Lié Conversations / JANUARY 2026
In conversation with Sidsel Alling
Meet Sidsel Alling – Copenhagen-based creative, stylist, and photographer, as well as a longtime friend of the brand. With years of experience in the fashion industry, she has built a reputation for blending her work across different fields with impeccable style and an aesthetic we truly admire - one that feels both inspiring and relatable.
We spoke with Sidsel to hear about her journey through the creative and fashion world, how she defines success, and the inspirations that guide her work - whether on her own platform or through collaborations. Known for her keen eye for detail, creative versatility, and understated sophistication, Sidsel brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to every project she touches.
How did your journey into the creative and fashion industry begin, and what experiences have shaped it along the way?
I always knew I would do something creative. My mom is a theater actress and my dad an architect, and I’ve always felt that creativity and imagination held great value growing up. I’ve always been very into clothes and particular about what I like to wear. I started DIY’ing from an early age - buying all my clothes in thrift shops and using my sewing machine to alter them. It wasn’t until late high school that I learned about brands and big fashion houses, but I already knew that how I dressed was very important to me.
I started as a fashion intern at the Danish magazine COVER shortly after I moved to Copenhagen. I used old copies of the magazine to study all the brands - I looked at editorials, covered the credit section, and quizzed myself until I could recognize a designer from the cut of a dress. At the same time, I started my blog, and the two paths grew from there. I worked at magazines, in clothing stores, and for many years in PR, and now I freelance with photography and creative direction. All while sharing everything on my Instagram.
How do you define success – personally and professionally?
I can very easily see others as being successful, but I have a hard time doing the same for myself. I’m self-taught in everything I do, so the imposter syndrome is pretty high. It was a big step for me to define myself as a photographer and take that title. But I am very proud of the projects I’ve created.
Where do you find inspiration for collaborations and creative projects, whether on your own platform or with external partners?
I of course use Instagram, Pinterest, and my phone in general a lot. But it can also just be a space or an object that sparks an idea. I spend a lot of time at flea markets and thrift shops, and often I find objects that give me ideas. I love how analog film captures water, so you’ll often see a glass of water in my still life photos. I also love when fashion gets a little nerdy - like a deep dive into the work of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany, or the amazing behind-the-scenes info that stylist Miyako Bellizzi shared on her work for the movie Marty Supreme.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
50% cool and 50% casual. I try to keep one thing a little elevated in every outfit. It can be a fun shoe with just jeans and a sweater, or loose-fitted suit pants and loafers with a sleek bun and bigger earrings. Always a mix of high and low.
How do you balance working across different fields, including styling and photography, and how do the two practices influence each other?
I often think of a creative project as a whole, not just the photo or the clothes, but the overall idea or vibe. It all goes hand in hand. That said, I recently did a big campaign shoot where I only handled the photography, and it was actually a relief workload-wise! However, it’s always fun to work with a team although I can’t really keep my mouth shut.
When you’re looking to refresh your perspective, where or what do you turn to?
My screen time is embarrassingly high, so sometimes I take a day to go to SMK, Denmark's national gallery, look at the old paintings and the sculpture hall, and sit with a notebook and some very cliché classical music. Just to kind of get out of my head and off my screen. It works sometimes. I mostly work alone, so if I’m really stuck, I call up my friends in the business and we have hype talks and share ideas. That helps every time!
What’s your relationship with jewelry and accessories – do you have a piece that holds special meaning?
Jewelry can change an outfit from plain to chic in an instant. My style is pretty simple, and I tend to wear the same things over and over again. I like to mix gold and silver - for bracelets, I prefer silver, but for rings, I like gold to match my wedding ring. At the moment, I really like black stones in earrings.
My engagement ring is the most cherished piece of jewelry I own. I look at it a thousand times a day and love it every time.
Is there a project, collaboration, or moment in your career that stands out as particularly meaningful or defining?
I love print, and the projects I’ve done that end up in a printed magazine are always extra special! I shot my first cover story last year, which was a big deal for me. Going to Paris, Milan, or London for fashion week is always so fun and makes me feel like I’ve made it.
What are you currently excited about - any specific projects, travels, or plans you’re looking forward to in 2026?
2025 was a big year for me. I got married and traveled a lot. Hopefully, 2026 will be just as filled with love.
