We love minnapalmqvist

Her last collection "Intimately Social" is a practical investigation of the boarders and collisions between the socially accepted body and the intimate, physical body. It is also concerned with the differences between fashion as a concept and a world of its own, and fashion as an embodied practice in everyday life.
Discover the strange world of Minna Palmqvist.


Can you briefly introduce yourself ? Who are you in real life?

I am a person both obsessed with and provoked by the norms and values of the fashion world. With my designs I twist and turn my thoughts on things I find a bit uncomfortable to lift them up and make them desirable, both to myself and to my audience. I have no idea if it makes any difference in any way, but I guess that's not the important thing. The importance of it is that it keeps my brain going and that I get to express my interests through form instead of words.


How did you come upon the Who's Next Blog and its Young Designer contest?What was your reaction when you found out you'd won?

I was introduced to Who's Next two years ago, through having participated in various fashion week events around Europe. My reaction to winning was quite slow, it took a good 24 hours before it actually hit me what had just happened. I am so proud and thankful for getting this opportunity to state my self as a brand on the market. The support makes me work harder!


What made you decide to step into this profession?

I don't know really. Growing up in a small Finnish island called Åland, I had no idea this could actually be a profession. It started with me being frustrated I couldn't find the clothes I wanted to wear, and ended with a true interest in form and the communicative aspect of clothes. All of a sudden I was just nestled in and I can't imagine doing anything else.


What are your sources or inspiration ?

I am obsessed with the way we stress upon the female body within the world of fashion, and in the western world in general. This has been my source of inspiration since 2007, and I can't still see an end to my fascination. Based on quotes, texts and other artists' work on the subject I always find new angles to start from. But generally I look upon unwanted body features and add these into my garments, to give them a way into the fashion scene from where they are otherwise totally shut out. What is allowed and what is despised, and why? Those questions are essential in my work.

 

Fashion, what for?

For thought, for confidence and for the love of form.


Your favorite adresses in your city?

Lövholmsgränd 12 at Färgkontoret, where I have my studio. I love this old industrial area with a sea view.
I also love the old bakery from 1935 at the end of my street in Fredhäll, where you can get a proper breakfast for very little money. You can end up between a hip and happening 20-year old boy and a 85 year old lady who's been going there for coffee sall her life.


Your last concert ?

PJ Harvey in a church in the center of Stockholm. Amazing beyond words. That is one powerful woman.




Your last exhibition ?

I am extremely bad at going to exhibitions, I never seam to find the time even though I get so inspired when I finally go. I think the last one must have been Robert Mappelthorpe at Fotografiska in Stockholm.




Where would you like to travel ?

Right now - anywhere it is warm and sunny, since I missed out on vacation this summer. In general - New York since I still have not been.


Aurore Bayle-Loudet photography


Social network addict ?

I use Facebook on a regular basis, both personally and as a channel for my brand. But I would say I have it under control. I think. I do have a twitter account for the brand, but I am useless of using it - I never know what to write. All the pressure upon being witty, spot on and interesting makes me panic... But I'm working on it.


Describe a successful evening/night?

A good home made meal with friends, lots of read wine and talking. Being a one woman company I work a lot and do not have time to see my lovely, smart and beautiful friends as often as I would like, so this is always top of my list.


Friday night out, what’s you favourite drink?

Fidel Castro or Whiskey Sour. But more likely I just order a beer.


Your news and plans for the future?

I have so many plans and so much I want to achieve this year. Taking part in the Who's Next trade show is a really good first step towards expanding my brand and setting up a small scale production, to start selling around the world. So far I have been doing everything myself, from draping the shape down to the last stitch, and it's just not working neither money- nor time wise. Also I have plans on developing my own measurement and patternmaking system. I am very excited about the idea, but do not want to reveal to much until it has been done. I want to make a new film, and explore new materials to work in. It's just to dig in, get started and see where it all ends up.


One last word ?

Always question what you see and what you hear.










Minna Palmqvist website