- Even if it’s unconsciously, the history of our countries has influenced us and the way we see the world. - Well, yes, but only up to some point. The rest is our own life experience and the way each person sees the world, depends on that. The main common thing for us is that we are three small countries and we’ve shared the same struggle as political units. But generally I don’t think that there is such a thing as Baltic identity, like there is Scandinavian style. I think our strength lies in the ability to mix the unique Soviet experience with Western experience. I’m very happy with the time and place I was born because that allowed me to experience a few years of life in the Soviet Union, but I also got to see the exciting time of building up a country. I wouldn’t change it. I think that being so small is also an advantage – we are very active and take a lot of initiative. Many of my friends in Estonia have their own businesses in order to create the job that they feel passionate about. I don’t see that courage much in Central Europe, in example. - Do you find the fact that you are based in Estonia an obstacle to your success? - I don’t think it’s particularly about Estonia, but it’s really hard when you haven’t graduated from a world-famous fashion school and gotten your first industry connections from there – press, buyers, mentors. It’s important to be constantly visible and present at various fashion events, constantly meet new people. The close connections don’t just happen instantly, so it’s important to be going to the parties and just be hanging around at the right places. Being based in Estonia, it’s a little hard. But I also believe that there’s a way for us too, we just need to work hard and find other ways. We need to find our tribe and soulmates. It’s a slow process, but it will pay off one day. I am very thankful to Not Just A Label and Stefan Siegel. Also Hyères Festival family has been very supportive.
TEINE exhibition
20
BALTIC FACES
Baltic, especially if it’s coming from our generation, when many people have studied abroad. I see the whole world as my playground. The blankets originate from the time when Estonia was occupied by Russia and was a part of the Soviet Union, so this is my cultural background, my history and one of the elements that I synthesize my ideas from.
Marit Ilison. Photography Flep Motwary
- What are the best and worst things about living in Estonia? - I really like the nature. Also, our creative scene is very hot right now. The worst things must be the expensive flights, bad flight connections and high transportation costs. - What is the ultimate thing you would recommend for me to do when coming to visit Estonia? - Come for a cake at my home? It’s my favourite place, my castle and I have even held a popup restaurant here. Another great thing I would suggest are the Forest Megaphones in Southern Estonia created by the students of the Estonian Academy of Arts as the forest library, amplifying the sounds of the forest. I think this has been the best PR campaign for Estonia recently, a mustsee visit. maritilison.com