Mad Hatters, Chesire Cats, and Dormouses

                                    Fashion Blogger: Amanda Brohman 

  In a black creepers and a studded collar shirt, Amanda stood smiling outside of the Starbucks across from Topshop in SoHo. We ordered our drinks and I asked her how she liked New York so far?

     Amanda explained how she loved New York City and hoped that she could come and live here after high school. She liked the diversity of people that the city had along with its different neighborhoods. During her stay here, she visited Coney Island and fell in love with the long, picturesque boardwalk. Furthermore, she visited Central Park, Fifth Avenue, SoHo, and several other different places in the city. The place she liked the most? All of them because each neighborhood had something different about them that was beautiful.

Even though she loves her home in Sweden, Amanda says that she wishes to move to New York City after she graduates. She talked about Umea, the town she lives in, and how it’s peaceful and small, the exact opposite of Manhattan. In Umea, mostly everyone recognise each other. Other Swedish bloggers mostly live in Umea, such as Ebba Zingmark. I asked Amanda if she meets up with other bloggers in Sweden. She sometimes does and sees many of them in fashion events that take place in Stockholm. I asked Amanda if she missed Sweden.  She said that she was actually sad to leave New York City. Most people who have visited the city would probably say the same thing, but it won’t be very long until Amanda visits again (hopefully). 

     Recently, Amanda went to London, which is another city that she loved. I asked her which city she likes better, New York or London? She feels more attracted to the New York City atmosphere because it is more relaxed and the people are loose (and chill) while in London they are more conservative but also friendly. While visiting the crowded streets of London, I couldn’t help but think the same thing. As Emma Watson once said, “When I went to the premiere in London, people were more like “you did very good.” But at the premiere in New York, people were like, “That was AWESOME!” (Reminder: These aren’t Emma’s exact words because I couldn’t find the interview where she said it but it is what she said). 

     Amanda mentioned how she would like to visit the rest of the United States, when she gets the time. She hopes to visit Los Angeles and San Francisco along with the rest of New York. We talked about the middle states and Texas. My friend suggested visiting New Orleans and taking a bus or car from Boston to New York City. Amanda agreed on the idea and then talked about how her good friend, Cornelia, visits the United States often.

    Who is Amanda’s biggest inspiration? Of course, the famous Meryl Streep! An incredible actress and great person, I think Meryl is an inspiration to us all. From playing in “The Devil Wears Prada”, “Mamma Mia!”, and “The Iron Lady,” she has officially won the title of “great actress.” 

     As the minutes started ticking away and we lost track of time, I asked her how the company, Days in Denim, which her friends and her are running, is doing? Amanda answered with a positive reply of how it will soon have to become more independent after school is over but it is doing very well. As you probably read on her blog, it has won Best Website 2012 at the “Young Companies” awards. You should all really check it out (customised denim shorts, what more could someone ask for?)

       ”What is your favourite T.V. show?” I had asked. Amanda immediately answered with “Gossip Girl” (which is filmed in New York City). Another show that she likes to watch? Glee (a very popular show). She said that Sweden has many things from the United States (such as shows and movies). I think this can go for any country. 

What is one thing about New York City that you would change? 

      In two simple words, Amanda answered, “the subway.” Many of the trains have not been upgraded and the railway lines need to be refurbished and fixed. Compared to other countries, New York City has one of the worst subway lines (not because of the destinations but because of the quality of the railway and the carts). 

    Amanda said that she was reluctant to leave New York City and wishes to come back. After she finishes high school, she hopes to study and live here. 

Photos taken and interview by Veronica M.  and Sana

***Recommended to click on photos for full size****