In Good Company

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Karlsson and I love to go out whenever I want. I feel like “going out” is a very self-fulfilling thing because you get to spend time with yourself and learn more about yourself, about what you like and don’t like.

With how prolific social media is these days, how important do you think it is to spend time with yourself?
I feel like screen time isn’t really spending time with yourself. You’re just using your phone as a way to procrastinate. I mean, I’m still actively trying to stop myself from going through social media every day, and I feel like going out with myself every once is a while is doing me good. It’s very satisfying because I get to witness the scenery around me and observe how people act and go about their day.

Is there a particular place you find yourself gravitating towards when you go out?
Usually I walk around and try to find different places to visit. If there are any events happening where I am, I’ll try to head down to see what’s up. I also like to window shop to fulfil the satisfaction of owning things.

So what’s life been like for you these days?
I just graduated secondary four, and am waiting for my application to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). I hope to study fashion in NAFA, or visual merchandising in ITE.

So do you hope to enter the fashion industry after graduation?
Hopefully! I’d like to learn how to make my own garments and see how the industry works. Even though it might be tough, I think it’ll be a very satisfying thing to pursue as it’s a hobby I’d like to turn into a full-time passion.

What do you think is lacking in the fashion scene in Singapore?
I feel like it’s lacking a sense of style. Because of social media, everyone has just been cycling through trends, which have been coming and going really fast. I feel like having your own sense of style and knowing who you are and what you like is a good thing because you will consume less and start appreciating the stuff that you already have in your wardrobe.

What’s your number one rule when getting dressed each morning?
Mainly just feel comfortable. Or even if I don’t feel comfortable, to try going out of my element to experiment and learn to style each piece in more ways than one.

Does your family have the same interests and mindsets as you?
Well I have four other siblings, and all of them are doing different things. My oldest brother majored in English and is now working at the National Library Board; my second brother, I’m pretty sure he does IT; my older sister is doing pharmaceutical science; and my little sister is still in secondary four, so I’d say we’re all pretty different.

We’re close as a family, but we aren’t exactly best friends. We’re more separated and independent with the stuff that we’re each pursuing.

Yeah, we get that! On the topic of independence: if you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you choose and why?
I have two places in mind: one of them is Kyoto, Japan (just because), and the other is Seoul, South Korea.

I recently went on a trip to Korea, and I think it was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve never experienced being in a place where everyone and everything is so lively, even late at night. And yet, there’s also still a sense of home and comfort when I walk the streets of Seoul.