Who Is Rebecca When Work Ends?
I grew up in the Swedish countryside, and even though I’ve lived in Berlin for over 10 years, I feel most at home in the forest, ideally on horseback. I’m drawn to beauty in all its forms, which lately means fashion, films, and interiors. I’d describe myself as kind and curious, with a generous dose of nerdiness.
What Does Self-Love Mean to You Right Now?
It’s always evolving, but right now self-love, for me, means listening inward and leaning into the qualities and interests that make me me. It’s about cherishing those—without comparing myself to others, worrying what people might think, or getting caught up in what I “should” be doing. Nothing groundbreaking, but always worth reminding myself of.
I recently watched Sentimental Value at the cinema, and director Joachim Trier said at a Cannes press conference that “tenderness is the new punk.” I can really get on board with that.
Low-Pressure Routines That Bring Me Back to Myself
Honestly, I’m pretty terrible at sticking to set routines the only true constant is my morning coffee. I don’t have a strict skincare ritual, and last year I actually pared it way back because I wanted to spend less overall. (Financial wellbeing can be self-love, too.) I was happily surprised to find my skin is perfectly content without expensive creams and serums, though I’ll admit I do love a fancy body wash.
I also try to journal. I got a five-year diary this Christmas, so each evening I scribble a few lines about my day. I can’t wait to look back and see it fill up over the years.
How Do You Reset When You’re Not Feeling Your Best?
Again, writing things down tends to be a good way for me to reset and reflect. Logging off to read a book or watch an old movie for some genuine inspiration beyond scrolling. Taking a walk to look at trees. And talking to my boyfriend.
Meet VERSA Second Hand: Rebecca’s World of Pre-Loved Style
If you had to describe VERSA Second Hand in one minute, what would you say?
VERSA Second Hand is a premium vintage shop with a dreamy Scandinavian aesthetic. Every piece is handpicked by me with great care, combining contemporary preloved fashion brands with classic vintage from French and Italian luxury labels. The selection is sophisticated, with a playful touch.
What inspired the name VERSA, and how do you define versatility today?
I wish I had a nice story behind it, but the truth is that I didn’t have much time to come up with a name. A shop space was opening up and the chance to take it over came with very short notice. I already had another vintage project back then with a name that was meaningful-ish but not catchy at all, and when VERSA came up during a brainstorming session I just felt that, alright, looks good written down, sounds pretty neat, and then it just grew on me.
Being able to be versatile for me is to be able to change, to allow for life to take new turns. Being open to it. Also: just having good manners to be honest, regardless of the situation or place you’re in.
In terms of style, having garments and objects that can evolve with you, and I do think it’s different for each person. Durability plays a part, pieces that can be worn over and over again, and for different occasions.
Did VERSA begin with a problem you wanted to solve, or a vision you wanted to build?
I’d say that it was both a feeling and a need at the same time. I’ve always been obsessed with the world of fashion, but when I first moved to Berlin I really didn’t have much money, and so the local thrift stores were my go-to’s.
I soon discovered I had a good eye for sourcing, and genuinely loved doing it, both for myself and for friends and family. I then started selling pieces in my neighborhood consignment store (shoutout to Veist Kleidergeschichten in Neukölln), and since the pieces I picked always found a new home, it seemed my taste resonated with people. I also craved a different aesthetic to what the Berlin vintage scene usually offered, something softer and more classic, beyond Y2K and the 90’s sportswear, but without becoming too bohemian or old-school. Eventually, the dream to create something of my own culminated in VERSA.
If VERSA had a signature vibe, what would it be?
A sense of calm, that these pieces have been carefully chosen for you. Uniqueness, but also wearability. A little playful touch in your everyday life. I dream of opening up a new shop space one day where my love for beautiful interiors, genuine customer service and curated vintage and preloved can co-exist, welcoming everyone to step into a different universe. It will feel more like stepping into a luxurious boutique, rather than your regular thrift store. But one you can still afford to indulge in.
