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.”

 

Maria Mena
My name is Maria Mena. I am 31 years old. My job is to write beautiful songs about feelings most people are afraid to admit that they have.

What is your vision for the future?
Through the honesty of my music and lyrics, I want to make people feel less alone. I want to put words on feelings and situations… for those who lack the words. By pushing myself to be vulnerable through art, I want to challenge my audience to dare to talk about what bothers them.

What is your source of inspiration?
I am very interested in understanding the human psyche. How and why I am who I am. How my story and my life so far has shaped me to become the woman I am today. It is through music I get to know myself and those around me.

Maria Mena

When is it time to give up on something? Or is there ever a time to give up?
I think it's wrong that "giving up" is perceived as cowardly. I often think it's harder to bury your head in the sand than to dare to hurt someone by letting go. It is time to give up when something requires more energy than it gives.

Have you ever felt that you are trying to achieve something because of someone else's expectations?
Like everyone else I want to be seen and heard. Like and loved... but the most important affirmation is my own, and from those who really know my heart.

Maria is wearing Dress/Tunic Armita and Pant Rose Summer, both in bottle green, in the image above.

Photo: Märta Thisner/ Bad Land