EMMELI KIMHL, ARTIST

In the pandemic, the Swedish artist began to make paper-flower sculptures as a way to channel her creativity and unwind, today it has become a full-time occupation. Discover her fashion inspirations and how she doesn’t play to seasonal trends.



“My clothes are always covered in glue and paint.”

I studied in London as a pattern cutter and worked in fashion for almost ten years, but then I lost my job just before Covid and started making paper flowers as a way to destress. That was three years ago - now I have a studio in Hackney and am fortunate enough to do it full time. When I go to the studio, the colours I wear are really important to me. I think I would feel weird if I didn't fit in with the environment.

“We have a saying in Sweden; there's no bad weather, only bad clothes.”




Comfort and practicality is key. I’m quite a spontaneous person so I like to wear something that's ready for anything. I would say my style is quite simple, but I like to have fun with colourful accessories. I’m never happier than in an all-denim outfit. I think denim suits everyone. A denim shirt with a good pair of jeans works in any situation - at the studio, at a party, you could probably even explain it at a wedding. Plus it’s hard wearing, so it doesn’t matter if it ends up with bits of paper stuck all over it.

“The more I wear something, the more I feel like myself in it.”

I love to wear things over and over for years and I like when clothes look a bit worn in. Seasonal trends don’t really matter to me. I prefer to invest in quality. Making things every day means you’re more conscious of what you’re buying and respectful of craft. I shop a lot of second-hand because I love unique, original pieces. I have a big collection of vintage men’s shirts. I only own things that are special to me. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be something I know I’m going to get a lot of enjoyment from. I also never wear florals. As someone who makes paper flowers for a living, it’s something which surprises people!

“If I’m feeling down, I delve into my dad’s wardrobe.”

I have a lot of his clothes and anything from him always makes me feel good. I've got this long, loose fitting blazer he gave me about ten years ago which I wear as a dress. I’ve worn it for New Year's Eve, to the pub and in the studio. It goes with everything - trainers and Dr Marten’s or heels. If I’m just having one of those days, that's what I wear.

“My style icon is a cross between Fran Lebowitz and Pippi Longstocking.”

I think the older generation always look so cool and authentic because they really don’t really care what other people think. And I love the super creative way kids dress too, like a different character every day. Fran Lebowitz and Pippi Longstocking together would be my dream personality.