Wanderwoman Diaries: From Sweden to Paris, with love
Photo Credit: Anna Mardo
To kick off our Wanderwoman series, we talk to another expat living in Paris. Let’s dive into her world and into her Parisian life!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Lina Nordin Gee (married to Oliver Gee from The Earful Tower).
I'm a Swede (from Stockholm) living in Paris, France. I'm a designer and illustrator, and I run the brand Deuxième Studios. I design shoes that are a mix between the flirty and feminine Parisian style, and a clean, minimal Scandinavian vibe.
HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAVE YOU LIVED IN?
Image Source: deuxiemestudios instagram
I moved to London as soon as I finished school at 18 to pursue a career in fashion, which had been my dream since forever. I studied fashion design, first in London, later in Milan. I lived in Abu Dhabi for a while as well. I moved to Paris on a rainy day in January almost five years ago and have loved every day since!
In short - I've lived in 5 countries.
WHAT’S ON YOUR TRAVEL WISH LIST?
I've visited more countries than I can remember, but fewer than I would like haha. My travel "wish list" is longer than most people's grocery lists!
WHY DID YOU COME TO PARIS?
Illustration by Lina; Image source: parisianpostcards instagram
I came to Paris for love and language. I had an opportunity to study French for three months at the Sorbonne while working remotely as a fashion designer for a Swedish brand. At the same time my then boyfriend - now husband, moved to Paris as well to work as a journalist. Let's just say that the city of love lived up to its name :)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN PARIS?
My favourite thing about living in Paris is that it's practically impossible to be bored or uninspired. I try to walk as much as possible, and almost daily I discover new boulangeries, bars, and parks. I feel like I'll never finish my Paris bucket list, to me that's a perfect place to call home.
AND YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Illustration by Lina; Image Source: parisianpostcards instagram
My least favourite thing about Paris must be the smoke. As a Swede I find it quite shocking how many people in Paris still smoke, in Sweden it's a whole different story. It's rare to have spent an evening at a picturesque Parisian terrace without coming home smelling like you've rolled around in an ash tray.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE NEXT?
I would love to live in New York at some point, the energy there is like nowhere else I've been!
WHAT FUELS YOUR WANDERLUST? INSPIRES YOU?
I love to travel to experience different cultures, meet people, try new foods, see if the grass is greener. I get restless if I stay in one place too long. As a designer I find it necessary to keep the proverbial finger on the pulse of what's happening in the world - you never know where the next idea will come from. A heel the shape of a Parisian love lock, a shoulder strap that makes you think of a Roman gladiator... You never know when and where inspiration will hit, so you better be there to catch it!
LEARN MORE ABOUT LINA
Photo Credit: Anna Mardo
See Her Work @ Deuxieme Studios
Follow her journey and check out her amazing illustrations on Instagram
Or connect on Facebook