Sofie Mählkvist Takes the Fashion Industry by Storm
By Aida M. Toro | @aidamtoro
As New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is around the corner, models, stylists, writers, influencers, and more are ready to hit the streets and attend every event along with shows while showcasing their unique wardrobe selections. Sofie Mählkvist, 24, is known as one of New York’s It Girls and is a Swedish socialite, style maven, and philanthropist, who made her mark in the city’s social scene when she began spending her summers in Manhattan and the Hamptons. She was named the “the Deb” of the year by New York’s Elite as she debuted at the 67th Viennese Opera Ball in May of this year, an annual white-tie charity gala chaired by Denise Rich and Jean Shafiroff, which celebrates the cultural and economic relationships between Austria and America, connecting two continents, two cities and two centuries in one glamorous evening.
I took the time to speak with Mählkvist on her passion for fashion and so much more. Read the whole interview below:
“New York is definitely a fashion capital, and when you walk the streets it’s impossible to not get inspired by all the different people. Sometimes you see something that you think to yourself you would never wear, but you can still be amazed by how daring everyone is and how people truly express themselves through fashion.”
1. What inspired you to delve into fashion?
Fashion has always been something that I love. I would say that it was my family that planted this seed for me. My dad grew up with his mother, who was truly passionate about fashion who gave him a big interest and love for it, which he then passed on to me. I remember being very young and how incredibly fun my grandmother thought it was to dress me, and as I grew older enjoyed how clothes became “our thing”. At the same time, I remember having my parents who also had a big interest in fashion, and how I grew up constantly hearing about the importance of dressing nicely and looking all-in-all “well-groomed”. Even though they are both in the finance industry, they don’t have any “professional” knowledge of it, as it is just a hobby for them. They didn’t just buy clothes that looked good, but they knew about fabrics, brands, and more, which always made it fun talking about with them because it was something they knew about and thought was fun. Then this interest in fashion just grew and grew for me!
2. What do you love about being born and raised in Manhattan and how do you feel the city has brought you to where you are today, especially in the fashion industry?
New York is definitely a fashion capital, and when you walk the streets it’s impossible to not get inspired by all the different people. Sometimes you see something that you think to yourself you would never wear, but you can still be amazed by how daring everyone is and how people truly express themselves through fashion, which can be just as inspiring as seeing something and thinking thoughts like “I love that! I need to find something similar”.
3. What are some challenges you’ve experienced in the fashion industry and how have you tackled them?
Just like a lot of industries, fashion is very competitive and there’s a lot of talented people out there. It’s not a “clear ladder” like when you’re working a corporate job, as it’s a creative job you have to be creative to navigate the industry! The organizational freak inside of me can sometimes be stressed by not having this clear pathway inside of me, but I just have to try to stay calm, take one step at a time, and always be on the lookout for opportunities but try to not stress trying to plan too far into the future.
4. What can you say is the style you go for and why this specific style?
I would say my style is very classic with influences from both Scandinavian design and a bit of boho chic from time to time. I love clean pieces and then matching them with a nice pair of boots.
5. What are your goals for 2023 as the “NYC It Girl”?
My goals for this year are to just grasp the industry more and try to figure out my place in it. I have worked in a variety of capacities within the fashion industry, but I still don’t know what exactly it is that I want to do. I just want to keep moving forward and keep trying new things while also doing what I’m doing as it’s something that I truly love. I’m just always curious to try new things!
Keep a lookout for Mählkvist and her latest by following her on Instagram @sofiemahlkvist.
