Photographer Josefine Laul – Fashion Editor Vanessa Werkelin – Model Tova Höög Pihl at MIKAs Stockholm – Grooming Adam Elias – Interview by Marco Martello // Dress and Trousers Rodebjer – Bag and Shoes Flattered – Earrings Edblad // Blazer Filippa K – Bag Flattered – Earrings Edblad // Blazer and Skirt Filippa K.
Top and Skirt Teurn Studios – Earrings Edblad – Bag Arket / T-shirt and Shirt Filippa K. – Skirt Samsoe Samsoe – Earrings Edblad
First things first, what’s your earliest fashion-related memory?
I think it must have been when my best friend and I dressed up in our parents’ clothes when we were kids. We were walking around in big coats and heels that kept slipping off, feeling super elegant and cool!
Have you always felt comfortable in your own skin? By the way, do you think fashion has helped you find your identity as a woman?
During elementary school, everyone is on their own journey of finding themselves and comparing themselves to others, I did that too. For example I used to hate my nose when I was younger, but today I know it’s a part of me that makes me unique. I definitely think fashion has helped me find my identity. It allows me to explore who I am and how I want to express myself. For me it’s not about fitting in or standing out, it’s about feeling comfortable.
That being said, who was your fashion icon growing up?
Unfortunately I can’t think of anyone, I guess I wasn’t really into fashion growing up, even though playing around in heels was always fun. I have an older brother and used to dress like him. I hated wearing skirts and dresses, and I’d always borrow his shorts and T-shirts instead. Even today I still like to express myself in a more masculine way.
Trench Coat, Trousers and Bag Rodebjer – Shoes Flattered – Earrings Edblad / Top and Skirt COS – Belt and Shoes Arket – Bag & Other Stories – Earrings Edblad
Can you tell us how you felt the first time you saw yourself in the pages of a magazine?
It felt surreal to reach something that for me has always been a milestone. Seeing myself in a magazine for the first time was a mix of pride and happiness, a moment I’ll always remember!
Let’s now talk about one of the hottest topics in fashion. What do you think about AI? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity?
I think it could be an opportunity and a way for us to coexist, if AI could do photoshoots that for human models would be dangerous or completely impossible. It’s already becoming more and more common to use AI-generated models in e-commerce and advertising. But I think human models have qualities that AI can’t handle as good. I guess the fashion world is not just about appearance, it’s about personality, storytelling and expressing yourself in different ways too.
Dress Linda Dekhla – Shoes Louis Vuitton – Bag Flattered – Earrings Edblad
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you on set?
I hate to say it, but I can’t think of any big funny moments on set. But I do have one from after a shoot. I came home from a job where they used so much product in my hair that three rounds of shampoo did nothing. I gave up and thought, ‘What’s the strongest thing I have?’, I ended up using dish soap. It actually worked really well!
Tova, if you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be and why?
The fashion industry is changing when it comes to including different people and body types, which is great! But I think that there are still norms and ideals shaping the industry. If I could change one thing, it would be to include everyone and not just do it as a trend. Fashion is about expression and being creative, I think everyone should have access to that!
Jacket, Dress and Shoes Samsoe Samsoe – Bag Arket – Earrings Edblad / Total Look Louis Vuitton
What’s the most difficult challenge you faced, both as a woman and as a model?
The most difficult challenge for me is having to maintain a balance between all the expectations, whether it’s from the industry or society, like how I should look or act, while still just being myself. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that you should put yourself and your well-being first. Always remember that you’re good enough.
Lastly, what do you hope for the future? Do you see yourself exploring other career paths within the industry?
I think modelling is super fun! It’s creative, you have the opportunity to travel a lot and make friends all over the world if you want to. Since I started modelling, I’ve become more and more interested in how the industry works behind the camera. Everything from photography and film, coming up with new design ideas and how to target the right audience for a brand. I’d like to say that I’ll stay in the industry whether I’m modelling or not!
Jacket Samsoe Samsoe – Skirt Baum und Pfergarden – Boots Swedish Hasbeens – Bag Flattered – Earrings Edblad / Shirt and Skirt Teurn Studios – Shoes & Other Stories – Earrings Edblad