In My Shoes: Bodil Bjerkvik Blain
Bodil Bjerkvik Blain grew up in Norway, studied in Chicago and London and has modelled all over the world. Having co-founded an ethical coffee company, multi-talented Bodil loves art in all its forms.She is a mother of two, and is currently based in London. Follow @bodilbjerkvikblain
Tell us a little about you.
I am Norwegian but ventured early out of my fjord to study in Chicago and later at LSE in London. I worked as a model in NY and Milan and spend years travelling around the world until I had my son August and my daughter Milla. I then became more involved in the art and design world.
In 2015 I started a coffee company Cru Kafe with the wish to highlight transparency in business and to engage with small coffee farmers around the world. This taught me an lot about business. I now have an amazing CEO, but am still a director.
Recently returning to my creative roots, my focus now is in the art world, sourcing art and interiors with an emphasis on individual stand-out pieces. Curating and creating, so to speak.
How do you start your day?
With a cup of Cru Kafe of course! Organic and beautifully served.
I wish I could say I had time for meditation and yoga, but the reality is usually a frantic rush into the car with my kids, off to rowing or tennis while I play them the news briefing to try to teach them about various world problems. I am very aware of time and how precious it is with them. They are my pride and joy.
What is your fashion philosophy?
I have a large amount of clothes at this point, so I try only to add pieces that work with what I already have. I don’t follow trends, but I love what clothes can do to your day and alter how you feel. I tend to buy my friends' creations, and mix them in with vintage pieces. Being stylish has little to do with means but how you put things together.
Can you share a top tip?
I believe in collecting generally, if it’s clothes, art or items for your home, take your time and make sure it’s a keeper. I remember every painting my parents had, the old furniture they collected. I like quaint things but always with a hint of current design.
Who inspires you?
Any person who has a deep sense of self-expression. I would love to paint like Rita Ackerman or Hurvin Anderson, dress as mad as Kelly Weastler, and design houses like Pierre Yovanovitch and David Netto, with the design philosophy of Axel Vervoordt.
Yet still my mother is my biggest style hero. I think she pretended to be Audrey Hepburn throughout my childhood. In Socialist Norway there were limitations, but when I look back at her boat stripe t shirts, flat ballerinas and home knitted turtlenecks, she always looked amazing.
How do you unwind?
In the mountains and by the sea. I feel free by the sea and very happy up a mountain. As my friends have pointed out, I actually like to suffer physically. It must be my Viking DNA.
If you could visit anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
Japan. My son is obsessed, and we will go. I read global history as my Degree, so there is nowhere really I don’t want to go and explore.
Can you tell us something you discovered recently?
I believe in the four pillars: Take care of your inner child, your spiritual self, your intellectual side and your physical being. My inner child is especially needy; without art or creativity, I am not very happy.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s the best and the worst - I never know what will happen next.
Which shoes do you love this season?
I have been a big fan of Rupert for so many years. His shoes never go out of style. I love the Odessa boot as I love anything that has a hint of 70s fun. I would describe my taste as classic retro, with a twist which I think these boots capture. I also love the line of these evening shoes that you can vamp up with some fun coloured tights. Rupert has an incredible eye for the line of a shoe. He can’t do wrong in my eyes.
