A Moment With Anywho

Posted on 27 January, 2011 by A

We had a chance up to catch up with the girls from Anywho and ask them a few questions about their blog, their inspirations and what the future holds for them.

For those of you who don’t know, Anywho is a style blog which began in Copenhagen by 3 friends, Ingrid, Elise and Stephanie. Since their inception a few years ago, they have grown to become one of the most influential blogs in Scandinavia and are always quick to post very interesting insights into the world of fashion and style.

1) First and foremost, for those of us who don’t know, please tell us a little about the name Anywho. When did Anywho begin, where did the name come from and what does it mean to you and your vision as a blog?

Actually there was no deep thoughts about the name Anywho. When we startet the blog we didn’t know that anyone would read it, so it was just to name it something. But we’re kind of happy with “anywho” now, since it’s easy to memorize and the meaning of the word Anywho is actually a very clear expression of the blog; it’s something you say before a spontaneous remark or comment. And our blog is very immediate and spontaneous.

2) You recently introduced a very interesting clothing collaboration with Danish brand, Kobra. What brought about this collaboration and why did Anywho select this brand specifically to work with?

We liked the idea of making a collaboration with a brand that was not necessarily a well-know designer label. Kobra is a little shop in Copenhagen that makes clothes to an older audience and it was fun to take the loose shapes out of the originating context and present it to our younger readers. We liked the clean and simple shapes and chose our favorite colors this season – the most important aspect for this collaboration was that it related to an expression that described the style of the three of us all together.

3) Is clothing and apparel something we can expect to see more of from Anywho in the future? Was this collaboration a one-off project or is designing clothes something you are passionate about?

The collaboration is a limited edition collection, but after the great succes we had, we are definately thinking of making these kind of collaborations again.

4) Anywho has claimed its position as quite an influential blog in today’s world. Are there any specific moments you are most proud of or perhaps those which helped guide you to the position you have today?

Very big question! But it really made us think. And there is no way we would have been able to do so many things and develope the blog without the very loyal readers! It really comes down to them in the end.

5) What does the future hold for Anywho? Are there any projects, collaborations or wishes that you have which you would like to share with our readers?

First up is fashion week! Copenhagen soon and after that London and Paris. But we are always working on side projects along the way, and we can say that the summer will be quite exciting for us:)

-A

*The above 2 pictures are taken from their recent collaboration with Kobra

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Interview with Photographer Phill Taylor

Posted on 12 January, 2011 by A

Lately we have been doing different small interviews with all kinds of people, specifically people we find interesting, and people we want you guys to know a bit about. There will be more to come in the future for you to look out for.
This interview is with the photographer Phill Taylor, who is a young upcoming fashion photographer based in London. Check out his work on his website and blog.

- A

1. Where are you based, and where are you originally from?

I am based in London, but I am originally from a town called Leicester in
the Midlands, UK.

2. For how many years have you been doing photography and what kind of photographer would you call yourself?

I have been a photographer for about 6 years now. I always set out to
work in fashion and portrait photography and spent a number of years
assisting photographers in those genres. My own style incorporates both
staged fashion and portraiture and candid street photography.

3. When you take photos what are you then searching for in the photos and
are there something specific you would like to stand out?

Whenever I photograph somebody I am looking for a character I can turn
the subject into. With commissions I receive it can sometimes be a case of
just photographing a stylish person, but I aim to at least make them stand
out through the way they hold themselves too.

4. Who inspirers you? Where do you get your inspiration from??

There are so many influences in my work and I have a library of
photographers books I constantly search through, but big influences have
been photographers like Helmut Newton, Nan Goldin and Richard Avedon or even
painters such as Caravaggio. But then it is also the people who inspire me
like the actresses and models who can really get into the mind of being
another character. That's why you can never tire of photographing the best
models, as they are always somebody you've never photographed before.

5. Do you have a goal?? Where would you like to end??

My goal is really to keep making a career out of what I love and do. I
want to be able to get the opportunities to photograph the people who can
turn the ideas I have into the finished pieces of art.

6. Why did you start your blog??

I started the blog initially just as a place to put my photography that
never really had a shelf life. Commissions and test shoots that didn't have
a place on my website and therefore nobody ever got to see. The internet has
allowed photographers such as myself to share to a mass audience the work we
produce, which I guess is a form of vanity for us. Nonetheless, the blog
grew in popularity and this has lead to more commissions, that in turn has
lead to more work eventually being available to share. So it is a kind of
self-feeding circle I guess.
Phill's three favorite photos
Two of my favorite pictures.
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A Moment With Juergen Salenbacher

Posted on 23 November, 2010 by ziz

Juergen Salenbacher has recently written his book entitled Creative Personal Branding which I highly recommend for everyone. It is suited for those in any sort of creative industry, those looking to align themselves and their approach to their professions, or, infact, anybody who is looking to clear out their thoughts, focus their energies and direct themselves to achieve their potential.

After having read this book, I felt I must share it with all of you. I was lucky enough to have him answer a few questions for us where he shares his insights, his creative and his personal direction.

If you are interested in what he has to say, be sure to check out his website and follow his Facebook page for updates.

-ziz

Z. Creative Personal Branding is a great title for your book. Tell us who is this book intended for and how does it help guide creative minds in various industries?

JS. This book is for students, freelancers, entrepreneurs but also for managers. It is not a question of age, education or job. I think we are all somehow in the same boat, with the same necessity, thinking about what’s next in our careers while this economy is transforming at a speed never seen before. Many of us are in limbo, in between things, insecure. Many of us work on one thing, but would like to do something different. Just imagine that, according to a study, only 9% of all workers in Europe do something that is in line with their personality. So what are the other 91% doing?
The book guides you through a structured process to develop a strategy to answer what’s next, one that springs out of your personality, that takes advantage of your creative thinking, and uses the branding methodology to communicate the things you have to offer the world.

Z. What inspired you to pen your insights in this book and share them with the world? Perhaps it was one specific event (or the lack of) in your life?

JS. I think it is important to have some guidance in our careers. I personally would have loved to have that kind of guidance, I actually was always looking for it. We spend so much time of our lives working, it makes sense to reflect on what is going on with our economy, how industries change, how companies reinvent their businesses, and in consequence what are new competencies and skills for the individual. Woody Allen once said: I like to think about the future, It is actually the place where I spend the rest of my life.

Z. In your opinion, what is lacking in the creative industry today? Is there any advice you would give or any changes you would make in the creative process to enhance the outcome?

JS. What we are missing is creative leadership, people with real substance, style, conviction and grace. I am not talking about being hip. I am talking about substance, that means your expertise on a specific topic, your education, knowledge, experience and reference. Style is the way you talk, listen, write, perform and dress. Conviction is really important, your perspective on ethics and integrity, your moral principles and firmly held beliefs or opinions based on your values. And grace, the elegance in your relationship with society. This creative leadership is really different, it means inspiration instead of authority, collaboration instead of hierarchy, participation instead of delegation.

Z. What comes next for Juergen Salenbacher? Are you working on any project that your readers can anticipate in the future?

JS. I strongly believe in talent, I will continue working with and for talent, young and old, inspiring and transmitting the importance of hybrid creative leadership combining creativity and business. In schools, universities and in companies, if possible in countries like India, Brasil and Argentina. Writing a new book (but first I need to recover from the first one!), and I would also do the first creative personal branding workshop for kids.


Posted in Books, Creative, Exclusive, Interview, SSML's Interviews | 5 Comments