog the scalp’s surface from dandruff, oil build-up, and dead skin. A great advice is too use the Sachajuan Scalp Brush, designed to be used with the Scalp Scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation and cell renewal in the scalp.

    Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask The moisture mask is infused with the patented Olaplex Bond Building technology, which we can find in almost every Olaplex product. These bonds are said to give the hair its structure, strength, and stability. Bond Intense Moisture Mask is a highly concentrated reparative mask that is said to add shine and smooth your hair while providing intense moisture. And quickly said - it does, my very dry and frizzy hair became very shiny and felt less frizzy without using my ordinary leave-in conditioner. I am getting another bottle! 

    Silk Coat – Rebecca Stella Beauty For the humidity we need protection, especially to tame the frizz. This spray creates an invisible shield against heat, and as a result blocks the humidity. Which results in a silk finish for even the most curly hair. It's a simply yet powerful product. Use it by dividing your towel-dried hair into sections and spray from half an arm's length lightly to then flatten or curl the hair. However, wait 5 min until the product have dried a bit so you don't expose your hair right away. While the best way is to use in towel-dry hair, I have also tried it in dry hair, when I needed that extra shield, and it worked.

    Kevin Murphy TOUCHABLE My go-to styling product is this wax spray from Kevin Murphy. I heard about it from a renowned Hairstylist and never looked back. The spray wax finishing hairspray maintains texture and hold to reinforce the appearance of separation for that perfectly messy look. A healthy dose of Antioxidants from Hibiscus Flower Extract, Milk Thistle, Sea Lavender and Carrot Seed Oil help protect and condition the hair, giving it a beautiful satin sheen. It works both when you wish to have that slick wax look with a tight bun, or curled your hair to make sure your hair hold the entire day (and night). The only downside is a bit about the smell, which is quite heavy - but it's definitly a personal preference. 

    Maria Nila, True Soft Argan Oil This nourishing Argan Oil softens and moisturises your hair. A perfect oil if you have fine and thin hair, since it quickly absorbs and don't make the hair greasy. But one of the big points is the scent, that makes your hair smell of vanilla, rose and jasmine - perfect if you need that extra pick-me-up. You apply a small amount of the oil to damp or dry hair when you feel its needed. It's a perfect in-between washes product and now when the spring and summer is just around the corner. 

    Oribe Fortifying Treatment Serum
    This treatment elixir from the new collection Hair Alchemy, combines a blend of chia seed, bio-fermented bamboo leaf and plant-based protein plus phytoceramides and cotton seed extract to shield and fortify fragile strands. The sheer, fast-absorbing serum creates a protective veil around each hair fiber to improve tensile strength and elasticity while preventing breakage by strengthening from within to encourage length. It also work as a heat protection. 

    Björn Axen’s Signature The Hair Mask Last year I was at a Hair Rehab and found the Signature The Hair Mask, An intensive moisturizing and repairing hair treatment enriched with vegan keratin and provitamin B5 which together strengthens and deeply moisturizes the hair. You leave the mask for minimum of 5 min, and let the macadamia and cottonseed oil work its magic. Leaving the hair shiny and soft. 

    GOOPGLOW Restore + Shine Hair Treatment I am still waiting for all GOOP products to be avaible in the entire EU. But until then, this is a great start. This Restore + Shine Hair Treatment is a preshampoo glow serum. In Gwyneth Paltrow own words: “It’s kind of a miracle on my hair,”  It's Made with cuticle-sealing vitamin C, omega-rich sea buckthorn oil, and shine-boosting plumeria monoi oil - that its said to work for all hair types. 

    R+Co Atlantis Shampoo and Conditioner For that everyday hair wash, you don’t want to dry out your hair. The R+Co Atlantis Shampoo and Conditioner, is formulated with Vitamin B5 to moisturize dry and damaged hair from root to tip. With naturally occurring glycerin to balance the hydration level. The Conditioner includes Acai Fruit Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Maracuja Seed Ooil – all ingredients for your hair to strengthen and add shine. A good advice is to leave the conditioner on for at least 5-10 minutes to get that true deep-hydrating effect.

    HairLust – Curl Recovery & Protection Mask While curly hair needs that extra nourishment, this mask is packed with protein and moisture to leave your hair stronger. The Curl Recovery & Protection Mask helps restore your curls. I use it 1 time a week to have my hair recover from any external aggressions. For those of you who don’t have curly hair, don’t be alarmed – the brand also has a Protein Reconstructor that fits all hair types.

    Owow Kit Last but not least, This home treatment kit, is a great beginners tool to compete with expensive salon keratin treatment. The kit gives an incredibly silky hair with just a simple application. Compared to only ordering the smoother, the kit also includes sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to rise of the product with. 

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