Meet YLVA LILJEFORS

We had the good fortune of connecting with YLVA LILJEFORS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi YLVA, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up in a home filled with paintings and with art ingrained in my system since childhood, I was surrounded by creativity. It was natural for me to follow in the footsteps of my father, and great-grandfather, Bruno Liljefors. I have always drawn, for as long as I can remember. My journey, when it comes to business, began with designing stage costumes for brands and rock singers, which ignited a deep passion within me. After graduating from Beckman’s College of Design in 1999, I had the privilege of designing for several successful Swedish brands. Winning the prestigious Guldknappen award for
Damernas Värld as the best designer of the year was a turning point. It made me realize that my vision needed a personal outlet.
Starting my own business became an inevitable step. It was about creating a platform where I could blend my heritage with modern expressions, from art to couture. This venture allowed me to channel my creativity into something unique and share it with the world. It wasn’t just about fashion; it was, and still is about creating a visual and emotional experience.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is a vibrant blend of art and high fashion, where unique and innovative solutions come to life through our quality designs. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence and our creative approach to merging art with fashion. We aim to create pieces that don’t just look good but feel extraordinary to wear. I’m incredibly proud of our ability to infuse joy into our work, adapt, and thrive in a competitive market, always prioritizing our clients’ needs.

The journey to where I am today has been a tapestry of challenges and triumphs. It demanded perseverance, learning the ropes from working with other brands, and constantly adapting to new circumstances. One of the most significant hurdles was balancing the demands of raising a child and maintaining a family life while building the business. To overcome this, I focused on delivering quality over quantity, creating fewer items with more joy and creativity. This approach has brought us to where we are today. The unwavering support from my team and invaluable feedback from our clients have been the cornerstones of our success.

Along the way, I’ve learned some crucial lessons:
1. Resilience and adaptability are vital in overcoming adversity.
2. Listening to our customers and understanding their needs, while maintaining a playful spirit, is essential.
3. Continuous learning and innovation are necessary to stay ahead in the market, along with the courage to stay true to my artistic vision, design principles, and commitment to quality.

Our brand is built on the pillars of integrity, innovation, and excellence. Our story is one of passion and dedication to making a positive impact in the fashion industry. We are more than just a business; we are a partner committed to helping our clients achieve their dreams. We are also eager to grow and are open to collaborations with investors who share our vision and can help us reach new heights.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to create a three-day “what to see and do” itinerary, focusing on non-touristy spots, I would likely show them these places and organize the schedule as follows:

Day 1: Artistic Exploration and Unique Dining Morning:
• The Getty Center: Start with a visit to The Getty Center. While it’s a well-known spot, it offers more than just art; the architecture and gardens are spectacular and often less crowded.
Lunch:
• Gjusta: Head over to Gjusta in Venice for a delicious, laid-back lunch. This deli-style
spot serves up incredible sandwiches, salads, and baked goods in a hip atmosphere.
Afternoon:
• The Arts District: Explore the Arts District in Downtown LA. Wander through
galleries like Hauser & Wirth and The Container Yard. Check out the street art and
murals – the area is a canvas of creativity.
Evening:
• Dinner at Bestia: Book a reservation at Bestia, one of LA’s most acclaimed
restaurants. It’s a must-visit for its inventive Italian dishes and unique ambiance.
• Drinks at Arts District Brewing Co.: Finish the evening with craft beers at Arts
District Brewing Co. It’s a great place to enjoy local brews in a relaxed setting.

Day 2: Hidden Gems and Local Vibes Morning:
• Griffith Park and Observatory: Hike up to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. The park offers various trails, so you can choose a path that suits your group’s energy level.
Lunch:
• The Trails Café: Located in Griffith Park, this charming spot offers great sandwiches
and baked goods, perfect for a picnic.
Afternoon:
• Venice Beach Canals: Explore the Venice Beach Canals, a hidden gem away from the
typical Venice Beach boardwalk crowds. The canals provide a picturesque setting for a
leisurely stroll.
• Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Spend some time on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a trendy
area known for its unique shops, galleries, and cafes. Check out Tortoise General
Store for quirky finds and Gelato Festival for a sweet treat.
Evening:
• Dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés: Enjoy an adventurous dining experience at The Bazaar, offering creative Spanish cuisine in a whimsical setting.
• Live Music at The Echo: Catch some live music at The Echo, a venue known for showcasing emerging artists and eclectic performances.
Day 3: Offbeat Adventures and Relaxation
Morning:
• Los Feliz: Start your day in Los Feliz with a visit to The Los Feliz Library, which often hosts community events and has an inviting atmosphere. Then, head to Figaro Bistrot for a delightful brunch.
Afternoon:
• The Museum of Jurassic Technology: This quirky museum in Culver City is an
offbeat and fascinating experience. It combines art, science, and strange artifacts in a
way that will surely captivate your group.
• The Last Bookstore: Stop by The Last Bookstore, an iconic independent bookstore in
Downtown LA known for its labyrinthine layout and artistic book displays.
Evening:
• Dinner at République: End your day with a fantastic meal at République, a stylish
spot offering French-inspired cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
• Rooftop Drinks at Perch LA: For a final nightcap, head to Perch LA, a rooftop bar
with breathtaking views of the city. It’s a great place to unwind and soak in the LA skyline.

Bonus Tips:
• Local Markets: Check out local farmers’ markets like the Santa Monica Farmers
Market or the Hollywood Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
• Art Walks: If your visit aligns with a monthly art walk, such as the Downtown LA Art
Walk, it’s a fantastic way to experience local galleries and meet artists.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible artist collective at The Hive Gallery & Studios in Los Angeles. Their unwavering support for artists, vibrant community, and dedication to nurturing creativity have been a tremendous source of inspiration and a cornerstone of my artistic life in L.A. The Hive offers more than just a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work; it provides a nurturing environment where ideas can flourish and collaborations thrive. I am deeply appreciative of the inspiration they bring through their work, as well as their mentorship, encouragement, and the sense of belonging they offer to artists. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with them more closely in the future, eager to grow further through the support of the talented individuals at The Hive.
Additionally, I want to acknowledge SWEA Los Angeles, a wonderful network of Swedish women abroad. SWEA has been a beacon of support, connecting me with fellow Swedish creatives and providing a sense of home away from home. Their events and networking opportunities have been invaluable, and the camaraderie among members has greatly enriched my artistic journey. Both The Hive and SWEA have played crucial roles in my story, and I am profoundly thankful for their contributions to artists, entrepreneurs and the society.

Website: https://www.ylvaliljefors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ylvaliljeforsofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ylva-liljefors-631a4733/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ylvaliljeforsofficial 

Image Credits
Design: Ylva Liljefors Photographer: Mårten Levin Makeup and hair: Lillis Hemmingsson Models: Ia Wenedikter and Angelica Callin Dontchev