KNEON
photo by phil oh www.streetpeeper.com
VICTORIA JIN—Did you always know you wanted to work in fashion? HEGE AURELIE BADENDYCK— As a child I loved to dress up. I remember my first red, patent shoes. I was so happy I slept with them on for several nights. Recently I found a birthday card I wrote to my dad when I was about five. It said “I love you very much but you don´t know how to dress”. So, I guess I´ve always had an interest for fashion. I´ve worked in the industry since I was 15. VJ—What are your tasks as the fashion editor? HAB—I have the responsibility for the editorials, and other big shoots that we do, as well as trend guides and shorter interviews. At Costume Norway we are only two people working
on fashion so we do literally everything. VJ—What did you study at university? HAB—I actually studied social anthropology, North American studies and history of religion at university. I´ve always been very fascinated by the fact that more or less all our habits and the way we live our lives are culturally determined. What is logical to us could be total craziness to others. I think my education is a great tool in my work. VJ—How did growing up in Norway influence your interest in fashion? HAB—Norway is a sports nation. To dress in a nice way is considered silly for many Norwegians. It´s not a necessity and therefore its not seen as
something serious. You dress practical here, with a proper weather jacket and sneakers. I´ve always loved fashion, and I think my interest in fashion runs partly out of a reaction to the Norwegian mentality and partly to travelling a lot. Norwegians are very sober, so for me to have lived in Spain for a while, as well as Guatemala, taught me to loosen up: to dare, to dance, to follow my heart. It sounds extremely superficial, but it´s true. VJ—What is the biggest misconception that people have about your job? HAB—Haha! The are so many! The less knowledge you have about something or someone, the easier you judge. I think many people believe I have a job where I mainly get dressed up, go to VIP parties, and spend a lot of time shopping. Most of my friends 43