"Even sitting outside in a slip dress, in zero-degree weather, perched on a rock like Den Lille Havfrue, Zara was delivering." Vogue Scandinavia's editor in chief Martina Bonnier on Vogue Scandinavia's ground-breaking cover story for the April - May issue, and the unmissable stories within
There was never a single doubt in Zara Larsson’s mind that she would be an international superstar and on the day of our cover shoot, it was easy to see why. Even sitting outside in a slip dress, in zero-degree weather, perched on a rock like Den lille Havfrue, Zara was delivering. It was one of those magical fashion moments – her over-the-top blonde extensions catching the wind – that is seared in my mind. Still, as Scandinavians we are used to the cold, and her no-fuss attitude proved that while she spends most of her time in Los Angeles, Zara is quintessentially Swedish.
Speaking of those blonde extensions, there is a widely-held stereotype of the Scandinavian blonde that we wanted to play with this issue. Throughout these pages, we untangle the myth of the Nordic blonde, by leaning far into it – as with Zara’s gorgeously outrageous cover look – and also by subverting it. Of course we are not all blonde in the Nordics and at Vogue Scandinavia, we aim to celebrate the stunning diversity of our region. By playfully acknowledging this stereotype, we can continue working towards dismantling it.
Take, for instance, actress Praya Lundberg. Though she is one of Thailand’s most famous actresses, she is in fact half Swedish (her father is a Swedish diplomat who once served as the ambassador to South Korea). She feels a great affinity to Sweden and possesses a certain down-to-earthness that is distinctly Nordic. Having recently moved to Hollywood, Praya’s reach is truly global. Another rising superstar in this issue is Norwegian actor Herman Tømmeraas, who broke out in the international phenomenon that was Skam.
Throughout these pages, we untangle the myth of the Nordic blonde, by leaning far into it – as with Zara’s gorgeously outrageous cover look – and also by subverting it
Martina Bonnier
I recall meeting Herman for the first time at Stockholm Fashion Week just as Skam fever was at its peak. Everyone was so excited the cast was there, no one dared to speak to them. Most recently, I ran into Herman at Copenhagen Fashion Week, looking dashing in a turquoise Georg Jensen x Stine Goya daisy choker – a modern leading man. Despite his immense talent and heartthrob status, he’s still endlessly kind and humble, as exemplified by our photoshoot, which found him on a local farm just outside of Oslo.
When it comes to fashion this issue, there is something to suit all tastes, however, the red thread is high, decadent glamour. Here, we juxtapose the long, sleek silhouettes that dominated the runway this season with the explosive hemlines of the modern crinoline, which staged an unexpected comeback. Pick your poison, this is event dressing at its finest. We also take a deep dive into the world of Ole Lynggaard, one of Denmark’s most iconic jewellery houses. I’ve known Charlotte Lynggaard for some 25 years; since she has taken the torch from her father, she has expanded the Lynggaard universe in her own, magical way. We go behind the scenes as Ole Lynggaard prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, getting a sneak peek not only at the stunning jewellery but also the couture dresses being fashioned for the occasion.
While not all Scandis are blonde, there is one Scandinavian phenomenon that is certainly not a myth: our love of liquorice. I am always perplexed that visitors from abroad are so turned off by our favourite salty treat. We step inside the enchanting liquorice world of Johan Bülow, the liquorice king of Denmark. Grab your favourite flavour and dig in.
