"Everybody is beautiful in their own way and we want to make them feel like this."

small-shops: Idan, you are from Tel Aviv and Fanny, you are from Stockholm. How did you two meet?

Fanny & Idan: We met years ago in a fashion school in Barcelona, There was chemistry from the beginning, which is why we just stepped into it and developed a clothing line for ourselves - that was how it all started..

small-shops: Can you share some exciting stories of the UY Studios founding period?

Fanny & Idan: Three years ago during Christmas we received a letter from our landlord, regarding our living situation which was our studio and home together, saying we have to move out within the next 30 days. He was claiming that we were running a sexshop instead of a fashion studio haha.

It’s funny now, but it was also very stressful back in the days. I mean, during Christmas which is the busiest time of the year. But it pushed us to extend our limits and since then our life has completely changed for good :)

small-shops: You want to create fashion with clean lines, original cuts and interesting shapes. In our opinion you are more than accomplishing this goal. Can you let us participate in your design process?

Fanny & Idan: Our design process was always based on our cultures. (Idan) I’m influenced by my origin Scandinavia and it’s style, cuts and colors whereas Idan brings in the warmth and cozy tones from the middle east. It’s a bright meltingpot, including unisex as one of our main approaches since we want to share garments that fit everyone equally. (Fanny)

small-shops: You buy your materials at local markets. How can you be sure of getting always the best fibers and fabrics when purchasing? Is there any way to control the supply chain of the vendors?

Fanny & Idan: In the very beginning we started sourcing materials on local markets since we could just afford small quantities of textiles. Today we are getting our textiles from the Netherlands and Italy. This year also includes Greece as we launch our new collection with beautiful organic linen from this beautiful country - very excited for this.. ​

small-shops: On your website you are promoting great ethical values of unity instead of division between him and her, old and young. How would you advise people, to help you promote those ideas?

Fanny & Idan: “Come as you are” I would tell everyone. For us, equality is a huge part of our existence and we want to believe that the world will reach this point sooner or later. We want to push breaking boundaries for a more inclusive society. Especially after last years movements, we believe it is more important than ever to not label people through labeling their clothing. Everybody is beautiful in their own way and we want to make them feel like this.

small-shops: UY Studio has developed into a cultural hub for fashion but also art, photography and home décor. You are also posting electronic music on Soundcloud. What are some of your next goals for UY Studio?

Fanny & Idan: Yes, we are in the process of extending our homeline to increase our performance field. I mean, who does not love to stay in on a rainy afternoon? (laughing). We are collaborating with different interesting artists from all around the world and try to do so through art, photography and music - some members of our team also produce their own and we are excited to share new ways of sound design by selected artists soon..

small-shops: What is your vision for the future of fashion?

Fanny & Idan: Well, we definitely want to continue helping break societies codes which happened already in the subcultures but we are thrilled that this will also enter the mainstream. We need less fear and more expression. Gender codes are blurring which is a great feeling - it seems people care more about comfort and equality than ever.

There was a lot going on the last year regarding society but also the environment. Its footprint is more important than ever which is why people are more willing to support local designs due to the awareness of damage of mass production. And we like pushing that by sharing our local design.

small-shops: If you could change one little thing in the world, what would it be?

Fanny & Idan: We would change the way of immigration probably - the importance of one's identity to allow people to be who they are regardless of their origin and background. And this with the support of acceptance worldwide :)