Photographer Peter Olsson – Fashion Editor Sanna Silander – Model Ebba Lindqvist at MIKAs Stockholm – Makeup by Jenny Jansson at MIKAs Looks – Hair byLovisa Lunneborg at MIKAs Looks – Photography Assistant Nikita Vlasov – Fashion Assistant Isabelle Bouchaud – Retoucher Jim Widgren – Interview by Marco Martello // Top Sportmax // Hat Gigi Burris – T-Shirt Toteme // Jacket Dries Van Noten
Dress Louis Vuitton – Shoes Sania d’Mina – Tights Swedish Stockings / Bra Bettter – Jewellry Mannström
First things first, what’s your earliest fashion-related memory?
One of the first memories that comes to mind is a purple cap that was straight in the front and that I wore every day. I love that 2000-era, totally inspired by Justin Bieber and his wardrobe during his first breakthrough; although I’d never admit to being a fan since I was a boy girl and wanted to be cool. His music was too ‘girly’. During that same period, I always tucked my trousers into my socks. I’m not sure why, but I thought it was super cool. Honestly, I still think it’s cool and hope it will be a new trend soon. I also have to mention my beloved brown, furry, vest. At some point I was obsessed with vests and my mum gave me this furry one. This quickly became one of my staples and probably the first time I started playing with a more feminine look.
Can you tell us how you first got into the fashion industry?
I was scouted on the street by a woman named Ingela Klemetz Farago, a fashion icon in flesh and blood. She’s one of the few people who can express that much grace and fearlessness just in the way she dresses herself. So just like that, and with a little bit of luck, I got into it.
Taking a step back, did you have a fashion icon growing up?
Thinking of any famous person that I looked up to as a kid, it was rarely in a fashionable way. I was more affected by the people around me; my older neighbours, all boys. I thought they were super cool, and since I already loved boyish clothing, I was very excited every time I got to inherit their outgrown garments. For a long time, it was the only thing I wore (my grandmother was not very happy when I dismissed the pink skirts she bought for me).
Suite Teurn – Shoes Sania d’Mina / T-Shirt Carven – Shoes Sania d’Mina – Tights Swedish Stockings
Ebba, do you remember what it felt like the first time you posed in front of the camera?
Since my older sister loved photography when she was younger, from an early age I was a model, without any choice. It was very playful and relaxed; quite different from the first real modelling jobs that I did, where I was way more nervous. However with time, I’ve gotten more comfortable and managed to bring back that same playfulness that I felt together with her.
Did you have a mentor who helped you navigate the industry in the early days of your modelling career?
I didn’t actually have a mentor, and I think that’s quite common. Modelling is something that, in many ways, is self-taught. You do it and learn, and by learning you also start realising that there’s a depth to modelling that many tend to overlook. It’s not just about posing in front of the camera; it’s about reaching the viewer, conveying the emotion the photographer wants to capture, and bringing that to life. Alex Consani, for example! She has a great presence through the picture. With that being said, I may not have had a mentor, but being inspired by the greats has served as one.
Would you say your self-perception has changed since you started working in fashion?
Yes, 100%, both in good and bad ways. In one way, I feel more confident since you have to step out of your comfort zone. You need confidence in the job, so you quite quickly build it up somehow, to be proud of what you are! It can sometimes be hard not to cringe at the whole ordeal, but then you just remind yourself that it’s a job like any other, and that’s what you’re here to do. On the other hand, when you’re a model you put more pressure on your own beauty standards. You feel like you have to pursue the label of ‘model’, and earn it by pushing your body. It’s, in one way, a curse for sure.
If you had the chance to send a message to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?
Two things. Number one prioritise the friends that make you laugh, family and people that bring out the best parts of you. Number two stop wasting your time with boys, you’re definitely gay.
Jacket and Skirt Acne Studios – Shoes Sania d’Mina – Socks Swedish Stockings / Total Look Sportmax – Shoes Sania d’Mina
Ebba, what’s the funniest or weirdest thing that ever happened to you during a casting?
Once, a brand needed a casting video, and my agency said that it’d be good if I could do skateboarding or stuff like that. I only did a video of me chilling to music in my kitchen, and somehow they loved it and I got the job.
Is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with all the girls who’d like to follow in your footsteps and give modeling a try?
Modelling is very much about acting. Finding different personas to fit the vibe of the shoot and the style of clothing you wear is important. From the outside, it’s easy to see modelling as a one-man job. But it’s usually at least a team of four or five behind the camera. Many teams are super kind, but you can forget that you’re a part of the team as well, and that it often helps to get a better idea of what the client wants when you’re included in the creative process of the shoot. So try to stay curious and engage, and dare to ask questions! But also – don’t put all that responsibility on you, it’s everyone’s job to make everyone feel included. Creating a space where you feel included also makes it easier to be comfortable, which always gives the best result. And finally, don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t overthink it if you don’t get a job, it’s out of your control, it’s very random as to what works out or doesn’t. So, don’t change yourself because of it. You have to be the person you want to be and represent.
To end on a different note, what will you do when you’re done answering these questions?
It’s sunny outside, summer is around the corner and I desperately need some Vitamin D, so I’m going to sunbathe and eat pickles in the common courtyard of my apartment.
Total Look Carven / Total Look Dries Van Noten