Sunniva Hartgen

Hi Sunniva, how are you?
– I´m quite good. Really done with cold weather and heavy coats. Spring and summer can never come fast enough. I’m looking forward to bare legs, watermelon and a more active summer than maybe ever with a two year old.

How would you describe yourself and your family?
– Yikes. Complicated minds, but easy going. We try to focus on the “now” and be present, but you know, it’s not always easy. I think it’s the best parenting advice we’ve been given though.  My husband and I immediately connected through adventures, but to our fortune we found a safe haven in each other which makes up the foundation of our home. Even though we have started a family and adjusted some of our lifestyle, we are still not able to put aside our spontaneity which results in some interesting situations…

You work in fashion, tell us more about what you do?
– I do fashion styling and consulting for magazines, clothing brands and celebrities. I’m also in the Oslo Runway team, which is showcasing the most exciting Norwegian fashion and lifestyle brands. As Head of Fashion, I’m leading the work on DS Fashion Talent Award, and Oslo Runway NEXT which is the new arena for up-and-coming designers. I’m also a creative sparring partner for the established brands showcasing.

What’s your style?
– My personal style is impractical and “witchy”. My work aesthetics are more playful. I like to use references only my clients and I know about, using colors or elements that reference a happening in their career or personal life. As an example, my favorite kind of editorial needs to have a story, preferably based on humor. When it comes to celebrities I like to balance an expression with a touch of “I don’t give a f*”.

Tell us about your home, your inspiration?
– It’s filled with vintage and second hand, and physical memories from our travels. We wanted a timeless base to make it a bit easier if we were to change the furniture. We really fell in love with the natural light along with the ceiling height, and stripped down the place quite drastically. We now feel like it is the original — a modernised factory studio apartment — as it is supposed to be. The look of the apartment is quite hard, so it is especially nice that visitors comment that they feel at home.

What is your personal decoration style?
– I hate buying new things, hunting for special vintage items is far more interesting to me. If I buy new things they must have a purpose and I need to know that they are here for the long run. I love decorating with plants, but I never know where to put them.

Do you have any favourite pieces in your home?
– I really love our huge antique shelf, and the mirror we found at a brocante in France during our maternity leave there. We’ve also built a cozy corner with pillows in kiddos bedroom where we read and talk about everything and nothing, but that’s more of a favorite space. Also, I must say whatever makes the coffee.

What is trending in Oslo, in style, arts and culture?
– In style it’s definitely second-hand and vintage. The art and culture scene is really growing and there are so many exciting things happening. From the Fashion Research Library connected to Nasjonalmuseet, to all the cool restaurants, bars, music events and concept stores. I feel like Oslo is blooming, and I am really excited to be a part of it, especially with Oslo Runway.

What not to miss visiting Oslo?
– All the great museums and galleries, which I promise I will visit more frequently.

What inspires you?
– People near me, travels, conversations, nature and music mostly I guess. I depend a lot on my mood and I like to feed my mood if that makes sense? When I need new inspiration because I’m stuck, I disturb the pattern. Whether it is listening to other music genres than my go-to-ones, meeting new people and making an effort to get to know them, go through my wardrobe, or do something I haven’t done in a long time. Or just go to the woods and scream out loud.

What are your favorite things to do in life?
– Total freedom from work and everyone other than J and kiddo, to do whatever comes to mind.

What are your struggles?
– My lack of self discipline.

Your dreams?
– Summer season and a driver license.

If you could, you would…?
– Act.

What do you read?
– Right now: “Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine”. It’s great! I read more magazines than books. I keep romanticizing myself as a book-type, but it’s not the reality.

What podcasts do you listen to?
– I don´t listen that much to podcasts, I favour music when I escape. It helps dive into all my moods.

If you would recommend something, it can be anything, what would it be?
– Open the cross-stitch on the split of your coat.