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25-under-25: Don't dare to dismiss Devin Vassell
25-under-25: Don't dare to dismiss Devin Vassell
Devin Vasell is ranked No. 18 on our list of the best young players in the NBA. The 23-year-old wing is poised for a breakout season if he can stay healthy.
2023-10-12 16:15
Matilda Djerf on community, New York, and the future of Djerf Avenue
Matilda Djerf on community, New York, and the future of Djerf Avenue
Few are worthy of the title influencer like Matilda Djerf. An icon for many young women around the globe, fans of the 26-year-old have gone crazy for her style, which explains why her brand, Djerf Avenue, has made millions of dollars. Djerf founded her clothing brand in 2019 with her partner and CEO Rasmus Johansson. Since 2019 Djerf Avenue has gone beyond clothes, releasing accessories and homeware which have been adored by fans. She is calling me from her office, I compliment her on her outfit - from Djerf Avenue, of course - and she thanks me, explaining that it's "forever blazer" day at the office, an initiative from the social media team for all to wear the company's forever blazers, a customer favourite. She looks put together and cheery, the image we see on social media does not seem a fake one, her golden hair intact as always. Our conversation starts with us talking about her life before Djerf Avenue and internet fame. "I come from a small town, if you dress up or if you dress a little bit differently than the rest of people, it's a little bit frowned upon." But it is Djerf's style that has got her where she is today, her daring to be different generated $34 million in revenue last year for her brand. And the hype around Djerf and her clothes doesn't look as though it's dying down anytime soon. It's not easy to be so fashionable that the majority of young women want to replicate your style. I wanted to find out what influenced the fashion influencer. Apart from Hannah Montanna, which I think all women who grew up watching the Disney show can relate to, Djerf speaks fondly of her mother, Ulrika, who features prominently on both Djerf's social media and Djerf Avenue's marketing. "My mum has always been my fashion icon, not caring what other people think," she tells me. "She does her own thing. Which has inspired to do my own thing!" Family is clearly central to how Djerf lives her life, they constantly feature on her social media, with her parents and sister often modelling Djerf Avenue's clothes. "I'm a true homebody, I've always enjoyed just being surrounded by my family," she says with a grin on her face, telling me about her childhood and family vacations. "Since the start [of Djerf Avenue] they've always been my biggest cheerleaders." The early days of Djerf Avenue was just Matilda and her partner Rasmus. They had no team and did everything themselves, but Matilda's family were there to help. "When we did our first shoot they [Djerf's parents] came with us, they've seen everything, they even helped us pack orders for the first few months." With over 3 million followers on Instagram, it can be hard to stay grounded within yourself as you're bombarded by the opinions of millions of strangers online. "The support of my friends and family is all I really need," she tells me. "I'm so grateful to have a safe space." Djerf's family and friends' support was prominent just a few months back when Djerf Avenue hosted a pop-up store in New York, accompanied by their first-ever fashion show for their Remake Collection, which was hosted at the Guggenheim Museum. "The possibilities in New York just felt endless," she says as she explains her choice of New York for the brand's third pop-up (their first was held in LA last year and their second in Stockholm earlier this year). "But whenever we do something in person it feels daunting. I'm always really nervous that nobody's going to show up or nobody's going to like it." Despite Djerf's nerves, it seemed she had nothing to worry about. Across the three days the pop-up was open (Aug 31 - Sept 2), social media was flooded with pictures of those queuing up to purchase both fan-favourite items and pop-up exclusives. "The team work so hard to make it happen, we pour so much love, energy and time into every single project that we do," and I can tell through the screen. Djerf is evidently animated and passionate about her business and the team that helps make everything run smoothly. But despite the nervous energy that inevitably comes with such enormous projects, Djerf trusts the community she's built up over the years. "Our community is the most loving community and I know they will show up. It's what makes me always want to make sure we're doing everything we can to give our community the best possible experience." "I think about how much time these people are taking from their lives to stand in line at our pop-ups, and they spend their money on our items, so I never want to fall short. The pressure is really daunting, but it gets me going." The pop-up was followed by a fashion show at the Guggenheim Museum on September 3, where the brand debuted its Remake Collection. The models were fans of Djerf Avenue (including Matilda's mum) and showcased diversity at its centre. "I wanted to show the fashion world, you don't need to look one kind of way to be able to walk a runway," she explains. "We wanted to capture the beauty of our individual community members." "I want to meet our UK customers!" She exclaimed. "If it gets to September next year with no news you need to message me 'Matilda where's the pop up!'" I assure her, and on behalf of all UK Djerf Avenue customers, to message her if this is the case. "But there's so many places in the world we want to go, it's hard to narrow it down." Naturally, I had to use my opportunity to ask about any upcoming collections or releases, and Matilda managed to tell me so much and so little at the same time. "We're just getting started, we're actually going into a completely new category which I'm really excited about, and that will be launching around Spring 2024. It's been years in the making." "On top of that we're doing our first-ever collaboration with a person this year. That's coming up very, very soon!" Finally, as our conversation draws to a close I ask her if there are any goals she has for herself or Djerf Avenue in the next five years. And in typical Matilda Djerf fashion, she tells me: "I've never had like, a three-year plan or a five-year plan. Where was I even five years ago?" "So much happens even in a month, so it's so hard to dream up where I will be in five years. But really, I'm always thinking about what I can do to give back. I want people, especially young women entrepreneurs, to look up to me. I want to inspire." Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel
2023-11-18 23:06
Latest Aaron Judge update will give Yankees fans a glimmer of hope
Latest Aaron Judge update will give Yankees fans a glimmer of hope
With the New York Yankees in free-fall mode, the fanbase has received yet another positive update regarding the status of injured star outfielder Aaron Judge.The New York Yankees have looked lifeless since Aaron Judge crashed through the right field fence at Dodger Stadium and smashed his right ...
2023-07-20 07:09
Biden Presses for China Contact Despite Risk of Losing Clout
Biden Presses for China Contact Despite Risk of Losing Clout
The Biden administration is trying to make it hard for China to say no to engagement by seeking
1970-01-01 08:00
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accuses Diageo of Retaliation in Fight Over Racism
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accuses Diageo of Retaliation in Fight Over Racism
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs accused Diageo Plc of unlawful retaliation, extending his legal feud with the world’s
2023-07-19 21:28
'Today’ host Carson Daly pokes fun at Al Roker’s age as co-hosts burst into laughter on live TV
'Today’ host Carson Daly pokes fun at Al Roker’s age as co-hosts burst into laughter on live TV
The co-hosts Hoda Kotb, Sheinelle Jones, and Craig Melvin doubled over in laughter, including Al, on Carson’s clever joke delivery
2023-06-11 12:29
Who is Maggie Kehring? Former Olympian show jumper Richard Fellers pleads guilty to sexually abusing minor student
Who is Maggie Kehring? Former Olympian show jumper Richard Fellers pleads guilty to sexually abusing minor student
'I send my thoughts to those victims of sexual abuse navigating the very emotional and difficult legal process,' Maggie Kehring said
2023-07-13 14:17
Who was Melissa Barthelemy? Gilgo Beach murder victim's body was first one discovered
Who was Melissa Barthelemy? Gilgo Beach murder victim's body was first one discovered
Rex Heuermann's suspected victim, Melissa Barthelemy, was reported missing by her mother on July 18, 2009
2023-07-15 18:55
Paul Whelan: US ex-marine seen in Russian labour camp video
Paul Whelan: US ex-marine seen in Russian labour camp video
It is the first time that ex-US Marine Paul Whelan is seen on video since his conviction in Russia.
2023-08-29 20:10
South Korea plans to offer bigger tax refunds to foreign tourists - Finance Minister
South Korea plans to offer bigger tax refunds to foreign tourists - Finance Minister
SEOUL South Korea is considering raising the maximum amount of tax refunds for foreign tourists on their domestic
2023-10-16 12:03
Adam Svensson Hit a Hilarious Bunker Shot at the U.S. Open
Adam Svensson Hit a Hilarious Bunker Shot at the U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is delivering in the difficulty department.
2023-06-16 02:05
French men's gymnastics team miss Paris Olympics berth
French men's gymnastics team miss Paris Olympics berth
The French men's gymnastics team on Sunday missed out on a berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, after finishing 19th in qualifying at the...
2023-10-01 21:52