No. 33 - Malene Malling on Style, Cold Swims in the Sea and Daydreaming as a Source of Inspiration.
Dear Reader,
This week we’ve been wrapping up the first part of the renovation of our little gallery and I love seeing it slowly fill up with art and vintage treasures. I have had so much fun sourcing pieces for the opening in May, and I’m thanking my lucky star for having us stumble upon this gem of a space.
Someone who knows a thing or two about creating a beautiful space is this week’s Aesthetically Speaking interviewee, Malene Malling. I had the pleasure of visiting Malene’s gorgeous La Bagatelle studio on Værnedamsvej during a trip to Copenhagen last year and was completely mesmerised by her unique sense of style.
To enter Malene’s universe is to experience with all of your senses - from the feel of the exquisite fabrics, the scent of the candles, the stimulating conversation, ice-cold bubbles in elegant ribbon clad glasses, and just taking in the beautiful colours and small treasures scattered all over the showroom. Malene’s world at La Bagatelle is truly a feast for the eyes, and I’m beyond excited that I got to pick her brain for this weeks newsletter. Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Carolina
THE MOODBOARD
The trees are turning green and I’m daydreaming of sandals and bare legs. Patience is a virtue they say…
Book, The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez. Blazer dress, La Collection. Necklace, COS. Bag, By Malene Birger (on 50% sale!). Sunglasses, House of Dagmar. Perfume, Invisible Post by 19-69. Ring, Arket. Flats, Neous.
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THE INTERVIEW
This week’s Aesthetically Speaking guest is none other than Malene Malling, founder of clothing brand La Bagatelle and the Creative Agency Malling. She has a past in publishing (Fashion magazine Cover amongst others) and hails from Denmark where she lives outside of Copenhagen with her two daughters, a cat and her dog. In this weeks interview she talks cold swims in the sea, day dreaming as a source of inspiration and her collection of vintage silk slip dresses. Enjoy!
My style signifier is a lot of jewellery and my French Silk Velvet Rampling Pants from La Bagatelle. I used to wear black only, but now I really enjoy wearing colour.
I always start my day with a cup of tea, a swim in the sea, and Instagram.
A book I often recommend to others is, well, I have an endless list, but I would say that The Eight Life by Nino Haratischwili is one of the best reads of my life.
My beauty essentials are a quick dip in the ice cold sea during the winter and a much longer one in the Summer. And I love all the beauty products from Honey. The women behind the brand are quite amazing.
A recent project I’m proud of is: I am very proud of doing yet another La Bagatelle Pop Up at Ett Hem.
A hobby or skill I’m currently cultivating is: I read and garden quite a lot, my latest thing is getting into breathing and meditation.
Something I learned recently is to not to ignore any red flags. They are there for a reason.
The latest addition to my wardrobe is shoes from The Row and Ugo Paulon.
An object I would never part with is: I have a hard time parting with anything really, and since I hardly every buy anything I regret, no one could ever accuse me of being a minimalist.
My biggest indulgence is: I have a huge collection of vintage silk slip dresses I sleep in.
My favorite room in my home is my bedroom with my desk where I do most of my writing. The living room in my country home feels very special to me, and I also really love my La Bagatelle Studio on Værnedamsvej. I have lots of favourite rooms.
The artist I listen to the most is: Harry Nilsson’s “One” is an amazing number.
Someone who’s closet I’d like to raid: It’s a tie between Bianca Jagger and Jackie O in their New York phase. Casually elegant yet very chic.
My go-to source for inspiration is the street and my mind. The street for young cool kids, and my mind for daydreaming, which really is where I get my inspiration.
My favourite piece of clothing is: Tough one, but it is probably my La Colombe d’Or jackets.
A brand that makes up a significant part of my closet is La Bagatelle but of course. I have ended up making all my own favourites. Something I am incredibly proud of.
My guilty pleasure is: I am not a big fan of chocolate and sweets, but any kind of cheese will do nicely thank you.
The perfect Sunday consists of a cold swim in the sea, lots of newspapers (the Financial Times is my favourite), sunshine and my home full of my extended family.
Don’t forget to follow @malenemalling and @labagatelle.dk on Instagram for more inspiration!
ON MY MIND
POP UP. If you’re based in Stockholm and are curious about Malene Malling’s brand La Bagatelle, you are in for treat! On Monday, the 28th and Tuesday, the 29th next week, La Bagatelle is doing a pop up at Ett Hem between 11am-6pm. See you there!
WISH LIST. Adding these beautiful flats spotted on @majadixdotter to my never ending By Malene Birger wish list.
STYLE. I found this piece by Tibi founder Amy Smilovic on finding your own style with the help of your favourite quotes a fascinating read.
WHAT TO WATCH. I recently rewatched I Am Love and it has got to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing movies of all time. It’s shot at the beautiful Villa Necchi Campiglio and always makes me want to hop on the next flight to Italy.
🙌🏼🙌🏼