Meet... Mix/Teija

Who

Finnish designer Teija Eilola, whose feminine take on Scandi minimalism has made her one to watch – a post-FLOTUS Michelle Obama, ever one to champion new designers, stepped out in one of her trademark smocked tops on holiday in Italy. Thanks to her collaboration with Label/Mix, you’ll be able to follow Mrs O’s example.

What

Sharp cuts with a heady dose of romance filtered through the lens of Nordic functionality is Teija’s calling card. Think impeccably tailored shirts with dainty smocking, ladylike pleated waistbands on skirts and structured jumpers covered with florals.

Wear

Teija’s first collection with Label/Mix introduces all her signatures. We have our eye on the cropped jumpsuit emblazoned with colourful blooms, a piece that can straddle different occasions with a change of accessories, and the pleated gingham skirt, which we’ll be teaming with a chunky knit and trainers now, and a T-shirt and espadrilles come summer.

In her words

We asked all our designers this season to do a Q&A with us, but with a twist: they’ll be asking and answering their own questions. Here’s what Teija had to say to Teija…

Who inspires you?

Linda Rodin and Michelle Obama. Michelle is iconic because of her style, but also an example for the new generation. Linda Rodin because she makes age look fabulous.

What is a Teija classic piece?

It’s some kind of smocked shirt with ruffled collar or cuff. I love creating sculptured smocked pieces, often with the romantic inspiration from Victorian and Georgian shirts. We have created a few great pieces like this for Label/Mix.

What is your earliest fashion memory?

Where I come from in Finland, everybody learnt to sew and knit at home and at school. It is still a very handcraft-driven area. My mum made most of my dressier outfits with her heavy Singer sewing machine. I would find an image and fabric of the look I wanted, and she would then tone it down into a cute outfit with a high neckline. You can still find summer dresses in the Teija collection with high necklines.

shop all Mix/Teija

read more features

go to Label/Mix store