Interview with Garçon Paper
This month we got the chance to talk with Lydia Farde and Freja Settergren, the founders of Garçon Paper, a digital lifestyle magazine that was founded in April this year. They wanted to create a unique and free space were creatives can express themselves though art, music, photography and writing. We got the chance to have a digital chat with Lydia, that is based in Stockholm and Freja that is currently living in Paris. We are so inspired of these young girls and their vision and work with Garçon Paper.
How would you describe your personal style? What differentiates you?
Freja: I would say that we have very different styles, although we definitely could borrow some of each others' pieces. For example, I love Lydia's red boots and fortunately we have the same shoe size. Lydia likes to borrow my favorite bathing suit and Paloma wool sweater.
Lydia: My personal style is a bit low-key. I don't like when my outfit tells too much about who I am. That sounds a bit pretentious I know, but details and quality are more important to me. I’m probably more exotic when it comes to style within music and art. I would say that the biggest difference between us is that Freja can go a bit more crazy outfit-wise sometimes. But to summarize it, I guess we’re both influenced by the French riviera mixed with Scandinavian street style.
How did you come up with the idea of starting Garçon Paper? What’s your vision and inspiration?
Freja: We have both been very interested in magazines and all kinds of visual material since we were kids. I could spend hours looking at the graphic design of the fashion magazines at my favorite Libraire (“Ofr”) in Paris. When it comes to content and articles we have managed to create something entirely unique with a mix of different voices and experiences.
Lydia: We wanted to create a platform for people not necessarily with a cool CV or an impressive education. Creativity and passion comes from inside, always. If you feel in your heart that this is what you want, you will find your way. Garçon Paper's purpose is to give space for true creatives to express themselves. We also want the platform to be a place where people can gain knowledge by being open and give truths about sex, sexuality, body imagery, both the good and the bad stuff. We want to be honest and proactive.
Some pieces have the power to make you feel confident in any situation. How do you dress to feel confident?
Lydia: I want to say that you should dress as if you were going to meet your ex, so if he saw you, he would directly know what he has lost. But honestly, what matters is that you dress for yourself, dress in what you like and don't put too much effort in trends. I would say that to dress timeless is always good because it fits in every situation, so you never feel uncomfortable.
Freja: I realized a while ago that even if I look in the mirror and think an outfit looks really good, I can feel something totally different. My outfit often represents my mood and I dress very differently from day to day. I don’t know if that is because my style and taste is still developing and forever changing or if that is my style - variety.
A good outfit can boost you but you have to work on yourself first outside of fashion.
Who are your role models right now, that inspire your style and the work with Garçon paper?
Lydia: To be honest, I don't really have a certain person that I get inspired by. Right now I'm really inspired by the two beautiful cities, Rome and Florence. But also Paco Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection (because of the amazing music and the incredible design), Rodin and Michelangelo.
Freja: Well, our friends and writers are a big part of the magazine is our friends and writers, I’m so impressed and thankful to them. They inspire me like I hope the magazine inspire others. Otherwise I really love what the french filmmaker Louise Guais is doing, along with the workd of Creative Director Alice Moitie, photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti and Fiona Torre.
Lydia: I totally agree with Freja, our writers, colleagues and friends are admirable and extremely talented.
What are the main trends and subjects you will focus on during the coming months?
Freja: I don’t know if we will ever write articles because something is trending, except for maybe something special happening in fashion. But topics that we will always cover in different ways are love, culture and sex.
Lydia: I totally agree with Freja. We will focus on writing about self-love and sex this summer.
Last but not least, who is your favorite designer on Seezona.com ?
Lydia: Wow, that is hard because there are many impressive designers at Seezona due to their integrity, differences and sustainability but I would say that Aureliana's bustiers are amazing.
NUÉ are really cool as well, since they are classy and at the same time funky. Would love to wear more of Nue when I´m DJ:ing. My favourite is the Julie top !
Freja: I love so many designers on Seezona. I would have to say AÉRYNE, they will always have a special place in my heart since I’m a bit like them with one foot in Stockholm and one foot in Paris. I have loved them since I was like 16. My second favourite would be Manurí. I love the simplicity with the added trendy touch. Especially the “9 ½ Weeks Top” . From the front it looks normal but it’s very sexy from the back.
Read more interviews here