SELINA LINDSTRÖM TALKS KARMA BIKINIS

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

When did you first realize that this was something you wanted, and could, do?

Ever since I saw my first Victoria’s Secret show as a kid I’ve wanted to become a model and the first time I tried it was when I was seventeen and got discovered in town by a photographer I later collaborated with. After that, I felt it was something I wanted to continue with.

Did you have any “illusions” about what you thought a model life might be but wasn't?

I’ve always thought it looked so easy and believed everything was glamorous, but it really isn’t. It can take hard work and a lot of willpower to succeed as a model these days, since it’s a tough industry with fierce competition, but even if it can be difficult and setbacks come up, it’s so important to motivate yourself and not give up.

Are there any models who have inspired you?

Some of my favourite models are Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Alexis Ren, Candice Swanepoel, Romi Frenkel, and Yovanna Ventura. I like how they all seem so down-to-earth. Despite having become so famous.

Do you think there's still need for modeling agencies today, when models really can manage their own collaborations and campaigns?

Even though models can control a lot more themselves today, I still think the need for modeling agencies is big. I believe it’s easier to get bigger collaborations and go further in the industry if you’re represented by an agency.

What does "beauty" mean, for you?

For me, beauty really comes from within. It does not matter what someone looks like if they have an ugly inside and are a bad person. Because that ugliness shines through. Beauty also exists in all different forms, every person is beautiful and unique in their own way!

What kinds of insecurities might a model have about her appearance?

I think many models have something about their looks they’re a little insecure about, but exactly what is very individual. Still since you’re judged as a model on your appearance I think it is easy to become insecure about looks.

You are not showing any insecurities as a brand associate for Karma Bikinis, is bikini fashion the kinda modeling that you prefer?

Yes, I think so. That’s the type of photos I feel most comfortable with. I work out a lot and I’m proud of all the effort I’ve put in to get the body I want. At the same time, I love being by the ocean and surrounded by tropical environments.

What made you want to work with Karma Bikinis?

I think Karma Bikinis is a great brand since they are very environmentally conscious. For example, the bikinis are partly made from recycled fishing nets, and Karma Bikinis also donate seven percent of the profits for marine conservation work, and also, of course, the bikinis are really stylish too.

Do you have any favourites from all the collections?

My current favourite is the 'Karmaxmacy' collection, which is a collaboration made together with Macy Mariano. It is super stylish in design and so comfortable to wear.

What makes Karma Bikinis stand out, design-wise?

I mostly want to wear basic colors like black and white which they offer in many great fits, all while there's also lots of gorgeous Karma-bikinis with nice patterns, which I like when I want something a bit different.

What's your favourite bikini style?

I prefer triangle tops, that is one of my favorite bikini-styles.

What would be the top place to wear Karma Bikinis?

That would have to be Kelingking Beach in Bali. The beach lies below a large cliff, so you have to climb down for about thirty minutes just to get there, but it is absolutely worth it since it’s really stunning, with crystal blue water.

Traveling has been very limited over the past half-year. Have you missed being by all the beautiful beaches and by the ocean abroad?

What I’ve definitely missed the most in this time is traveling abroad. Since I try to travel as much as I can. The beaches and water abroad are so much nicer than in Sweden, and unfortunately the weather here usually isn’t the best.

How have you kept yourself motivated to work out and stay healthy with everything going on and a rather cold Swedish summer on top of that?

Motivation for working out definitely goes up and down, but it is still a big part of my life, which is why I always keep it up, I know I don’t feel good if I don’t. Some days it’s less fun to go to the gym, but I try to focus on how great it feels afterward. After all, the only workout you regret is the one you didn’t do.

Is there a photographer you'd like to work with once the world opens up again?

I would love to work with Jesse Allen because I really like his style of photography, he’s shot a lot for the brand The Naked Tiger, which I'd also think would be super fun to somehow collaborate with.

What’s your everyday style away from the water like, when you're off duty from swimwear?

My style is quite varied, but most often I go for very basic clothes. I’m not really into a lot of colors even when it comes to clothes, since my wardrobe mainly consists of black and white pieces. I also like a more relaxed style, like oversized T-shirts or sweaters and baggy jeans. I even end up borrowing my boyfriend’s clothes sometimes!

What’s the most recent piece of clothing you've bought just for yourself?

The last thing that I bought myself was a pair of high, distressed denim shorts from Missguided. I bought them online. I shop a lot more on the internet since I tend to find more there than in physical stores, I honestly barely remember the last time I bought something in town.

Despite everything, have you been having a good summer?

Yes, absolutely. It is just a shame things have turned out the way they are, especially during summer because you are so limited when so much is closed or canceled, and you want to be able to do things. But apart from that my summer has been good so far and I do try to make the most of the sunny days.

What does a perfect summer look like for you?

The perfect summer for me would probably be warm sunny days where you can hang out at the beach, go to festivals, and of course travel abroad.