Malin our favourite darlin.
Interview by Maila Reeves
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Tell us a about yourself and your brand malin-darlin.
I worked in fashion as a model for 15 years and studied fashion at Cental st Martins and always had a soft spot for cashmere. I saw a gap in the market, I literally couldn’t stand seeing another cashmere jumper with stars or rainbows on them and all the brands copying each other so I decided to start Malindarlin.
Creating unique pieces where each design tells its own story or has a specific meaning. Our style transcends season and age. Bright colourful designs that stand out and makes you feel happy. You would give most people a cashmere jumper and they immediately put it together with plain jeans. I think cashmere can be dressed up and down, I like to style knitwear more unpredictably.
On my Instagram, I do a style guide each week where I like to give people ideas on how to style cashmere jumpers in a more interesting way… and there are definitely ways to make knitwear sexy – in a subtle way. For instance, I have created a line of cashmere jumpers with small holes that create different motifs, where you can show hints of skin or bras underneath. It’s also important to me how it makes you feel when you wear it… soft luxurious cashmere on bare skin. Whats not to love?
what are you up to right now
Im currently working hard to take Malindarlin out of lockdown, I just had the summer collection arrive in from Nepal so I’ve been busy planning photoshoots and sales. I see 2021 as a year of expansion! Also finalising the AW21 collection and I’m so happy to be adding a few menswear styles and some more accessories. Its all very exciting!
What strives you to do what you do?
Its very exciting to see designs worn by other people for the first time. The evolution of it from idea to sketch then sample and product. Its very inspiring to me.
What has quarantine been like for you? Will you bring something positive from it?
Quarantine has definitely had a silver lining for me. It has made me re-evaluate how I do business and the way I want to go forward. It has forced me to pause my super busy lifestyle as a highly social single mother of two and a business woman which I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do.
What is your favourite memory and why?
I have these very fond memories of walking around the empty streets of London, hearing the birds and breathing in fresh air. We are so used to living in a busy polluted London that it was wonderful to actually enjoy its beauty without traffic, planes, noice and with the added bonus of the sunshine we had last spring.
What is the one thing you realise you can’t live without?
Friends - it would have been tough without my support bubble (drinking support bubbles – champagne ☺)
One thing that has kept you sane?
Yoga, I got into kundalinin yoga and meditation during lockdown and it has been life changing.
What have you missed he most?
Eating in restaurants and going on weekend trips and of course I have missed seeing my family in Sweden.
First place you will travel to when things are back to normal?
Sweden… but Im dying to go back to LA too and France and Italy… I miss travelling a lot…
Who is your celebrity crush?
Difficult question, I always find I get a little bit disappointed when actually meeting celebrities in real life, you realise they are just people too… but I always found Harry Styles quite cute – much too young for me though obvi..
Who is the messiest person you know?
My daughter (but I love her very much!)
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?
I loved “Promising young woman” by Emerald Fennell, very well made and has an important message.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who basically came from nowhere, built their own brand and took over the world! ☺
Who is your inspiration?
Charlottte Tilbury – amazing woman and friend – so incredibly creative and a tough business woman too!
What’s your most annoying habit?
Probably that I talk in my sleep.
What is it about the way you do what you do, that you feel might separate you from others?
I try to live from my heart. I believe in doing things like you mean it. Honest and fair. Black and white – no grey. Yes or no. Not maybe.
Whats the most fun project you have done and why?
Starting malindarlin for sure! I’ve learnt so much.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I love spending time with my friends, swimming in the sea and sitting on the beach with a glass of rosè in my hand!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you while working on a project?
We had a bit of bad luck last year when my yarn got stuck in a landslide between Mongolia and the factory in Nepal..
What is next for you?
I believe I have a few years of hard work ahead of me to get my business to where I would like it to be. Im at a very exciting place I feel like I’m ready to take the bull by the horns.
Photography by Erica Bergsmeds
To learn more about Malin Jefferies’ brand Malin darlin visit www.malindarlin.com
@malindarlin @malinjefferies
Editor: Noha Ismail
