Petra Koivisto
Hanna Kovanen
Petra wearing the alphabet necklace from Céline.
This Chic Ladies interview is very special, because Petra is the first person I ever met in the world of fashion. Give or take ten years ago. Petra is a Senior Agent and Partner at Agent Pekka and, in my opinion, she is the original style icon in the Finnish fashion scene. She loves all things well made, and her approach to style is modern - a highly curated wardrobe, which consists of special pieces or, in other words, her essentials. As told by Petra:
Tell me about your style. What brands do you wear?
For the past couple years, my style has kind of slowed down, and it is now changing at a slower pace. I guess it’s grown up. I love clothes, so it’s taken a while to learn I don’t have to or want to own everything I love. I think style is something that’s always evolving. It is a part of me representing who I am and who I’ve become. I love going back to pieces I’ve bought years ago. They are memories of life lived, souvenirs from travels, and reminders of perfect summer nights.
I especially love and treasure the pieces I have from Prada, Loewe, Jil Sander, Miu Miu, Max Mara and Céline. My essentials include a couple black dresses from Jil Sander, a couple of silk coats from Prada, a Loewe leather jacket, Miu Miu pants and cardigan, a spring coat from Max Mara, and shirts and a cashmere knit from Céline.
Your work is super inspiring. Could you tell us what you do?
Thank you! I’m a Senior Agent and Partner at Agent Pekka, an illustration agency with offices in Helsinki, Amsterdam, NYC & LA. I’ve been at Pekka from the beginnin. I was the first hire, and we’ve built the agency from a small set of Finnish artists to a global agency with a really good roster and nice local and international clients.
It really is inspiring - I get to work with artists I look up to and see the stellar work they produce coming together.
What I do is mostly emails and calls all day every day. Discussing potential projects with agencies or direct clients and artists, making cost estimates, overseeing projects etc. I’m also involved in non-daily activities like searching for fresh talent, doing sales meetings and building company strategy.
Has COVID-19 influenced your shopping behavior?
Not much. I mean I don’t shop much and when I do I tend to do that abroad or on Vestiaire Collective or eBay. I’m not a great online shopper, as the feel of fabric and how the piece of clothing sits on me means so much.
Dressed in Prada.
What's on your wish list?
Right now, Céline SS2017 coat (look 33), navy ostrich feather dress from Dries van Noten FW2013 and Gervasoni Brass 96 lamp.
Your essential beauty products?
My go-to products are Whamisa Cleaning Water, Whamisa Deep Rich Toner, Whamisa Water Cream and Clarins SPF50 Sun Care Cream. I’ve lately started doing facial Gua Sha and love it. Final essential would probably be lash curlers, and my scent is Tam Dao by Diptyque.
What are you most looking forward to in the post-pandemic life?
I’m lucky to have my family around me, so I’m actually doing okay with the quarantine. However, I can’t wait to go for a long dinner (which will likely end up in a karaoke bar) with my best friends and to eat lunch out!