PUMA Palermo with Bea Hansson

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Classics are often born on or just right next to the pitch. The Puma Palermo is one of these uniquely designed shoes that breathe terrace DNA but also meet today’s slim and streamlined style requirements for an A+ fashion moment. Once part of a homage series to cities like London or Oslo, the Puma Palermo was initially released in the 1980s for off-the-pitch activities and took its inspiration from the coastal capital of the island of Sicily. This timeless keeper is bound for a return in three colorways honoring fruit vendors of the same dreamy town. First, it was Dua Lipa; then it takes the world; the Palermo has been teased by Puma’s famous ambassador with its retro T-toe construction, classic gum sole, and OG features. To introduce the silhouette back to the market, we met up with Stockholm-based stylist and Founder of Reka, Bea Hansson.

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SNS : Hi Bea, thanks for having us. For those that don’t know you yet, Who is Bea Hansson?

Bea : I’m a freelance creative specialising in styling and I’m also the founder of Reka. I live in Stockholm's Södermalm but originally come from Ängelholm in Skåne.

SNS : You began styling during the pandemic; what inspired that decision?

Bea : I've always dreamed of working creatively, and my sister, who's a photographer, introduced me to styling. She also got me into production, and I really enjoyed it. I found it fun to work with clothes, and I love the freedom of being a freelancer. I enjoy having control over my time, and I can't imagine going back to a traditional job.

SNS : Has your interest in fashion always been there?

Bea : Yes, it's always been a part of me. My mom is creative and skilled in sewing, so I grew up in a creative environment. I started with a love for craftsmanship. I've always liked clothes and sewing, but I've also explored other creative pursuits like making jewellery, building furniture, and painting. I enjoy doing a variety of things, not just one.

SNS : How did Reka come about?

Bea : It all started with a pair of pants I made and wore on a photoshoot. Columbine Smille, who is my partner in Reka, saw them and really liked them and instantly started convincing me that I should start making them for others. I initially didn't think about selling them, but she encouraged me. She played a significant role in creating Reka, and I'm grateful for that. It's more enjoyable to work together, share ideas, and support each other.

SNS : How did you develop your current set selection of pieces?

Bea : I've always liked comfortable clothes, so I looked for comfortable materials. I found cotton from a small, sustainable producer in Turkey, which was essential to me. The shirt design came after the pants.

SNS : Where did you learn to sew?

Bea : I took a sewing course when I moved to Stockholm, but I've learned most from my mom. She's a trained seamstress and pattern maker, so I've been observing and learning from her since I was a child. Her help continues to be invaluable.

SNS : Did you create the clothing patterns yourself?

Bea : Yes, I designed all the patterns from scratch. It took some time to perfect them, especially with the embroidery. It took about 1.5 years to settle on the patterns we use now.

SNS : How did you come up with the name "Reka"?

Bea : By chance actually. I was playing around with shapes and letters in Photoshop, without any specific purpose. When we needed a name, I showed what I'd created to Columbine, and she liked it too. So, we decided to go with it.

SNS : What's your vision for Reka's future?

Bea : It started as a fun project, which it still is. The more people who appreciate it, the more enjoyable it becomes. Of course, I want Reka to grow, and more people to wear it. But I'm taking it one step at a time and seeing where it leads.

SNS : How do you keep it fun and prevent it from feeling like work?

Bea : I have a full-time job, which helps me maintain the balance. When things get busy, I'm honest with myself and those who reach out. I say no when I can't manage the workload.

SNS : Do you plan to keep production small-scale?

Bea : Yes, I intend to keep it small-scale and work with transparent producers. My dream is to eventually handle production in Sweden to minimize our impact. Some other brands do this, like Rave Review, and I admire that despite the higher costs.

SNS : Do you see Reka expanding beyond clothing?

Bea : Yes, I've always dreamt of having a platform where I can offer various things. We've already ventured into bags, and I have many ideas in my head. I'm taking it step by step for now.

SNS : How has the journey of spreading the word about Reka been?

Bea : It's crucial to share what we do, and Columbine has been instrumental in that. We've mainly focused on sharing Reka with people we admire and respect. As an introvert, it means a lot that people appreciate what I create. And that has in turn led to people finding us through word of mouth.

SNS : What's your next step in this journey?

Bea : I want to continue doing what I love and remaining free to explore. Since I'm not really tied to Stockholm, I dream of moving elsewhere someday and taking Reka or other creative pursuits with me to see how that would work out.

SNS : Going back to Skåne or exploring the world?

Bea : I'm not sure yet, but I want to make the most of the freedom that comes with being independent, not necessarily tied to one place.

SNS : Any lessons from your Reka journey for others pursuing their dreams?

Bea : The most important lesson is that it's all about taking action. I used to think you needed a specific education or title, but when I started doing what I wanted, people appreciated it. So my advice is to start now; waiting doesn't make it easier, and experience isn't everything.