The B Word: Ursula Wångander

B is for… Looking the Business. Feeling your Best self. So Bad it’s good. B is for Browsing and Buying the looks from your favourite Brands. Being Bold and Bringing the most to every Browns ensemble.

Introducing a fresh series of the “The B Word”, in which a new group of our most Brilliant friends show us what they’re wearing and how they wear it (ie. do try this at home.)

For the second instalment of this series, we catch up with Ursula Wångander, the stylist and model who made an explosive return to the runway walking in Balenciaga’s kaleidoscopic SS19 show. In her hometown of Stockholm, the wonderfully eccentric fashion authority hit the streets in her favourite Browns pieces, showing us how to stop traffic in her inimitable style.

Below we delve deeper into Ursula’s personal Browns edit, penchant for fashion and impressive résumé.

Shop Ursula’s Edit

Full Name: Ursula Wångander
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Occupation(s): Stylist, model and mother
Handle: @ursulawangander
Three Words To Describe Your Style: Eclectic, timeless, androgynous
Favourite Designer: Dries Van Noten and Balenciaga

What drew you to these pieces from Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten and KNWLS particularly?
I love combining streetwear with tailoring. I chose this KNWLS top because it’s “à la mode” right now. I love to switch it up with something that feels a bit vintage, like this denim skirt. The blazer represents me and also elevates the look, and the cap makes it more street style.

What is it about Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten that you find enticing?
I love that Balenciaga keep the DNA of their brand, whilst reflecting on what’s going on in the world right now. They stay very true to themselves and their values. Dries Van Noten create timeless classics but still make a statement. I love their silhouettes for men and I often buy their menswear, especially the wide trousers.

When and where will you be wearing this ensemble?
Any day, any time - it fits most scenarios.

How do you feel when wearing a bold silhouette?
Confident.

Which is your favourite silhouette to wear, and why?
Oversized, because it makes me feel feminine, cool, and comfortable.

What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
One of my most treasured items is a chiffon dress from the ‘30s. I’ve had it for over 20 years, and we’ve been to many weddings and fashion parties together. I love that it has a soul - I think about all the parties it has been to with someone else before me.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a model and stylist?
I started out as a model in my 20s in 1986. After a couple of years, I didn’t want to travel anymore, so I looked for a job. My best friend suggested that I should go to the Swedish ELLE Magazine because she thought that I was so good with clothes. I got the job as a fashion assistant, and since then have worked as a freelance stylist.

In 2018, I got a message from model agency Nisch Management saying that Balenciaga wanted to book me for their next fashion show. I thought it was a joke! It has opened new doors for me, and I really love modelling. I love doing runways, and it’s amazing to be a part of someone’s vision.

What’s a standout moment or project in your professional life so far?
When I styled Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a cover shoot for Scandinavian Man. I am a huge fan - he is amazing, and he’s nice too.

Where do you go if you’re feeling uninspired?
I visit art galleries or museums, or just look at people in the street.

If you could go back in time, what guidance would you give yourself?
Stay calm, listen to what others have to say, and trust your gut feeling (it never lies).

What’s next?
We never know what’s in store for us, so I’m just keeping myself open for things to happen.

What are two things you can’t live without?
My son and my friends.

Where in the world holds a fun memory for you?
Balenciaga’s SS19 runway. The show was mind-blowing and one of the most memorable, fun moments of my career so far.

If you were a piece of clothing, what would you be?
A pair of men’s trousers.

Tell us a secret?
Well, then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore…

What’s the B word that best describes you?
Balance.

Shop Ursula’s Edit

Interview by Sophy Davis Russell
Photography by Johanna Nyholm