Portrait: Founders profile: Malin Ek Andrén

founders profile: malin ek andrén

Zoey blouse

Could you share the inspiration behind the inception of Malina (former By Malina) and your journey as its founder?

The Malina journey commenced in 2010, upon my return to Stockholm after several years in Hong Kong's production industry. This experience was intricately intertwined with my family's creative heritage. My father, an art director, and my mother, a textile teacher, instilled in me a profound appreciation for fabrics, prints, and materials during my upbringing. It was this rich heritage that ignited my passion to address the market's need for occasion wear dresses with unique silhouettes and prints. I initially started crafting my own pieces for weddings and soirées, which eventually gave birth to Malina. From its inception, my mission has remained steadfast: to curate a wardrobe that encompasses every facet of life.

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Zoey blouse

Could you elaborate on how your Greek roots and love for Mediterranean style have influenced Malina's collections?

I have roots in Greece, my grandmother is from Greece and I love the mediterranean style and vibes, colours and climate. And I'm trying to get part of the Mediterranean feeling into a mix with Scandinavian fashion. We do a lot of prints and colors and flowers and light materials.

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Zoey blouse

When you design clothing for Malina, who is the ideal woman you have in mind, and what characteristics does she possess?

When I design I have a woman in mind. She's bold, strong, hard working and she loves power dressing in a mix with our prints and fun materials.

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Zoey blouse

Could you share some insights into your approach to sustainable production and materials in your clothing line?

My fantastic production team work daily to find new materials, exchange, improve to a better choice and we also work on moving the production closer to Scandinavia. For example, our denim we do in organic cotton in Italy, and it's one of my favourite lines in the collection.

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Zoey blouse

Where do you envision Malina in five years, and what are your goals for the brand's future?

In five years I hope that every powerful woman will know about Malina (former By Malina). And I want them to choose Malina as their first choice when they look for clothing from desk to dinner.

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Zoey blouse

If you had to choose the perfect all-day outfit from your current collection, what would it be, and why?

Our beloved and bestselling blouse, the Cleo blouse. It just arrived in three new colors, and my favorite right now is the bold Indigo color, perfect to style with denim or suit pants and a polo knit underneath. A fall-proof blouse both for office and dinner afterwards.

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Portrait: Founder's profile: Malin Ek Andrén

Malina proudly presents its new campaign, artfully directed and styled by its founder and designer, Malin Ek Andrén. Malin Ek Andrén's vision for the Fall/Winter 2023 collection is centered on "desk to dinner styling," a concept that redefines everyday investment pieces for your autumn wardrobe. These garments effortlessly transition from office to evening, ensuring you radiate elegance and confidence throughout the day. With a blend of personal favorites and timeless staples, this collection seamlessly guides you from your work desk to a delightful dinner soirée. From office wear essentials like suits, knitwear, blouses, and denim. To complete the ensemble, indulge in a range of accessories, from handbags and belts.