Year: 2018

Studio Joanna Laajisto

My home needs work. I’ve been living in it for six years and it needs work. Houses and apartments take maintenance and at the moment I’m embarrassed by how run-down and sad it is. In light of this, I’ve imagined a lump-sum lotto win and an opportunity to renovate the parts of my home that yearn for a spruce up – i.e everything. Inspired by this ‘ultimate renovation’, I’ve naturally turned to the Scands. Studio Joanna Laajisto, headed up by the eponymous lass herself, is a Helsinki-based boutique design agency with a focus on functionality, quality and infinitely beautiful aesthetic. Founded in 2010, and scoping commercial, retail, hospitality and office design, each project is a masterpiece.

Urban Feminine Style with Self-Portrait

I think I may be getting into fashion. I don’t know what it means to be ‘in’ or ‘out’ of fashion and I’ve never considered myself particularly stylish, but I’ve always loved clothes. And nothing makes me feel more confident than a new dress. Dusty pinks, florals and lots of lace – the more feminine the better. London-based contemporary label Self-Portrait, founded by born and raised Malaysian designer Han Chong, creates beautiful feminine pieces with a rugged, urban-inspired edge – think leather and lace together in one gorgeous frock.