The Rodebjer Pre Fall 2017 collection is based on a profound fascination for wilderness and a tribute to the uncompromising passion and curiosity of primatologist Jane Goodall.

In honor of Goodall's unbeatable fight for her beliefs, we portrayed a number of Scandinavian women with the same drive, who reflected over their own calling, passion and curiosity with reference to Goodall's famous quote:

"If you really want something, you have to be prepared to work very hard. Take advantage of opportunity, and above all, never give up.”

 

Kakan Hermansson
My name is Kakan Hermansson, and my age is 35. My job is to hunt down patriarchy.

In what parts of your work do you find value?
I have always loved to work, regardless if it's at a home for the elderly, my art, TV or writing. I was brought up in a working-class mentality where work is important, therefore I place a lot of value in my different jobs. I would say that collaboration in every job is the heart of it to me, it's meaningless if you don’t acknowledge that chain of worth, and it also creates less hierarchies.

Do you ever feel that other define you based on your profession?
Yes, all the time. But I also think people have a hard time separating me from my work.

What’s your vision?
If I didn't thrive for equality, I wouldn't be in the media at all. That is why I'm here, to highlight all kinds of oppression and show people that there are alternatives to what a woman should and could be like. All women are not straight, skinny and super happy.

Have you always had a drive?
I was raised to be a political person, but I'm afraid my parents didn't realize exactly how much of a political person I was going to turn in to. I think my strategies are changing all the time, but my standpoint and values are the same.

Kakan Hermansson

Are there any sacrifices, and if so are they worth it?
Oh yes, my mental health, this is not something I do for fun. I do it for the future, for the revolution.

What are your sources of energy and inspiration?
Other women, my LGBTQ-family, people who live in constant oppression and still survive. My friends, my cute family. 

What’s your calling?
Hunt down the patriarchy, smash racism. All kinds of oppression go hand in hand, they seem to love each other.

How do you take advantage of opportunity in your life and career?
In the beginning, I chose pretty carefully, and I still do. I was lucky not to be in my teens but pretty grown up, not too eager to make a career but to have fun and influence people. After a while, becoming a public person, the opportunities pretty much never stop and I'm blessed to be able to choose how I want to work.

Have your ever passed on an opportunity?
All the time, and it feels so good. I never regret anything. I love to work but I also love to chill.

Has it always been important for you to have a career?
Maybe not a career as in a typical great job and making money, but I always knew I would do something that would affect people. I'm not surprised it turned out like this.

Do you feel like you have been the person driving your decision to have a career?
Yes, very much so, with some help from friends and amazing colleagues, I was never forced by anyone else.

Kakan is wearing Dress/Coat Misti Organza and Heels Moray in the image above.

Photo: Märta Thisner/ Bad Land