Home Is Where Your Clothes Are

Stylist Nikke Hellström and photographer Siiri Sirviö journey into homes to uncover how personal style extends beyond clothing choices to create a lived-in narrative. By visiting people in their homes, they explore how clothing interacts with the places and objects we live with, revealing an intimate connection between style and space. Each model takes them through their living spaces, wearing their clothes and discussing personal style.

ELENA PALOMO
( she / her ) 28
IG @elenapalomo_sculpture

Ⓠ What pieces in your wardrobe make you feel the most confident and carefree?
Ⓐ I’ve built much of my wardrobe from second-hand and vintage finds, which offers a sense of uniqueness. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing the pieces I wear have their history and aren’t replicated everywhere. I have a few favorite pieces I tend to wear all the time. For example, I have a white crinkled vintage Roberto Cavalli shirt I bought from a friend, Yohji Yamamoto’s Y bag, and a black vintage tunic I found in Paris.

They’re all pieces that might not seem very special at first glance, at least not individually. But when you look closer, you notice that the detailing, the textures, cuts, and the materials are exquisite, and they feel comfortable to wear.

Ⓠ How do you balance experimenting with fashion and staying true to your style? 
Ⓐ I used to experiment more with fashion, but over time, I’ve developed a strong sense of what I like and what feels authentic. I’ve become attached to my favorite pieces and feel like they’ve become signature elements of my style. I love wearing them repeatedly like they’re part of my personal story.

For me, my wardrobe is more a reflection of who I am than a place for constant experimentation. It’s a way to showcase my personality and the influences that inspire me. While I pay attention to trends, I usually incorporate just small elements rather than fully committing. I’ll blend what feels fresh with pieces that are already true to my style so it stays authentic to me. Ultimately, fashion is more about expressing my identity than following every trend. It’s about balancing between exploring new things and staying true to myself.

Ⓠ What are your go-to styling tricks or habits that help you express your personality through your outfits?
Ⓐ The problem with me is that I have too many moods and sides. One day, I’ll put on an oversized blazer and some loafers. The next day, I’ll be in sweats or go to a ball and wear a red carpet look. Maintaining these different personalities and staying true to myself is pretty challenging. Most of the time, you also lose yourself in the mix and wear the most basic and comfortable things in the closet. 

Ⓠ Can you describe a favorite outfit or look showcasing your personality?
Ⓐ My favorite current outfit is my quilted black bomber jacket, my Issey Miyake knit paired with jeans, and my black leather Clarks Wallabies. I love work wear, denim, trench coats, bombers and blazers. That’s where I feel most like myself.

Ⓠ How do you bring playfulness into your style choices, and what inspires you to take risks with your outfits?
Ⓐ It may be a texture, an accessory, or a specific color that pops out in the layers of the outfit.  The world’s absurdity inspires me to take risks with my outfits. Style is a unique expression of one’s taste, and It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I buy most of my clothing second-hand, so whenever I find a piece that resonates with me, I might buy it. A lot of the time, I found it, got it from someone, or went through my mom’s closet.

Ⓠ What are your go-to styling tricks or habits that help you express your personality through your outfits?
Ⓐ Flare pants are my go-to choice, for sure. I like to wear bootcuts, flares, or whatever baggy pants I can find in my closet. I want to play with different earthy tones and add a piece with more natural bright colors like blues, greens, or turquoise. I love Iong winter coats, furry ones, and ones that have had a story before I discovered them. I have my everyday jewelry, but when I’m in the mood or have to dress up for an occasion, I’ll stack up lots of jewelry to bring a sense of roughness or heaviness into the outfit. 

Ⓠ Can you describe a favorite outfit or look showcasing your personality
Ⓐ Boots bring me confidence. I love the sound of my steps when I have my boots on.

Ⓠ How do you balance experimenting with fashion and staying true to your style?
Ⓐ I don’t really care about trends, and I truly think that money can’t buy you a style. I think of style as a creative expression. I think that the personality in what we wear comes from within when we follow the rawest, truest parts of ourselves. Wear clothing that makes us feel like our most authentic selves.