It’s been one year since I packed my car and pack line to the brim, picked up Sara and drove the 3 hours up north to Carl Larsson-gården, Lilla Hyttnäs. We were about to shoot Karin’s Collection, my fabric collection inspired by the Swedish artist and icon Karin Larsson. As a designer, this was a task instilled with its fair amount of pressure and imposter syndrome. Who was I to interpret this exceptional woman’s art? We were welcomed by Karin’s great grandchild Lina and of course Birgitta, who is the caretaker of the house and knows all there is to know about every single object in this historical home. Fanny and Linda, my long time photographer and stylist, joined us and we got installed. We were shown to our rooms, all of us sleeping in the Larson family’s old beds! A quite surreal experience. The following two days were a whirlwind, installing all the custom made pieces and getting the right shots before the sun set whilst making sure we were being respectful to the history of the house. We worked hard, ate good, slept poorly and went back home exhausted, relieved and happy.
Nina and Lina in our pretty aprons. 
Sitting down with a glass of wine before dinner. Lina and her friends cooked the most wonderful meal for our tired and hungry team.
Details. And those very famous cups designed by Karin. 
Linda working her magic. 
Close up of the painters coat we hade made for this launch. 
The little nook where I slept. The doors are engraved with the names of all the people who have slept here, among them the Swedish prince Eugen and some of Swedens most prominent writers and artists.
Happy and tired. And slightly nervous about the sleeping arrangements. 
Setting up the kitchen shot. 
A little background story if you’re not familiar with the Larsson family. Carl and Karin Larsson are national icons in Sweden; together they created the foundation for what is considered “Swedish” aesthetics. Light, practical and family friendly interiors. This was not the standard at this time, in the late 1800s when interiors were supposed to be dark with heavy curtains is dark colors. They were rebels! Most people in Sweden know exactly what Carl Larsson’s art looks like but not as many are familiar with Karin Larsson’s textile art. She lived, as most women, in the shadow of her famous husband but she was equally (if not more) talented and they were a creative duo who collaborated on everything in life. She was an excellent artist and textile designer who was not only her husband’s muse but also the creative force and visionaire behind their famous home Lilla Hyttnäs. Karin’s creativity and artistry was an important component in Carl’s paintings and he often depicted Karin and her creations in his art; the personal interior decoration, the bold textiles, the modern furniture – most of which she designed herself.
Karin’s textiles were striking and original. Pre-modern in character they introduced a new abstract style in tapestry. Her bold compositions were often executed in vibrant colors and sometimes in black and white when she reinterpreted Japanese motifs. She was technically adventurous, she wanted the hand to be seen in her art and did not strive for perfection, nor what society thought of her way of living. I was instantly drawn to this woman; her art , her stubbornness and how she was as a mother. It was a true honor and joy to dig deep into Karin‘s world and design a collection inspired by her textiles.
Next week we will be launching three new colorways of Karin’s Dress. Stay tuned!
