Being Elliott + Bodil Vintage
I came across Bodil Vintage while going through Instagram one day. I was immediately drawn to their unique and interesting collection of eclectic vintage finds. I had to learn more about this sweet vintage mecca. I contacted the Swedish shop owners Elin & Patrik to ask a few questions for Being/Elliott. They kindly obliged. Enjoy the interview below!
1. How did Bodil Vintage get its start?
Since I was little I have had a big interest in second-hand and wanted to work with that one day. In 2004 I started to sell on different platforms, but it was not until the autumn of 2012 that I started Bodil Vintage with my future husband.
2. What inspires you to sell vintage?
By the fact that the earth's resources have already been exceeded. What we yearn for is already made so we don't need to create new. I wish more of us would realize that. The fun part is you can get a really nice piece that nobody else has and you get to be creative with it.
3. Where/how do you acquire your vintage pieces?
We find our pieces at various flea markets and second-hand stores. In the summer, we usually take a road trip from the east coast to the west coast where many have garage sales in their gardens. It's funny when you can get a story behind the garment as well. We also buy stuff when we travel.
4. Do you have a favorite piece in your shop currently ?
I really like the russian scarf, it reminds me of Russia and the babushkas but also of midsummer here in Sweden.
5. Describe the Bodil Vintage style aesthetic.
Eclectic. We buy things that we think are beautiful regardless of style or era.
6. Any current obsessions you would like to share?
I LOVE kimonos, I own three kimonos myself that fit different occasions, one of them is more of a jacket. I wish I could find more of them we could sell, but I often keep them for myself.
7. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Last summer I was sitting worrying about something when a young man passed by and leaned toward me and whispered, "It's all in your head" and then he left. I was very surprised, but happy. It is so often true and I try to remember his words in different contexts or when I see an obstacle.
8. What is the one fashion item you think is a “must-have” for every women?
I think everybody should have something that makes them feel good-looking, unique and comfortable. Maybe that's a boring answer but Bodil Vintage is trying not to focus on trends but on helping to find pieces that makes you feel that way.
9. Any advice you would like to give to aspiring vintage shop owners?
Don't see each other as competitors but as part of a whole. Share and encourage each other! And get on Instagram, we believe most of our costumer found us there and also most of the times we get to see the garments on!
10. Any exciting plans for Bodil Vintage in 2013?
Yes! We have a collaboration with a swedish artist who has given us some of her old treasures which will be launched as a separate collection in May. The models are ordinary people and people who we really look up to, as well as the stylist and the photographer. We see it all as a collective work with them and an opportunity to highlight the people behind all the work and clothes. The collection is fabulous! 