• dress & Other Stories 

    hat Jil Sander 

    belt Viktorya Abraham  

    shoes Tom Ford

    photography Sandra Myhrberg

    fashion Daniil Kudriatcev

    Amwin

    Written by Fashion Tales

    Amwin is a rising singer-songwriter who is quickly gaining attention for her unique blend of pop, R&B, and electronic music. Her music is characterized by catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and bold production choices that reflect her diverse musical influences. Amwin's debut EP, “DREAMWAVE,” was released in 2020 and features the hit single “Uber,” which has garnered millions of streams on Spotify. Last year, in 2022, Amwin released two new singles - “Friends, Right?” and “Long Gone.” These tracks showcase Amwin's unique blend of pop, R&B, and electronic music, with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. With her soulful vocals, honest songwriting, and boundary-pushing creativity, Amwin is definitely an artist to watch in the coming years.

    When did you first realize that you wanted to do music?
    I think the dream has always been present, although I didn’t quite take it seriously. Like, my one hobby has always been watching music videos, trying to learn the choreographies, and singing along. That’s what I did for hours, every day after school. But I never thought I would have the opportunity to proceed with the dream. Until I realized I had to take charge and go for it, or else I would die depressed 100 years from now, from not trying.

    Where do you get the inspiration to write songs, and what does your creative process look like?
    Cliché answered, but yes, life. When I started working with music professionally, I had never written a song before or been in a studio, which was challenging. But it has always been very important to me to be a part of the full process and grab any chance I can to express myself. Like literally any chance I can get. Therefore a big part of my focus has always been on developing my writing skills and just explore who I am, not just as an artist, but as a composer and writer. These past five years, when getting to write and create music, have been a rollercoaster. Sometimes feeling more than your body can handle and sometimes feeling nothing. It’s truly a process where you don’t just get to express yourself, you get to know yourself. Good sides and bad sides. Writing music is like that and is supposed to be like that. I’ve realized that what really inspires me to write is music. Like, melodies and themes come the most easily to me, so that’s usually where I start when I create a song. My melodies tend to tell me what I want to write about. So, I usually freestyle over a beat, like melodies and whatever words come up, and after that try to narrow down what the story feels like, and shape it into something more concrete. At the end of the day, I think what I really want to create is a world, a space for me and other people to visit. So, I look at songs like concepts, every song is its own world and story. If that make sense?

    In 2015, you came second in Swedish Idol, how has that experience affected you as an artist?
    For me, it was really an intense journey. I had barely ever been on stage when I joined Idol and I got to learn so much in a very intense, but also professional setting. To me, that’s the best way to learn - under pressure. I’m impatient and want to do everything - now. Of course, literally, everything was new to me, but I was very focused and learned to trust myself and my intuition through that journey - something I carry with me today as well.

    You were signed to a major label for a long time, but now release music through your own label. What challenges have you encountered? Was it an obvious choice to go independent?
    What challenges have I not encountered, haha. I think that’s what excites me. Choosing to embrace the musical and creative path really from the beginning, for me, was the ultimate challenge and that’s what I like about it. There are no rules, so you must set your own. Going independent has been an important part of my journey. For years I’ve worked hard to learn every part of the process, as I mentioned before, I felt it was time to own the full process. Therefore the choice was obvious, I felt I needed a new challenge to keep evolving. Kind of like a butterfly leaving a cocoon: I’ve had to grow, learn, and absorb - now it’s time to try my own
    wings!

    What is the best thing about the Swedish music scene?
    That it’s so full of talented people. A day doesn’t go by when I’m not inspired by my colleagues, which makes the Swedish music scene very flourishing.

    What are your fears?
    First, I don’t believe in putting too much focus on fears. I’d rather focus on the contrast: What you hope for. With that being said, I think my one fear is to go through life with fear, fear to fail and thereby not try. I want to live my life unapologetically, in the way that I want to give life to my ideas and others. Try and learn that way.

    What is your relation to fashion in relation to your artistry?
    Fashion has always been a big part of my life. To me, fashion is about expression. It’s a way to visually communicate, who you are, what you want, and how you feel. Therefore I think music and fashion go hand in hand. To me, the visual part is very important and is a big reason to why I chose to approach music in the first place. I think music is the story you hear, when it comes alive visually it turns into something different - a purer version of itself. It’s a way of saying ”Hey, this is what this looks like in my head”. I guess to me I look at it this way: I’m a creator and the way I’ve chosen to express myself right now is through music, but that involves so much more than ”just” music. As I said before, it’s about creating a world and inviting people to visit that world.

    Over the years you’ve worked with Selam Fessahaye, tell us about your collaboration.
    She’s been a very important person to me throughout the years. She first started to style me, I think it was like back in 2016, and what I most value about our relationship is that it always has been a safe space. Where both of our crazy ideas aren’t crazy, they make sense. Or maybe, they are made to make sense. She is very good at seeing the core of people I think, like, not who they present themselves to be but who they are deep down. She’s really helped me to partly trust in my own ideas and ride for them, but also to embrace the creative process and focus on what’s fun and interesting rather than what ”looks good”. Now she’s been acknowledged as one of the most interesting and talented designers. Which makes nothing but sense, as she always has been. Also, we both like animals a lot, which is dope.

    Can you name someone you admire and why?
    I admire so many people I don’t know where to start. I seriously just admire everyone who has the courage to follow their intuition and dreams, regardless of what that is or means to them. I think that’s the most courageous thing you can do.

    What makes you happy?
    Being on stage. Period. It’s the one place where I feel in full contact with myself and my surroundings. Like, I want to get into meditation and stuff. Literally every shrink that I’ve ever talked to tells me that’s the one thing I should do. But I’m restless, which makes that kind of hard for me. I’ve realized that being on stage is my meditation, as I in those moments really feel like there is no other place than here and now.

    How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
    Fucking dope.

    In 2019, you released the EPAMWIN In Wonderland’. What has happened since then?
    A lot. Apart from me starting my own label, which has been a lot of fun and work. I feel like I’ve really grown when it comes to writing music. I’m still focused on creating music that isn’t loyal to a genre, I just want to create whatever I think is dope, without being put in a box. I don’t want to follow rules. But I also feel I’ve gotten to know a new side of myself, and I feel more open to letting people in, which also reflects in my music. It’s very close to heart this time. Since then, I’ve also been in a relationship, which ended rather recently. It’s taught me a lot I guess, and I feel like you will hear that in my music as well.

    So far this year, you’ve released the songs ’Friends, Right?’ and ‘Long Gone’, can you tell us about them?
    They’re both different songs, but in a way, they’re not. ”Friends, right?” has a playfulness to it that I love and it’s a side of me that I haven’t really shown in my music before. It’s just a chilled, vibey, and relatable song. Whereas ” Long Gone” is a bit more messy. We really went off with the base and the lyrics is a bit of a contrast with the production, which I like. Sound wise they both come from a happy place. Especially ”Long Gone”, which I made with my ex when we were fresh in love. When everything and anything felt like it was possible. Apart from it being a dope song, the whole process of making it was very special and I feel like we in the end succeeded in capsuling that hopeful and honest feeling. It will always have a special place in
    my heart.

    Looking back at your career, is there anything you would have like to have done differently? What are you most proud of?
    I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve always made all my decisions from my heart, and I feel like I’ve stayed loyal to my intention as much as possible throughout. That’s something I’m proud of, that I stay loyal to what I feel is right, even though it sometimes makes life a bit harder than it could be, haha. I feel like I’m on the path I’m meant for and I’m just excited about what’s to come!

    Finally, what are your plans for 2023?
    My main plan is to take life by storm. I’m excited to keep releasing more music. I’ve worked on the new music for quite some time, and it’s been a lot of ups and downs, but I’m stoked about the result and to share it. Honestly, my music is all I’m focusing on right now. That and having fun, enjoying my youth, and occasionally dancing in bars.

    dress & Other Stories

    hat Jil Sander

    belt Viktorya Abraham 

    dress & Other Stories

    flounce chaps Swedish School of Textiles / Emilia Marklund
    eyewear Swedish School of Textiles / Alice Gruvander

    left

    coat & trousers COS
    shoes Eytys
    blouse Arket

    right

    dress Sthlm Misc
    shirt Baum und Pferdgarten

    jacket Swedish School of Textiles / Emilia Marklund
    dress Sthlm Misc
    shirt Baaum und Pferdgarten
    shoes Arket
    top Ahlvar Gallery
    trousers Hope
    shoes Isabel Marant

    dress &Other Stories

    flounce chaps Swedish School of Textiles / Emilia Marklund
    eyewear Swedish School of Textiles / Alice Gruvander
    shoes Swedish Hasbeens

    dress & Other Stories
    shoes By Malene Birger

    photography Sandra Myhrberg

    fashion Daniil Kudriatcev

    hair & makeup Alicia Hurst

    makeup assistant Paloma Axehiem Gonzalez

  • Photos contribiuted by Balenciaga

    Balenciaga AW23

    Written by Fashion Tales

    WINTER 23 COLLECTION

    The Balenciaga Winter 23 Collection is presented in a minimalistic space enveloped in toile, a neutral canvas on which a synergy of enduring concepts is put into sharp focus.

    Tailoring is deconstructed and reconstructed from pants, placing inverted waists at hems, or recasting them as cuffs, furthering an experimentation with hybridity. Pants are doubled, with legs draped over legs to create fluid motion. These concepts are applied to classic separates as well, in denim, leather, and outerwear cotton.

    With inflatable forms sewn into their linings, a zip-up hoodie, a biker jacket, a tracksuit, and a puffer are reconstituted, transforming the body’s dimensions with reference to extreme athletics. Draped and gathered gowns in silk georgette are made dramatically asymmetrical, proposing new volumes.

    Floral print plissé dresses in leather and lightweight textile, animal print leather trenches, and small-fit sweatsuits in jersey or velour are reconfigured to accentuate shoulders, creating a pronounced, rounded silhouette.

    This shape, derived from Balenciaga Couture, translates to eveningwear as well, with floor-length gowns that are meticulously sequined, crystal-studded, layered with beaded fringe, knit with sparkling yarns, lace embroidered, hand-embellished with single drops of silicon, or cast in velvet, and tied at the waist with a satin bow.

    The Huge Bag and an evolution of the Crush Bag are introduced in soft leather. The Biker Boot, a design based on motocross footwear, is seen with extreme sport detail and in monochrome. The Anatomic Boot traces the foot’s curvature and toes, in tube knit or spandex.

    Photos contribiuted by Balenciaga

  • The Beauty Essentials for March

    Written by Yasmine M

    The sun is slowly coming through the clouds here in Scandinavia, but the weather is still cold, dry and we even have snow. So, while we think spring is here, make sure you still use products that hydrates and protects your skin barrier.

    This month, the focus is not only hydration and sustainable design, but the motto less is more. Without further ado, find some of our tried-and-true staples as well as a few new items we're currently falling for. Pick up any one of these healing wonders and thank us later.

    After, MAGNESIUM MASSAGE BAR from Lush
    This refreshing magnesium bar is a must-have for the active gurl. The hazel and arnica massage bar will help to unwind your mind, while easing and recovering aching muscles. Use it after a hard workout where you want to boost your skin with magnesium thanks to menthol. As well as eucalyptus, peppermint and spearmint oils to cool you and your joints down. Warm the bar in your hands, before applying it directly to skin onto muscle groups, that needs some love. Store it fresh and clean in a lidded container, as the oval tint in the photo. Great to take to the gym or your next adventure. Find it here

    La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Balm B5+
    I have always loved La Roche-Posay, it’s my go-to brand that never lets me down. So, when I first tried the new balm B5+ I was a bit concerned that perhaps it’s just a hype. To my great relief it’s not. The Cicaplast Balm B5+ is hydrating, thick (but not greasy) cream designed to hydrate, and protect the skin. It’s formulated with ingredients such as vitamin B5, shea butter, glycerin, and centella asiatica, which reduce inflammation. I use it for my face but also for my hands. My hands are constantly being washed with sanitizers and by using this balm, it instantly relieves that dryness and discomfort. This is my second bottle, and will probably be a third purchase. 5 stars yet again La Roche-Posay. Find it here.


    Rutines, Slim Comfort toothbrush
    Being in nature, you need to switch your plastic toothbrush to an eco-friendly option. And thanks to Rutines we can! The 100% FSC-certified bamboo toothbrush not only comes in a modern Scandinavian design, it’s very comfortable. The toothbrush has a smaller brush head to make sure you reach the corners of your teeths with a rounded head for the most comfortable feel. Found it here

    Use your new tooth brush together with Lush’s Plaque Sabbath toothpaste jelly with charcoal, liquorice and clove - and you are all set. 

    Brow Powder Sculpt It, The Body Shop
    The last few weeks, The Body Shop has completely re-branded and added new products to their makeup section, while a lot of their new products have entered my bathroom cabin. One of them for this less is more segment is the Sculpt It Brow Powder. Easy to have on your travels. This full recyclable* aluminum compact case, powered by natural-origin ingredients. Is not only sweat-resistant but formulated to seamlessly hold to the skin, leaving brows feeling comfortable, looking natural-looking and staying in place for at least 12 hours. Made from 90% ingredients of natural origin. Find the new brow powder here.

    Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30, Kiehl’s
    Who doesn't love hydration and SPF all in one product? My first introduction to Kiehl’ was a dream, for those cold days to protect my skin. The Ultra Facial Cream with SPF 30 broad protection, is a great day cream all year around. After my 3 weeks of using it, it keeps my sensitive face hydrated, especially now when the sun comes out but it’s still cold outside. The non-greasy cream provides 24-hour hydration, and leaves your skin balanced and comfortable. Find it here
     

    Lush Oval Tin Product holder , Rutines Tooth Brush,

    The Body Shop Sculpt It,

    Kiehl's accessory 

    images courtsy Yasmine Mubarak / shot on Google Pixel  7 Pro  

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