From Paris to Ljungskile – A Lifelong Love for Fashion and Sustainability

When Petra took over Ljungskile’s beloved second-hand boutique Garderob, she brought with her a lifetime of fashion experience, a deep-rooted passion for sustainability, and a story that begins in a Parisian tailor's shop and leads all the way to the Swedish west coast. This is her journey—from childhood fashion adventures to becoming a proud advocate for conscious consumption.

"My journey in the fashion industry began when I was just seven years old. My mother started her knitwear boutique in the 1970s, and I was there helping out in the stockroom – folding sweaters, tagging prices, and all sorts of things. I also worked as a model for a children's brand and later for Greenpeace. Not exactly Heidi Klum, but it was fun!" says Petra, the owner of Ljungskile’s Garderob.

Her passion for fashion truly took off when her mother opened a boutique in central Gothenburg. The clothes were sourced directly from tailors in Paris, and traveling there became part of their routine. "We traveled to La Rue De Saint Denis and handpicked the clothes ourselves. It was exciting and sparked my interest in unique and well-tailored garments."

But over time, Petra became increasingly uncomfortable with how the fashion industry was evolving. "Consumption has become completely hysterical. The clothes produced by fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu have neither conscience nor environmental awareness. That worried me." She started shopping second-hand and discovered an entirely new world. "It was like a treasure hunt! You can find real gems at a very affordable price while shopping with a clear conscience. A win-win!"

But what made her take the leap from second-hand enthusiast to store owner? Last year, Petra found herself unemployed and quickly realized how difficult it was to find a job. "That’s when I started thinking about becoming self-employed."

Her friends were quick to offer advice: "Start a second-hand shop!" And the idea felt just right. She started looking for rental spaces and, by chance, came into contact with Lotta, the previous owner of Ljungskile’s Garderob. "And here we are now!" she says.

For Petra, Ljungskile’s Garderob is not just about fashion – it’s a passion and an opportunity to contribute to more sustainable consumption. Now, she looks forward to inspiring more people to discover the joy of second-hand shopping.

So if you're passing through Ljungskile – feel free to stop by the shop! Ljungskiles Garderob is well worth a visit for anyone looking to discover local gems and unique pieces with personality and history. If you're not nearby, the store is open 24/7 on Vinty Market. There you can easily shop directly from Petra and explore her handpicked selection online.

Read more here → Ljungskiles Garderob's store page
Shop from Petra online here → Ljungskiles Garderob's sales page