People say the eyes have it. But here at Kanon we like to say the Swedes have it. From the countless fashion brands (H&M, Swedish Hasbeens, Acne, etc), musicians (like our FOK Lykke Li), and artists that claim Sweden as their home base, you wouldn’t be crazy to think that there’s something in the water– or maybe it's just something in our cocktails?
As to be expected, we’re always in support of those that share our Swedish heritage. Meet our latest FOK, Salvatore Scappini– photographer, blogger, and manager of some of Stockholm's coolest bars. And to keep in theme with the rest of our favorite Swedes, he's an awfully talented fellow with a sense of humor we dig (see his last answer, for reference). We enlisted Salvatore to snap some awesome pictures at the Fashion Week by Berns closing party in Stockholm this past month. Below he talks to us about photography, drinking, and to sum it all up– living the Swedish dream. Plus, click through the gallery to check out all his pictures from the night.
Can you tell us what you do in one sentence?
I'm the nightclub manager of The Spy Bar and a f*cking awesome place called Kåken; I also have quite a nice blog.
What is a normal day in your life like?
Wintertime. I wake up. Go to the office. Work with the concepts of the clubs. Drink a lot of coffee. Try to meet my friends. Late night, I work and party. Quite a pleasant life.
How did you get started with photography?
I started doing photography because I'm always bored. I was lucky to meet Merlin Bronques in Stockholm and he gave me inspiration and some great advice.
What's your secret to capturing such great moments in a single snapshot?
I just take the picture. If I hesitate, then it's not a natural moment. I just try to be myself and people let me do my thing.
How is Swedish nightlife different from NYC nightlife?
I haven't been in NY for 10 years, so I won't lie and tell you that I know the differences. My friends are there all the time and they love it. I hate flying. Sad story. But I think I'm going there in March. Hope I don't fall in love too much.
Tell us about Spy Bar. Has managing a bar changed your views on nightlife?
I try to create a party atmosphere that I enjoy. I don't have many inhibitions and I try to reflect that on the places that I manage. When I was a kid, I felt that the clubs focused too much on who was in the venue and not on what was happening in the place. I want the mix.
There are so many influential people in fashion who are Swedish. What do you think it is about Sweden that gets the creativity flowing?
Bad weather and that we always want to be better than our metropolitan big brothers.
Who are some of your favorite Swedish designers and artists?
My friend Fredrik Wikholm has a brand "Uniforms For The Dedicated" that is making really nice stuff. We have some great local musicians that hopefully will make English-speaking records like Oskar Linnros and Daniel Adams Ray. I know a lot of DJs that are creating magic stuff in their studios right now.
What's your take on the rise of bloggers over the last couple of years?
I don't know how to answer. I'm not interested at all in fashion bloggers and their rise. In my case, I really enjoy other bloggers that show me what's going around in their heads and the world.
What's the most memorable party you ever attended in Sweden?
I have been to too many to pick just one. But I can tell you how most of them ended: naked.
Do you have a typical drink order that we could most likely find you sipping at the bar?
Something strong. A cold vodka shot with a mineral water on the side makes me happy.
If you could have a cocktail named after you, what ingredients would it consist of?
It would be vodka, espresso coffee and coffee liqueur (mixed) and a cigarette in my hand. I would call it "Teacher’s Breath."
All photos taken by Salvatore Scappini.
