Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Christmas Gifts From Sweden
Timeless jewellery that resonates with the present Jewellery designer Maria Laakso has a diverse, artistic background, which has paved the way for her successful jewellery brand Mila Silver. By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: Mila Silver
Ten years have passed since Laakso opened a jewellery boutique in the small, southern Swedish coastal town of Båstad. Six eventful years later, and with a rapidly growing business, she decided to focus solely on online sales of her expanding collection. “The first pieces I created were three combinable rings. I love rings, so it was a natural project to start
The Journey Collection.
with,” she says. The rings are still popular among customers and form the base of the brand’s characteristic Combo Collection. The collections at Mila Silver have their own messages and underlying ideas. “For example, the Journey Collection symbolises an inner journey, and all collections can easily be combined,” explains Laakso. The design
The Journey Collection.
revolves around timelessness that resonates with the present, and in combination with renewable material such as silver, the designer creates pieces for generations to come. “I find inspiration in everything. It can be the kids’ toys, spread over the living room floor in a certain pattern, or interesting shapes in nature. Some ideas become reality, others don’t,” says Laakso, who is as passionate about her work today as when she started – and a lot of time and thought go into the creations. “Since you wear jewellery against your skin, it is important that it feels right, literally. In the future, I want to continue to create meaningful and lasting designs,” she sums up.
Web: www.milasilver.se and www.milasilverjewellery.com Facebook: milasilverjewellery Instagram: @milasilverjewellery Pinterest: milasilver
Stay cosy with materials and patterns that last a lifetime Family-owned, sustainable and with deep roots in Swedish traditional craft – those are three ways to describe the company Brita Sweden, producing quality rugs, cushions and throws. With patterns created in timeless styles and durable materials, these products promise to keep you warm and on trend for a long time.
all over the world, and demand is increasing. Scandinavian design with a sustainable ethos is on the rise – and luckily, this is what Brita Sweden knows best.
By Nina Bressler | Photo: Brita Sweden
The company was founded in 2007 by sisters Pia Gabrielsson and Monica Harrie, together with their mother, Margaretha Eriksson. “Back then, the market didn’t have the same sustainability focus it has today – we were unique in our approach of using organic textiles and creating durable products with a long lifecycle,” Gabrielsson says. Initially, the rugs were the most successful product, something that shifted to include throws and cushions along with the change in the market attitude, now demanding transparency in terms of where and how the products are made. Continuously aiming to use eco-friendly processes and materials as much as possible, Brita 62 | Issue 130 | November 2019
Sweden uses wool and 100 per cent recycled cotton for its throws and cushions, and eco-friendly dye for selected product lines. Production takes place mainly in Sweden, with a few exceptions within the European borders; keeping it close is another way to ensure quality, minimised shipping needs, and continuity of design. “Inspiration comes from everywhere: everyday items, a pretty colour, natural patterns, special events – sometimes it’s simply created around a feeling! We aim to create classic patterns that will last a long time and work despite changing trends; many of our early designs are still bestsellers today,” the sisters say. They have customers
Throws, cushions and rugs made sustainably to keep you warm this winter.
Web: www.britasweden.se Instagram: @britasweden