Stockholm fashion week cancelled!

Posted by zlatanseebaJuly 2, 2019April 16, 2021

Yesterday the Swedish Fashion Council announced that the Stockholm fashion week, planned to be hold in August, is cancelled. The message has been spreading fast through the international fashion world, says Jennie Rosén, CEO of the Swedish Fashion Council .

The importance of the Fashion Week.

It took a moment for me to digest this shocking news. The 2 yearly fashion event has been important for Swedish fashion, nationally and internationally since it started the first time in 1996. For the national fashion press has the event been the highlight of the year. Also the international fashion press follows what happens in the Stockholm Fashion scene thoroughly.

We have also a strong connection with the Fashion week. Studio Heijne launched the first collection on the Stockholm Fashion Week in 2016. The American Vogue visited at that time and was the first magazine to publish our collection and helped us making a fantastic international launch! See here our collection published in the American Vogue.

Studio Heijne on Stockholm Fashion Week — The launch collection of Studio Heijne published at www.vogue.com

Sustainability and Digitization is the reason.

The reason why it’s cancelled is that the fashion industry has not come far enough in the matter of sustainability and digitization.

The Swedish fashion council explains: Fashion Week, as well as the fashion industry as a whole, faces major challenges to meet the demands of sustainability, innovation, relevance and timing today. The amount of future reports points to this, yet the industry is in a vacuum that affects the Swedish fashion scene in the wrong direction. Therefore we need to take action to help the industry into the future.

In a digital revolution, old truths are changing and the fashion industry needs new sustainable business models and formats that can generate new revenue models. Examples are rental, streaming, remake, swops, repairs and, for example, buybacks, new infrastructures and innovation and synergies between industries.

Thank you Jennie Rosen and The Swedish Fashion Council!

We can’t agree more! It’s about time that the important fashion actors set their foot down and make statements!

Since we have started Studio heijne we have been struggling with the traditional fashion industry and the way it’s organized and handling things. We made many decisions which are going against the mainstream fashion traditions. For example regarding traditional media and pr strategies, traditional production ways, traditional supply chains and seasonal collections. We have been constantly thinking on how to do it different and future oriented. Here are some of our key actions which goes against the traditional fashion industry.

Sustainable production on demand

First of all, we produce in a much more modern and sustainable way than most brands. We produce on demand! This goes directly against the traditional way of mass producing in advance. Because of modern techniques and digitalization this works! Yes, it’s hard to find production who can work according our standards, but we think it’s so worth it. And we know it’s the future.

Digitization

Did you know that we have over 1000 digital styles online on our webbshop? Some of the styles we have not even seen in reality yet, because they will never be produced before a customer orders it. They exist digital only. In this way we can offer our customers a lot more styles than we could with a traditional way of producing. In addition it helps us work season less. The best thing is that styles can be in the collection many years. They don’t take any physical place, meaning that we don’t have a stock. You can order you favorite silk top again a few years later, in the same color.

Digital styles on Studio Heijnes website — The Spotify of Fashion

Soon, we start to work even more with digital products in 3d. The possibilities with digital clothes are endless. We think of Studio Heijne as a future Spotify of garments, personal and digital, as a gigantic library of garments, to buy or rent.

We believe in a future were people want to have personalized quality products: sometimes to buy, sometimes to rent or sometimes to wear only digitally. And we believe in avatars fitting clothes for us online. In the future Studio Heijne will offer made-to-measure garments directly adjusted to your personal size on your avatar.

So thank you for Swedish Fashion Council for helping us disrupting the Fashion System!

And for you out there, who believes in the same digital and sustainable future as we do, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are looking for collaborations and investors to accelerate our growth.

https://www.studioheijne.com/product/custom-made-silk-day-dress/?attribute_pa_main-colour-or-pattern=hilma&attribute_pa_length-of-dress=long&attribute_pa_sleeve-length=short-sleeve&attribute_pa_neckline=v-neck

https://www.studioheijne.com/product/friday-top-2/?attribute_pa_main-colour-or-pattern=golden-honey&attribute_pa_sleeve-length=short-sleeve&attribute_pa_neckline=round-neck

https://www.studioheijne.com/product/custom-made-skirt-essence/

Styling your silk scarf: a step-for-step guide

Posted by zlatanseebaJune 22, 2019January 12, 2022

A step-for-step scarf guide

We share our practical step-for-step guide on how to master tying your scarf. Here you can find tips for small silk scarves tied around your neck or hair, as well as bigger scarves draped around your neck. From the easiest knot to more complicated draping, find your favorite styling in our guide with explanation and drawings for each step to take. Easy explained, therefor everyone can try it.

Klick on the photo to see how to tie small scarves.

Trend: scarves in your hair

Moreover we have a special section for small scarves to tie in your hair. If you are especially interested in hairstyling with scarves I recommend reading this blog for numerous of hairstyling with silk scarves. (any material works of course).

In our new step-for step guide you can find even more inspirational styles with silk scarves tied and wrapped in your hair. Click on the picture beneath to go directly to the guide.

Klick here to go directly to the Hair Style guide

Extra styling tips for big silk scarves.

With big scarves you can do so much more than tying them around your neck. Although this is one of my favorite things to do (because easy, stylish and fast) sometimes I use scarves for other types of draping and styling. They work great as tied and draped dress or skirt over your bikini for example. We wrote styling tips story for a while ago with big scarves. Read the Big Scarves Style Tips for even more inspiration.

Don’t you own a gorgeous Heijne silk scarf yet? See our collection by clicking on the link and find your favorite…

CHECK OUT OUR SILK SCARF COLLECTION HERE

Scarf Blush – 55 cm

How to wash silk and other care-tips

Posted by zlatanseebaJune 12, 2019January 12, 2022

Here are our best tips on silk care, laundry and ironing.

In this story we will share our best tips on how to wash silk, take-care of silk and treat silk. But first let start with explaining what silk is and where it actually comes from.

What is silk?

Silk is an incredibly wonderful, luxurious material that has a beautiful luster. Silk has a natural drape and takes colour very well. I usually say that after wearing a silk garment, you never want anything else. Besides being a beautiful fabric, the feeling of silk on the skin is very light and soft.

Silk is made from cocoon wires from a silk butterfly larva and consists of 100% natural material. Since the fabrication of silk is made without chemicals and since it´s totally renewable, silk is considered as durable. And that is of course something we love at Studio Heijne!

But how do you take care of such a nice and sensitive fabric?

Read our general care tips, how to wash silk, how to iron silk and steaming tips, as well as holiday tips.

Silk characteristics

Silk garments keep warmth when needed and does at the same time cool down fast. Our tip is to buy silk garments with a comfortable loose fit, then the cool/heat effect works best.

Because silk naturally breaks away mites, dust and other particles, this natural material doesn’t need to be washed as often as other materials. It often is enough to weather your garments a few hours. For a fresh scent we recommend to spray ecological linen water on the garments after weathering. Like for example this one from Gröna Gredelina.

Click for more info on Ecological Linen Water

General care advice for silk

Often it is enough to weather the garment to freshen it up. A good tip is also to steam the garment to freshen it up quickly. Steamers do not just take away creases, but also kill off bacteria.
Avoid exposing silk to alcohol-based products like perfume and hairspray.
Do not hang the garment directly in the sunlight for a long time, the colors can change and turn yellow.
If you get a stain do not try to rub it away with water. The colour will fade on the spot where the stain wash. Wash the garment instead (see the washing instructions below)

How do you wash silk?

Care instructions for washing garments and silk products

If you can wash the garment with water or not depends on the type of silk fabric and garment.
Sometimes the laundry advice says, “dry clean only”. Than it´s best to submit the garment to a (environmentally friendly certified) dry cleaner.
If you have a simple garment, a top or simple dress without drapes, you can usually hand wash with enzyme-free detergent.
We recommend washing in the washing machine. If you have a modern washing machine, it’s gentler for the garment to wash it with the silk program than using hand wash. After washing, much of the excess water is gone and you can hang the garment directly on a hanger to dry.
Always wash colors separately
Please use a laundry bag
Hang the garment on a hanger to dry

Hand wash

If you have to wash by hand, be careful with the garment. Do not rub on stains and do not twist the garment to remove excess water. Think of silk as on your own (long) hair. Treat carefully and roll in a towel to remove excess water before hanging up the garment on a hanger.

TIP: Add some drops vinegar to help remove stains. This works both in the washing machine and with handwashing.

How do you iron silk?

Care advice on ironing of garments and products in silk

It’s usually fine to iron silk. We recommend ironing with high heat and steam, but always have a cotton towel between the silk and the iron. Iron preferably on the inside of the garment.

If you iron directly on the silk, use low heat as recommended in the care label and iron on the back.

How do you steam silk?

If the seams don’t need to be pressed, use a steamer instead to remove creases and get a smooth surface.
Steamers are easy to use (to bring and care for the garment).
Steam the garment hanging on a hanger. Pull the garment lightly and steam until the fabric gets a smooth surface.
You can both steam on the inside and outside of the garment.
There are many different steamers. Steamers from “The Steamery” are hard to beat when it comes to design and they function well. I use them myself in our studio.
Read more about How to steam you garments here.
Want to know which steamer to use? read our STEAMER TEST here.

Hand steamer Cirrus No.2

Silk care tips for the holiday

Roll your silk garments carefully while traveling instead of folding – this will minimize folding.
If you have space in your suitcase, it is good to put the silk rolls in a separate box to avoid creases.
I myself sometimes use a shoebox for several rolls or a larger lunchbox if it is just a piece of clothing.
The best is to bring a travel steamer to be able to fix the garment. There are many good travel steamers that are good for both at home and being on the road.
If you do not have a steamer with you, you can use steam from the shower. Just hang the garment in the bathroom when you shower.
Even a water kettle can act as a steamer. Hang your silk garment over the kettle and put the kettle on.

Save this document by emailing it to yourself or share these tips by clicking one of the icons underneath.

Good luck with taking care of your silk garments and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Best regards,

Wendy Heijne

Organic delicate detergent-1L- Fragrance free – Studio Heijne

Linen/room spray gift package- Lavender, Cashmere, Cotton and Citrus – Studio Heijne

Only 1 returned item in 3 years at Heijne!

Posted by zlatanseebaJune 3, 2019January 19, 2022

Read about the Heijne brand that only had

1 return in 3 years and how we did it!

How many of us has ever bought a garment and then returned it? We just loved the garment it was love at first sight but when we try it on…. the fit is not right. Either too loose, too long, too tight, too ugly! DOES NOT LOOK LIKE IT DID ON THE MANNEQUIN!
Why ? because we ARE NOT the mannequin!

Only 1 returned garment in 3 years

For those of you who don’t know us, Studio Heijne is a Stockholm based brand that makes woman’s wear clothing. Many of the garments are dresses, but also tops and trousers, majority of them made of silk. The brand is been running for 3 years. And guess what, in these years we have only had ONE RETURN! Sounds too good to be true? Let’s make it even more unbelievably amazing: I will add this return was NOT a garment, it was actually a scarf!

How we managed to only have 1 return in 3 years.

Simple….

We make clothes for YOU, not for the mannequin! The thing is majority of the returns occur because the clothes does end up not fitting us as we thought they would. There is no complicated science behind the fact that we do not have the same bodies, none of us. As we mentioned in our INSTAGRAM (click to come to our Insta profile) post last Friday, some of us have long legs, broad shoulders or wide hips. Our proportions do not match a STANDARD size. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with that. We are diverse in many ways. And that’s the one thing big corporate clothing brands forget; we are not all the same and we do not have the same body shape.

sewmachine — A picture of our atelier making one of our garments.

Measurement is king

The clothes we make are made to fit YOUR body and YOUR measurements! Because that is how clothes SHOULD be! Your shorter legs than average, your wider hips than average, your longer torso than average, your longer length than average. But who wants to be average anyway?

That cute maxi dress on the mannequin at the mall looked so good on it because it is 169 cm high and the garment is pinned to keep the garment together at the back, which you won’t see. Yours will look the same because we make it to your size and length. So it will fit you definitely better as it does on the model!

Or the amazing online photo of a model wearing a short dress, looking great on her. But when you order it , it’s actually a long dress for you, because you are not 180 cm long as the model is. That will never happen at Heijne, because we adjust all lengths to your personal length. That’ s why it the dress will look as long on you as on the model.

Anyone can come in and get their measurements taken at the store for free! And if you are not in the Stockholm area or rather shop online we have a guide (klick here) where we show you exactly how to take your measurements. We do not realize how important it is to have our measurements, in order for clothes to fit us correctly. I don’t think many of us know our measurements by heart and that is surprising being it is our own body!

Click here for the guide!

The second reason: Personalization

Additionally the garments are not only adjusted to your measurements, but also to your liking. Meaning that sometimes we fall in love with a dress at the mall but think “ Oh I wish it was pink instead” or “I wish the sleeves were longer” “I wanted a V neck” It is hard to find what we are looking for, because it does not match what we had in mind. This a lot of the time results in us compulsively buying something and then having to return it. The clothes at Heijne are not only made to your fit, but also your liking! You can choose the color, types of cuts, sleeves, anything!

This is our Sunday dress, click here to personalize your own!

It is amazing what customization can do. Even if you can return all our custom made garments for free , in 3 years no one has!

To be totally transparent: We do offer an extra adjustment service after the delivery, in case you want some more adjustments once you try the garment on. This service is completely free of charge. We have helped customers to adjust the fitting a few times, to be exact 5 times in 3 years. That shows how often we get it right at once! And the few cases we offered our extra services, our customers were already so in love with the garments, they rather wanted the adjustments, than returning the garment.

The problem with returns

Companies make it so fairly easy for us to shop and return items at no extra cost. Some fashion brands include a return package when you receive an online purchase. Despite that, it’s still a hassle to return garments. And most importantly, it leaves a footprint on the planet. Because the emissions from all of the transportation are extremely damaging on the environment. According to the BOF last year merchandise was returned for $369 billion dollars in the U.S.A. only! How many emissions were made from $369 billion dollars worth of returns? We will find out someday… if we continue.

Merchandise returned for $369 billion dollars in the U.S.A. only!

Therefore we are very proud and happy to say we only had that ONE return in the 3 years of operating! There is no science behind it, just critical thinking, someone who is truly happy with their garment because it was JUST what they wanted will not want to return it. We hope others copy this example and CUSTOMIZE, don’t COMPROMISE! So we all are happy with our purchases!

Adjust colour, sleeve length and neckline, and fill in your measurements.

Start customizing your perfect outfit here!

Countdown to Mother’s Day with Heijne gift ideas

Posted by zlatanseebaMay 19, 2019January 12, 2022

Mother’s Day is around the corner for us here in Sweden! (yeah, it’s a bit later than in the rest of Europe and USA) Many of us might plan weeks ahead for gift ideas for mom, but for those who have just been reminded by this post, worry not because we have great ideas for the perfect mother’s day gift! We will review 6 gift ideas your mom is sure to love! Follow us on instagram and Facebook where we continue the countdown to mother’s day.

Klick here for all gift ideas.

1. Wrapped silk scarf

349 SEK /€35

For those who already bought mom a gift, why not add nice extra touch to the gift with one of our silk scarves! These can be wrapped around a nice jewelry box, a bouquet of flowers, or a nice bottle of champagne! You can really add a lot to a small gift with these ideas! (Click on the pictures to shop this scarf!)

Wrap your champagne bottle with a silk scarf.

…. also like everything at Heijne this is ecological champagne! We care about sustainability in all aspects! But unfortunately, no the Champagne bottle is not included with the purchase of the scarf 😉

Click here to view last week’s post with our Blush scarf on Amanda for hair styling ideas!

Camo scarf 100% silk great to wear on your hair, around your neck or tied to your purse

Camo scarf in 100% silk.

2. Organic Self Care

from 69 SEK/ €7

A mother’s touch is irreplaceable! Why not take care of it and pamper her? We have amazing organic soaps, great for hands and body. These are made of completely organic ingredients, which will leave her hands soft to the touch and with many nutrients. You can guarantee that these will never dry out and are super creamy, which is perfect for sensitive skin. We also have nice organic room fragrances which can be sprayed on fabrics to give a room a nice airy and relaxed smell. Therefor they are perfect when mom just wants to unwind. (Click on the photos to view the products)

Organic Aleppo soap in a refillable glass bottle.

Trendy linen water is our favourite gift!

Organic care set with linen water and Aleppo soap.

3. Big Scarfs

799 SEK/ €80

Our larger silk scarves make a perfect gift! You can choose from our different styles. They are light weight breezy scarves for those summer nights. They go great with any outfit and can be thrown on top of a dress as a little shawl or wrapped around the neck as a nice detail.

4. Silk belts

549 SEK/ €55

Like our scarves our belts are also made of silk and are very durable. They make a great small gift which complements any outfit. You can add a nice touch to any outfit, either trousers or a dress! The belts can be worn to add shape to a dress. Some of our customers also style the silk belt as a scarf, adding a nice touch to the whole outfit. (click on the pictures to view the product and designs)

The silk belt adds a stunning contract to your dress.

5. Hand Steamer

999 SEK/ €99

This hand steamer is not just any steamer. It is a premium designer steamer Cirrus.no from The Steamery. Above all the steamer is perfect for all your most cherished garments as it delicately steams them and they won’t get worn down. Additionally it is also perfect when traveling, because it won’t take more space than a hair dryer and will quickly freshen up your garments. (click on the pictures to shop)

If you do not know how to use a steamer don’t worry, read our guide and watch our short video in the link below where we guide you step by step!

Watch our guide to steaming your silk garments here!

6. The Heijne gift card

from 500 SEK/ €50

This might just be the coolest gift anyone can give: a Heijne gift card! We know it can be hard to get someone’s taste, style, or especially their right size! Sometimes when you gift clothes, they might need to be exchanged or returned. With a Heijne gift card your mom is able to get the garment of her dreams! Whether it is a top, dress, skirt, or a pair of trousers she will be able to customize these 100% to her liking. This can be done online or she can come in at our store, where we even offer styling tips!

Once a garment is chosen this can be customized to your exact size, measurements, liking’s! For example if you want a high neck or v neck cut, short dress/skirt or long, full, no sleeve. Everything is customizable; from colors to the patterns we have, even the fabric! It is not only gifting a garment, but rather an experience, your mum will definitely not forget!

Klick here to see all gift ideas!

We leave you to it….

We hope this little post gave you some ideas of what to gift your mom. don’t worry, we have fast shipping for you last minute shoppers. Click here to get started! ….Or for all you moms reading start making your wish list 😉

Also, if you do not know what gift to choose (because they are all amazing), why not let her decide herself. The gift card is valid for all accessories and garment care products as well. Best of all: we send the gift card digital if you wish. Super fast and super sustainable!

Easy hair styling ideas with a small silk scarf

Posted by zlatanseebaMay 12, 2019January 19, 2022

Super fast and easy hair styling ideas with a small silk scarf

Summer is just around the corner, and with spring weather already here why not bring some color to our outfits with a silk scarf! We know it can be a bit challenging to style our own hair, but we are not hair experts either! Therefore we have chosen 5 easy hair styling looks you can have with our Heijne short silk scarves.

1. Bun with silk scarf

Brush your hair to the back and start gathering it to form a pony tail. Bring your hair up and sleek it out with the brush; now twist the hair to make a bun. If you have a lot of hair secure a pony tail first and then do the twisting. Once you have the hair in a twist wrap it around the pony tail to form a bun and either secures it with (another) hair tie or with bobby pins. To get a sleek look you can add some hairspray to avoid baby hairs form coming out or to get a super sleek look you can also damp your roots when you first brush the pony tail up. Now add the scarf; tie it around the finished bun, you can either tie it upwards leaving the scarf tails to hang on top of the bun or on the bottom.

2. Twists

Part your hair down the middle and brush it down. Grab two front sections of your hair from each side and twist them either inwards, twist until the whole strand is formed into a hair twist. You can do both sides simultaneously with each hand and grab them together to tie them with the hair band. To have the hairstyle more secure you can spray them with some hair spray. Now tie the scarf on the hair tie.

3. Side low pony

This side low pony tail is a very simple, but flirty look. Start by parting your hair down the middle and brushing it down. Grab a small part of your hair from both sides at the front and separate them from the rest. Gather the rest of your hair and bring it to the side you prefer, just behind your ear. Now you want to secure the ponytail with a small hair tie. With the two parts in the front you want to make two small braids from each side and place them along the pony tail, secure them with bobby pins. Now grab your scarf and tie it on the pony tail to finish it off. This can also be done with a low pony down the middle, the small braids add a nice touch to the whole look and the scarf will add a nice accessory.

4. Silk scarf into pony tail

Start by parting your hair down the middle and brushing it down. Grab it all into a low ponytail and tie it. Now just on top of where you tied the hair tie stick the scarf in leaving one side longer than the other. Now section the pony tail into two and braid them down with the part of the scarf that is hanging. You are using two sections of the pony tail and the remaining scarf to make the braid, once it is done secure it with a smaller hair tie.

5. Braided bun

Brush your hair and section it into two down the middle, tie it into two low pony tails. Make sure the low pony tails are quite close to each other so when we tie them up they will make the illusion of one bun. Take each pony tail and make it into a braid and tie them at the bottom, next you will twist them into buns and secure them with pins. Once it is done tie the scarf around your head like a headband.

Extra styling tips

Like always you can secure everything better with hairspray, but remember it is very important to do this BEFORE having the scarf on your head as we want to be kind to the fabric. These are all super fast and fun ways to really dress up an outfit. These scarves are great since they are very durable. Therefore one may tie them in many ways. Additionally these styles are perfect for hot summer days when we like to have our hair up! Click here to shop for your Heijne silk scarf!

Scarf Blush – 55 cm

Why standard sizes are crap

Posted by zlatanseebaApril 21, 2019January 19, 2022

Almost all fashion brands use the standard size system (size 34-36-38 etc). The problem with this system is that standard sizes don’t benefit you personally. They are not invented to serve you and give you a perfect fitting garment. In contrast, they are invented to benefit mass production. And therefor firstly benefit the company. Because it’s cheaper for companies to produce many garments at once.

The other problem is that the garments are produced before they are bought by customers. That means that the company doesn’t know who is going to buy the clothes in advance. As a result, the companies hopes that their customers can find a size they fit well, but they can never be sure.

My personal fitting problem

Standard sizes are always too tight on my hips

I personally have a fitting problem. Or let’s be positive and call it a challenge. My hips are 2 sizes bigger them my waist. It’s pretty impossible to find dresses, trousers and skirts with a good fitting. Either the garments are too tight over my hips, or they are too big in the waist.

But since I started Studio Heijne, I order all my dresses and skirt made-to-measure from our collection. It’s such a great thing, not to worry about fitting when you order a garment. Because I know it’s going to fit me. Additionally, it also saves a lot of time. For example by not have to return garments, not to browse the internet night after night in search for this perfect fitting garment.

No one has a standard size

I know this as a fact. After long experience in the fashion industry I know how difficult it is to find one person with a size and length exactly according the standard measurement. It’s almost impossible.

One dress
Different women
No standard size

For example, during my time as a designer at H&M, we always had problems with finding the right models. We wanted to find a model who had the same measurements as our standard size S. Which meant that the model had to be 169 cm long, her chest needs to be 88 cm, waist 72, hips 96 cm etc. There were a bunch of other measurements as well which mattered, but I won´t bother you with too many numbers. It was a hard job for the recruiters.

And when we finally found an almost perfect sized model, it happened often that we blamed on the model anyway, when the fitting wasn´t perfect. “Ah, she has extra broad shoulders “, we said for example. Or: “She is a bit plus in the hips” (meaning her hips are a few cm bigger than the standard size)

The real problem with standard sizing

With standard sizes, it’s always the person who gets the blame. Not the garment. It’s the person who has to adjust to the garment with standard sizing. Instead I think it makes much more sense that the garment adjusts to the person. That’s what custom-made garments are doing. They are made to benefit the wearer of the garments.

Wear custom made and never worry about size again

Larissa, one of the seamstresses from our atelier

You should really try custom made garments instead. Because only than you will personally experience the benefits of custom-made garments. I know you will be 100% satisfied. Because the custom-made garment will fit perfectly. Because owning a garment that is personalized will make you look better and give more confidence. It will give you also something special, namely knowing that this garment is sewn especially for you, with love, by one person, in an atelier where amazing women work under good circumstances.

Check out our custom-made collection here.

Click to customize non-standard size trousers

Do you know your real size?

Posted by zlatanseebaApril 9, 2019January 12, 2022

Scroll down for the step-by-step measuring guide.

I know it’s a bit scary to measure your size, if you are not used to do that. It can also be a bit confronting. Maybe you don’t want to know your measurements? It can happen for example that you always thought you were a size M, but then suddenly according the size guide, you are a size L instead. That can’t get be right, you think.

Size jungle

But every brand is using sizes in a different way, meaning there are no such thing as perfect M, or a perfect XS. A size M can be a s size S at another brand and even within the same brand you can have different sizes. You definitely can’t trust the standard size system for knowing your real size. I can write a whole blog about the jungle of inconsequent sizing and I definitely will do that soon. But this story is about helping you to measure yourself to get it right.

Scary?

You might think it’s a bit scary to unveil your real size and you are uncertain if you will get it right. First of all: don’t doubt yourself! You will get it right with our instructions.

And secondly a tip to get it right. Measure yourself 2 times during different times of the day or on different days. The results will probably differ, but that’s only normal. We differ in size depending on which time of the day it is. For women, the measurements can also differ depending on where you are in your menstruation cycle. Take the average of all measurements taken and you will get the best result.

Measuring is not that accurate

If you measure yourself, you will probably get different results each time. This is NOT a problem, because 1,2 or 3 cm will not make the difference between a good and bad fitting. Only when it starts to differ more than 4 cm it will start to affect the fitting.

If you want help, don’t hesitate to contact us to book an online measuring session.

Step for step measure guide

Follow the instructions in the video below and you will get instructions how to measure your size. We measure only the 3 most important measurements: Waist, hips and chest. Length is also important, but I guess you know your own length!

Follow the videos and/or the written instructions. All you need is a measurement tape and 5 minutes of your time. Don’t have measure tape? A rope of some sort together with a ruler will also work fine. You use the rope to get the right size length. Thereafter you use the ruler to measure the defined size length of the rope

Tip: Put yourself in front of a mirror, this can help. Ans wear tight clothes or only underwear for the best result.

Measuring your chest

To measure your chest, position and pull the tape measure around your body where your chest is as broadest (under your armpits, around your back and back to the front) to get the right measure.

Measuring your waist.

Fold the measurement tape around your natural waist, where it is as smallest, a few cm above your belly bottom. Keep it parallel to the floor. Avoid holding your breath or pulling your stomach.

TIP: If you are unsure, measure 21 cm straight down from the chest. There is your most defined waist according to our measurement system.

Measuring your hips.

Pull the tape around the widest part of your hips. Adjust the tape measure slightly up and down to ensure that it is the widest part. Look in the mirror to assure you keep the tape straight.

This was our simple guide on how to measure your size. Stay tuned for more tips regarding sizing in my next story!

Interview with founder Wendy Heijne

Posted by zlatanseebaMarch 26, 2019January 19, 2022

Introduction sustainability

In May it’s time for The Copenhagen Fashion Summit, the world leading summit for sustainability and fashion. Sustainability is quite a complex matter involving a lot of topics such as transparency, circularity, responsibility and innovation. And it touches upon many aspects of making and consuming clothes.

As a change agent for this event I’ve had the chance to talk to Wendy Heijne about her journey with sustainable fashion. It seems like she found a way to tackle it with the easiness, patience and devotion it requires. Read the highlights of our conversation below.

What are your current challenges with Heijne?

Even though I’ve been working for two years, I am still very much at the beginning of brand developing. I envision Heijne as international brand and a global company. Today, some things are in check, we have good products, an online shop and everything works fine. That’s there as a base, however, it’s an ongoing improvement process. The real challenge is to get the word out, so that more people get to know the brand. We collaborate with artists, influencers and other brands for promoting the brand.

Collaboration with influencer Helen Turner

How do you look at sustainability?

Sustainability is at the core of the business idea. We do custom made fashion, and we make it on demand, instead of (over)producing in advance. As the company grows, it’s exciting to see how we are going to keep it sustainable while scaling it. Ideally I would like to collaborate with Amazon. They are also interested in custom made production process and body scanning technologies.

What’s your take on custom made fashion?

So many women experience problems with fitting the clothes, whether it’s on the hips, the shoulders or around the chest. Especially with trousers, it’s so challenging. That made me think, why is everything so standardized? I think mass production in standard sizes is so old fashionable. As soon as you’re shorter or taller than a certain height, there is no good size for you. That’s why our customers choose the garments they want, and we tailor them according to the client’s proportions. For us fitting is very important as well as the customer’s personal taste.

“Why is everything so standardized?
Mass production in standard sizes is so old fashionable.”

At Heijne we offer personalized garments, as Sunday dress

We know the feeling when you find a dress that fits great, but you wish it was a little longer. That’s why at Heijne with the customizing service we offer, you have the opportunity to personalize the garments. All the garments can be made to measure and personalized into the details, for ex. short sleeve or long sleeve, v-neck or a round neck. Stay tuned, because next products on the development list are trousers.

How is your value chain organised?

All of our garments are made in our atelier in Lithuania, except for the scarves, which are produced in China. We order the scarves in small batches when we need to restock and we make the garments after the customer places an order. Online and in the store, the customers chooses between different sizes or they change the measurements to have the garment made in their own size. We cut and sew the garments in the atelier, and then they’re sent to Stockholm. In the future we will change this to obtain direct delivery to the customer from the atelier.

What kind of fabrics are you sourcing?

At the moment I am working a lot with the fabrics. Recently, I visited the Future Fabric Expo in London where I was looking for sustainable material solutions. We have some sustainable qualities already, silk for example. The next step is to add more variations of sustainable fabrics to the collection. We source the fabrics from within Europe, Asia and the US, and we aim to get all of them to be GOTS (organic fabrics)certified. For the next productions I’m planning to work with Tencel (( a sustainably produced viscose) and leftover denim.

Sourcing fabrics at the Future fashion Expo

How are your designing for circularity?

Our production is in demand, but that’s not necessarily circular. It’s more about not producing waste, which is a good starting point. Anyhow, we think of circularity in different ways. For most of the garments we use silk, which is naturally biodegradable. The fabrics are printed digitally, which is an environmentally friendly technique. What’s critical is the polyester threads and the plastic trims, because they are not biodegradable.There we can definitely improve. Another thing we’ve been considering is renting our garments. Since it’s challenging enough with one business model, I want to collaborate with others until we create platform on our own for it. Right now we offer repair services and in the future the customer should be able to swap garments as well.

How digital is the future of Heijne?

Currently the online shop is user friendly and runs very smoothly. In the future I see a 3D avatar connected to the online platform. That way, the customers can visualize the garments on a same body shape as theirs. Besides that, they should be able to alter the garments by simply dragging the finger on the screen for ex. to make the skirt longer. The aim is to be totally size free, so that the customer doesn’t have to think about sizes. The dream is to have the customized product automatically connected to the production. That means that a customer places the order, the pattern will be digitally created and the garment is laser cut.

Heijne’s response to standard sizes and mass production with on demand made to measure saves the environment from waste, while it gives the consumer the exclusivity to have their garments tailored and personalized to their needs. This approach is an example of how to start building a global and sustainable fashion brand.

Interview by Victor Stojkoski

Link to the event – Copenhagen Fashion Summit.

5 reasons to steam your clothes

Posted by zlatanseebaMarch 4, 2019January 19, 2022

Why steaming instead of ironing?

A flawless style means great choice of clothes, but also keeping the garments fresh and polished. Ironing makes the clothes look like they just got directly off the rack. However, it takes a lot of practice to make sure you’re doing it right. Moreover it takes plenty of time. Here are 5 reasons why you should steam you clothes:

1. It’s much faster than ironing.

This is mainly because it doesn’t need any preparation. No need to take the ironing board out of the wardrobe. Just take the steamer and go ahead.

2. It’s easy and save.

You don’t need much practice and extra tools like with ironing. Just fill the steamer with water, turn it on and you’re good to go. And when you have small kids, like I have, it’s more safe to steam then to have a hot iron standing on a board, with the chance that the kids run into it. A steamer doesn’t have to cool down either. It can go straight back in the bag.

3. A travel steamer doesn’t take much space.

That’s why it will easily fit in your traveling suitcase. Meaning that you will be able to steam you clothes while traveling as well. It’s ideal for a fast fresh up of wrinkled tops and dresses or your suit. I personally never leave the house without a steamer in my suitcase, whether it’s for private or business traveling.

3. It’s safe to use on all garments.

No matter the material, you can steam clothes made from any material. Even garments which can’t be washed in the washing machine. If you like natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen and silk, a steamer comes in very handy, as these fabrics tend to crinkle easily.

5. Less washing and longer lasting garments.

A steamer will not only take away the wrinkles from your garment, it will also refresh it by killing bacteria. This means that you can weather your garments and steam them instead of frequent washing. After weathering, spray linen water over the garment for a fresh scent. That’s more environmentally friendly than frequent washing and your garments will last longer.

These are the 5 reasons why to steam you clothes. Maybe you are into trying steaming, but need some tips on how to get started? The next blog will be about How to steam you clothes. So stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I am happy to answer any questions and comments.