Last Saturday, IMASKOPI held a fashion show named ”I hemligt samförstånd” as part of Porsche Stockholm Scopes, which took place at Värmeverket in Bredäng, Stockholm. The collection is inspired by restful boredom and supernatural creatures.
IMASKOPI challenges norms of esthetics and gender and through its hand-made clothing, along with photography and film, imaskopi conveys its own world. A world where fashion takes time and where everyone is welcome to wear the creations.
KALTBLUT: Tell me how you first became interested in fashion; and why you decided to become a fashion designer.
I got into knitting when I was a child and has always been inspired by all kinds of handicraft that involve yarns and textiles. Another source of inspiration is my mom who knits a lot, she was also the one who taught me. With imaskopi, I want to create a world using images, film and other media to community a fashion that is non-gendered and slow.
When I started my studies in fashion history and gender studies, it not only expanded my knowledge but also provided me with a fresh perspective on fashion beyond the creative hands-on process. It gave me new motivation and an additional way to understand and explore the limitless possibilities that fashion offers.
KALTBLUT: Tell me a little bit about your journey that led to you releasing your new collection.
When I started working on this collection my main inspiration was restful boredom and supernatural creatures. I drew inspiration from a few lines from a fairy tale that my mother wrote when I was a kid. Translated into English, the text reads: ‘They were awake all night. Their footsteps followed the thunder as they tried to catch the lightning on their way home. They appeared only for a moment at a time, one by one. Yet, they were connected, as if in a secret consensus.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your style and fashion?
It’s always changing but what remains is my passion to explore unconventional aesthetics and pushing the boundaries of norms and challenging contemporary notions of dressing.
KALTBLUT: Are there any fashion icons who inspire your design?
Yes, many! Among them are Ann Demeulemeester, Elizabeth I, Rose Bertin, Billie Eilish, Michelle Amy, rick owens and Basquiat.
KALTBLUT: What would you say makes your design stand out against other brands?
I think what sets my design apart from many other brands is the handmade process. Every garment is crafted by hand, infused with the love, care, and dedication of not just myself but also my friends and family who contribute their skills and creativity. This personal touch, I hope, adds an element of authenticity and soul to each piece.
I also strive to create a playful and inclusive atmosphere within my designs. Fashion should be a joyful experience that allows individuals to express themselves freely, without limitations.
KALTBLUT: Where do you find your inspiration for your work?
Everywhere! I like trying out different kinds of expressions and my inspiration for that comes from many different places. I find inspiration in early punk, Alok vaid-Menon, vampires, medieval knight armour, my pets, my partner and photographer, dandy, my grandmother, the court of Elizabeth the First, Ann Demeulemeester, fairytales, Jacqueline Landvik, my non-binary older sibling, Raf simons and my studies in gender and fashion history.
KALTBLUT: What advice would you give to people who want to experiment more with the clothes they wear?
Be open to inspiration!
KALTBLUT: What are your favourite pieces from your collection?
I think the black and green striped mohair sweater with shoulder pads.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe the local fashion scene/industry in your home town/country?
It’s smaller and in many ways kinder here than in other cities like New York or Paris I think.
KALTBLUT: What does being an independent designer mean to you?
To me, being an independent designer holds significant meaning and value. It signifies freedom, playfulness, creativity, and the ability to shape my own artistic vision without external constraints.
KALTBLUT: If your brand was ice cream, what flavours would it be?
I think my own favourite, which is saffron.
KALTBLUT: What was the last music track you listened to?
The music that Elliot Frenker made for the fashion show, is so talented that it is unbelievable!
KALTBLUT: Finally, what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
I am already working on a new collection, so you’ll see it soon…
Runway photos (9 photos) are photographed by Sebastian Berthold / @bergstrvm
All other photos are shot by Emanuel Koroly / @emanuelkoroly
Key make-up: Johanna Nordlander / @Johanna_nordlander
Make-up: Tereza Luyirika / @terezaluyirika, Valentina Di Luca / @byvalentinadiluca, Danella Ericson / @danellaericson
Models:
Awa // @mltdwn.mgmt
Dennis // @mltdwn.mgmt
Saar // @mltdwn.mgmt
Lamin //@mltdwn.mgmt
Brian // @mltdwn.mgmt
Charlotta //@mltdwn.mgmt
Anton Toftgård
Alva Skog
Dina Brodda
