Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Kardamili International Jazz Festival, Norwegian jazz singer Marlen Tjøsvoll models my newest creation. Maurice handled the filming, and I did the editing.

From Norway’s chilly landscapes to Greece’s warm embrace, Marlen Tjøsvoll’s musical journey transcends borders. Our paths crossed at the Kardamili Jazz Festival, sparking a conversation that delved deep into the essence of her artistry.

Marlen shares insights into her musical origins, her transformative stint in the United States, and the allure of jazz in her life. She reflects candidly on challenges overcome and the evolution of her authentic sound.

„You have to press the pain points in your life in order to be happy. You cannot run away from your issues.“

Marlen Tjøsvoll

See and Listen to the Full-Length Video Featuring Marlen’s Vocals:

Interview With marlen Tjøsvoll

Marlen and I met in Greece at the Kardamili Jazz Festival. After talking about her music, our conversation soon evolved around the artistic journey in life, touching on how sometimes you have to go through deep valleys to emerge stronger on the other side and her experiences navigating the challenges of the music industry. Here’s what she had to share about her life, her art, and the unique experiences that have shaped her along the way.

Paula: Marlen, you come from the cold, northern landscapes of Norway. What drew you to the warm, southern shores of Greece?

Marlen: I discovered Kardamili as a performing artist at the Kardamili International Jazz Festival in 2017. I was invited by the Festival Manager in Norway and I fell in love with the area. This place feels very healing, like entering a spa.

Paula: What did you think of the village when you first got here and what do you love most about this village and its people?

Marlen: The village still feels quite authentic and offers a genuine experience where foreigners and locals mix well.

Paula: One spot in Kardamili that makes your heartbeat faster (or slower)?

Marlen: Ritza Beach. It’s a place of serenity. I spend a lot of time there. I even spend time knitting on the beach.

Paula: How did you get into knitting?

Marlen: I love everything that has to do with yarn!

Paula: You mentioned that your mother was the first to recognize your musical talent and your voice. What made you decide to pursue music studies?

Marlen: For four years, I studied vocal performance and songwriting in Boston in the United States. I chose this path because I wanted to be more than just a singer in a band; I wanted to control the entire process of making music. Studying these particular subjects allowed me to better communicate with my musicians and steer the artistic aspects of my music. It was always my wish to oversee the whole process.

Paula: How did you get into jazz, and what fascinates you most about this genre?

Marlen: Jazz came to me. When I was studying in the U.S. I wasn’t very into jazz, but being open to new experiences allowed it to come into my life.

Paula: It sounds like your journey with jazz was quite serendipitous. Can you tell us more about your experiences after graduating?

Marlen: After I graduated, I had the incredible opportunity to perform in front of ten thousand people, with legends like Dee Dee Bridgewater and Harry Belafonte in the audience. It was a highly competitive environment, and I had to audition for this chance because not every student was automatically selected.

Paula: That must have been an amazing experience. What happened after that?

Marlen: The Music business has its challenges: After graduating the plan was to got to L.A. However, at that point I felt overwhelmed and exhausted.

Paula: How did you overcome that challenging period?

Marlen: Now, I think I can take better care of myself. I’m better connected with myself. You have to press the pain points in your life in order to be happy. You cannot run away from your issues.

Paula: Did this period influence your music?

Marlen: Absolutely. Going through those challenging times has pushed me to embrace a more relaxed and authentic style. As I navigated through my struggles, I learned to connect more deeply with myself, which is now reflected in the more laid-back style of my music.

Paula: Is there a special meaning or message you want to convey through your music?

Marlen: I want to give the audience the feeling that life is not so serious, that they can forget about the seriousness of it for a moment. I aim to create a special moment where people can get in touch with themselves. I want to tap into people’s feelings and create a bond with the audience.

Paula: Your repertoire includes a wide variety of jazz styles. Do you also write your own songs?

Marlen: Yes, I do. I’ve recorded an album of my original songs, but a lot has changed since then. It’s a work in progress, and I’m still refining it.

Paula: How do you deal with stage fright?

Marlen: The stage used to be the scariest thing. Now, it feels like the safest place with my musicians behind me, making me feel safe and backing me up. I establish a connection with my audience: It’s a relationship between me, the musicians, and the audience.

Paula: Does fashion help you express your personality as a singer?

Marlen: I’ve always been fascinated by fashion as a means of self-expression. I’ve gone through various phases; for instance, I used to exclusively wear styles from the 60s and 70s. I prefer bright colors over earthy tones, leaning slightly towards a more masculine aesthetic. I appreciate clothing that flows rather than being overly tight.

Paula: How do you choose your outfits for performances, and do you think fashion plays a role in your stage presence?

Marlen: I tend to keep only the clothes I truly enjoy, so choosing outfits isn’t too challenging. Typically, I make last-minute decisions about what to wear.

Paula: Marlen, thank you for sharing so openly.

Behind the Scenes

Click here to catch a glimpse behind the scenes:

Der Beitrag Meet Jazz Singer Marlen Tjøsvoll, striking a pose at Agios Nikolaos, Greece erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

„Setz‘ deine Sonnenbrille auf und lehn‘ dich entspannt zurück. Lass den Blick schweifen. Spür‘ die warme Sonne auf deiner Haut und die frische Brise vom Meer. Der Drink, den dir der verdammt gut aussehende Poolboy serviert ist eiskalt. Träge lässt du die Eiswürfel im Glas kreisen…“

Effortless Elegance

Meet the ultimate summer staple: the white cotton mini dress with a herringbone weave. With its loose, slightly oversized fit, this dress is all about effortless elegance. The deep V-neck and back cutout add a touch of allure, while the gathered front and back tab detail emphasize the waistline just right.

Versatile Styling

Long sleeves or rolled up like a men’s shirt? You decide! This dress is as versatile as it gets. For a touch of summer flair, pair it with statement necklaces and earrings in silver or vibrant colors. Feeling adventurous? Top it off with a visor from Agnes Kovacs for that chic, sun-ready look.

Footwear Fun

When it comes to footwear, the options are endless. Go for natural leather sandals for a classic vibe, or opt for urban trekking sandals from Suicoke for a modern twist. Even simple espadrilles are a perfect match – just keep it flat and fabulous.

The Essence of Summer

For me, a white dress epitomizes summer. To make it look just right, you need three things: scorching heat, bright sunshine, and a clear blue sky – bring on all three!

Der Beitrag Day-Dreaming… erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

There are days, when nothing can go fast enough: you’re full of energy, all goes perfectly to plan and nobody can stop you.
Certainly not the question“ what am I going to wear today?“
For these kinds of days an overall is the perfect attire. Jump in and you’re perfectly dressed in no time at all.

And then there are these other days. These „I-am-not-feeling-myself-this-morning-everything-is-annoying-days“.

When the to-do-list feels like a threat, your boss is intolerable, and you spontaneously file for divorce / give the children up for adoption / the dog to the shelter.
In these highly critical moments, overalls can have an enormously de-escalating effect: slide into one, button up, feel good, done.

In short, one problem less.

Many thanks to Daphne

Deutsche Version:

Alleskönner, Overalls.

Es gibt Tage, an denen kann einem nichts schnell genug gehen: da läuft’s wie am Schnürchen, da flutscht es wie Suppe, alles geht nach Plan und nichts kann einen aufhalten. Schon gar nicht die Frage, „was ziehe ich an?“

Für diese Sorte Tage ist ein Overall wie gemacht: morgens springst du hinein und bist in null-komma-nichts tiptop fertig angezogen. 

Und dann gibt es noch die anderen Tage. Diese „irgendwie-bin-ich-heute-nicht-ich-selber-alles-nervt-Tage“.
Wenn die To-Do Liste zur Bedrohung wird, der Job eine Zumutung und man sich morgens schon vor dem ersten Latte zur Spontantrennung von seinem Lebenspartner entschliesst, den Hund ins Tierheim stecken und die Kinder zur Adoption freigeben will.

In diesen hoch kritischen Momenten kann ein Overall mitunter enorm de-eskalierend wirken: anziehen, zuknöpfen, wohl fühlen, fertig. 

Kurz gesagt, ein Problem weniger.

Der Beitrag Dress better. Faster. erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

Katharina Wagner, die beeindruckende Urenkelin von Richard Wagner und Ur-Urenkelin von Franz Liszt, entschied sich bewusst für eine Berliner Modedesignerin als es darum ging das Red-Carpet-Kleid für die Eröffnung der Bayreuther Festspiele zu kreieren.

Für Paula Immich war es eine besondere Erfahrung und außerordentliche Ehre mit einer so großen Persönlichkeit zu arbeiten. Als lebende Verkörperung der Klassik, wagte Katharina den Spagat in die Moderne, und genau diese faszinierende Spannung wollte Paula Immich in ihrem Design einfangen.

Die Vision: Ein harmonisches Zusammenspiel von Tradition und Innovation.

Für den Entwurf des Kleides hatte die Berliner Modedesignerin Paula Immich eine klare Vision: es sollte Katharinas starke Persönlichkeit widerspiegeln und die Verbindung zwischen der Welt der Klassik und der Moderne ausdrücken. Bei der Materialauswahl entschieden sie sich für einen schweren Seiden-Crepe Marocain in sattem Schwarz. Die klassische Silhouette wurde durch einen asymmetrischen Ausschnitt, der das Dekolleté subtil betonte und der durch einen Lederriemen und zwei goldfarbenen D-Ringen am Hals zusammengehalten wurde, ergänzt. Das unerwartete und unkonventionelle Element war die lange Tresse aus pechschwarzem Kunsthaar, die geschickt in den Entwurf integriert war und dem Kleid eine extravagante Note verlieh. Das Kleid war ein harmonisches Zusammenspiel aus klassischen Elementen und kreativen Akzenten und brachte die Verbindung von Tradition und Innovation zum Ausdruck, für die Katharina Wagner steht.

Am Tag der Festspieleröffnung blieb eine einzige Sorge bestehen: die Möglichkeit, dass sich die langen Haartressen bei Wind und im Trubel des Tages verwickeln könnten. Letztendlich war es dann Katharinas persönliche Hair-Make-Up-Stylistin, die vor Ort dafür sorgte, dass jede kunstvoll gestaltete Haarsträhne sowohl in Katharinas Frisur als auch im Kleid an ihrem Platz blieb.

Bayreuth, 2011

Der Beitrag Katharina Wagner X Paula Immich erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

English version

Summer is short! And on top, this one here in Germany is turning into an on/off-affair: long days of rain taking turns with days of heat and glorious sunshine. Get the most out of these days and wear shorts! Because what else feels more summery and luxurious on your legs than the warmth of the sun and an occasional summer breeze? 

Der Beitrag Better Make It Shorts erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

Der Beitrag Road To Marrakech erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

who will you seduce tonight?

Der Beitrag „…Who will you seduce tonight?“ erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

The ‚Pyjama Palazzo‘ became a favourite outfit in the 1960ties worn by the likes of Greta Garbo, Liz Taylor, Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale and Jackie Kennedy only to name a few.

Black and white Photo: courtesy of Maison Galitzine

Der Beitrag Maison Galitzine erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

Die sportlich-elegante Bluse aus Wollmusseline steht Tonia ganz hervorragend finde ich. Die Farbe schmeichelt dem Teint, das weiche, semi-transparente Material zeigt die Trägerin von ihrer soften Seite und das alles ganz ohne Schnick-Schnack. Der Stoff kommt aus einer italienischen Weberei, die Knöpfe sind aus Perlmutt.

Der Beitrag Blouse Cloud Numero 7 erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.

Kombiniere die Hose mit einem schlichten T-Shirt oder der Bluse aus Baumwolle mit Volants Trage Trecking Sandalen oder Sandalen mit Blockabsatz dazu.

Die Salopette aus weichem Leinen hat lange Träger, die durch goldfarbene Metallringe in der Länge verstellbar sind. Im vorderen Bereich sind zwei Bundfalten und hinten auf dem Po zwei Leistentaschen. Der vorder Teil des Latzes fällt weich herunter, der breite Bund verleiht der Silhouette Form.

Das rosafarbene Herrenhemd ist von dem Portugiesischen Label La Paz. Wenn du in Berlin sein solltest, empfehle ich dir den Menswear Store Trüffelschwein in der Rosa Luxemburg Strasse, dort kannst du die Hemden anprobieren.

Dungarees made of fine linen. These pants have two small gold colored rings for the adjustable spaghetti straps. Two pleats at the front, Two welt pockets at back. Concealed zipper and buttons at the side. Tapered leg.

Many thanks to Tonia

Der Beitrag la Salopette erschien zuerst auf Paula Immich.