3 weeks ago
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Whether in the stands or at fashion shows, her style always draws attention.Jonathan TurtonIn her first interview, she opens up about her personal style journey — from a wardrobe dominated by football clothing to discovering her own distinct style.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen has always loved dressing up—and has impressed many with her natural and effortless look.
The 22-year-old from Bryne has recently stepped more into the public eye, sharing more and more from her life in Manchester, including fashion and beauty.
Isabel describes dressing up as something that affects both her mood and confidence. That’s why she also enjoys getting dressed up on days without any special occations.
As she puts it:
“Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway.”
In this email interview with Norwegian fashion site MinMote, Isabel answers more than 20 questions about fashion, beauty, and inspiration.
If you would like to read the interview in Norwegian, you can do so here.
– How is your relationship with clothes and fashion? Have you always been interested in fashion?
– I would definitely say I’ve always been interested in fashion. For so many years, I lived in my footballclothes! I would wear a lot of sportswear, football kit, training clothes, but I've also always liked to dressup in nice clothes and jewelry. I've become more mature with my style and I look at fashion in a different way than I did before. My relationship with fashion now is that it will reflect my personality and my mood.
– My mum also had a big influence on me growing up. She always said, “If you look good, you feel good,” and that idea has always stayed with me. So, if I'm dressed up for the day, even though I don't have any plans, I feel far better than if I didn't do it. I’d say that’s my main relationship with clothes.
Manchester can be sunny!Jonathan Turton– How would you describe your style?
– I like to describe my style as classy and elegant, but with a modern touch. Obviously, there are always trends, but I think classy elegance is timeless - it will never go off-trend.
– How are you? How is life these days?
– Things are great. Obviously, we’ve gone through a lot of change in the last 18 months and that change has been incredibly positive. I’m really happy right now with how things are and feeling very settled.
Isabel and Erling Braut Haaland became parents to their first child in December 2024.
– Has your style changed since motherhood?
– I definitely think my style has changed since motherhood. I would say maybe it’s become more classic. I prioritise dressing in a classy way over feeling the need to jump on every fashion trend in a way I might have done in the past. I’d rather stick to something timeless and elegant.
– I also prefer not to show too much skin and if ever I do, it’s done in a more subtle way. Of course, it’s influenced how I think about style and how I want to present myself.
Isabel prefers a timeless and elegant style.Jonathan Turton– Do you have a favourite outfit?
– One of my favourite outfits would be blue jeans—more on the darker side—with a mid- or high-waist and a slightly straight leg. I would style them with a belt and a white shirt that’s slightly fitted at the waist to make it more feminine. Then I’d add a short brown trench coat and heels. I love heels.
A darker blue jeans is a favourite. Jonathan Turton– And sunglasses—you always need sunglasses. Even in Manchester! I love them just as a fashion accessory rather than something practical. When it comes to accessories, I also like wearing jewellery depending on the outfit. For example, if I’m wearing a V-neck top, I like to add a nice necklace because it really brings the whole outfit together. I almost always wear earrings as well.
– Another favourite look of mine would be silktrousers with a cashmere T-shirt and flat ballerina shoes. But if I had to choose, I love heels.
– How do you make the most out of what’s already in your wardrobe rather than buying something new?
– I try to be creative with what I already have. For example, I own more tops than jeans, so I can style a number of different outfits from the same pair of jeans. It’s a simple way to make the most of your wardrobe.
Jonathan Turton
Jonathan Turton– What’s at the top of your fashion wish list right now?
– Right now, I’d love a midi skirt. I’d style it with a T-shirt with a high neck—it feels very classy. For a modern twist I’d probably add some colour, maybe a red belt and a red cardigan.
Isabel has always loved to dress up. Jonathan Turton– Who or what inspires you?
– In fashion specifically, I’m inspired by different people. In recent years I’ve really liked Jasmine Tookes—I think she dresses beautifully. Of course, everyone loved Princess Diana. Her style is timeless and that look will never go out of fashion.
– I also love Grace Kelly, especially when it comes to more formal dressing. Sometimes I just like to dress a bit like a princess. When I was little, I had a big basket full of princessdresses, heels and jewellery, and I loved playing with all of that. I also admire Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Kendall Jenner for their style.
– One thing I like to say is that every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway. Why not dress up? Be a bit extra?
– Do you own a piece with strong sentimental value?
– The most sentimental pieces are probably jewelry. Erling bought me something beautiful when I became a mum which obviously means a huge amount to me. Another special piece I have is a necklace with a cross that I received from my grandmother when I had my confirmation at 15. I still have it, but I usually only wear it on special occasions. I also have a gold amulet that my grandfather made for me before he passed away. To me it feels priceless because of what it represents.
– How do you like to dress up?
– I would probably go for a black dress. I think black at night is iconic. Depending on the shape of the dress, I might add a belt to give it a bit more structure.
A black dress is always a go-to. Jonathan Turton– Do you have any go-to styling hacks?
– I like the third layer hack. If you’re dressing really simply, you can put a white layer underneath your sweater so the edges show. It makes everything look more put together and more planned, even though it’s something you can do in a second. I basically like finishing touches. Jewellery again, a nice belt. I just feel like it pulls the whole outfit together.
– Which make-up and beauty products can you not live without?
– I like a sunglow illuminizer and a nice lipstick. I also can’t live without niacinamide and salicylic acid for my skin. That’s something I must always have with me.
– Is there anything you always have in your bag?
– I like a nice coloured lipstick, so in my purse I always have a lipstick and a lip liner. Always. And a powder as well, because I can’t go around with an oily nose!
– What is your go-to hairstyle?
– I like overnight curls because they give my hair more volume. I also like a low bun, because it keeps my hair away from my face during the day. If I’m going out to an event or something more formal, I usually go for either straight hair or bigger, more voluminous curls.
Isabel often chooses bigger, voluminous curls if she is going to events.Jonathan Turton– What trends do you most believe in?
– I like a side-part hairstyle. I also think skinny jeans will come back, along with capris and knee-length skirts. I like silk and satin pants and dresses too.
– What would we never see you wearing and why?
– No judgment obviously, because if it makes you feel good then you should wear it, but in terms of my own style, I don’t love see-through heels where your toes show through the front.
– What is your fashion weakness?
– I would say a nice pair of heels. I actually don’t have that many pairs. When I find something I like, I usually stick with my favourites and wear those all the time.
Ready for a fashion show in Rome. Jonathan TurtonLast summer, Isabel and Erling matched outfits in the streets of Rome ahead of the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show.
– How did you find Dolce and Gabbana’s show?
– It was an incredible experience. The atmosphere, the location and the craftsmanship — everything about it. The people, the models, the history and the artistry of it all. It was so carefully planned, and it was amazing to see it up close.
– Normally you just watch fashion shows afterwards on YouTube, but being there in person is completely different. It really reminds you how creative the fashion industry can be. It almost feels like a movie when you arrive and see everything happening around you. I would love to attend more fashion shows in the future.
Isabel describes the show as an incredible experience.Jonathan Turton– The World Cup is coming up; do you have outfits planned for that?
– I haven’t planned anything yet, but it’s always fun to lean into the excitement of events like that. It’s an event in itself. I’ll probably keep it really relaxed but still stylish and of course dress up sometimes. Lots of sunglasses too! It will mostly be relaxed looks, but I’d also like to dress up a little before the games or when going into town because we’ll spend some time in New York and there you can go extra!
Jonathan Turton– Do you style yourself?
– I’ve been very lucky to be dressed at some events by stylists and of course it’s always fun to collaborate with professionals on special occasions. But most of the time I style myself. Especially when it comes to my hair and makeup. I know my style and what I think suits my features, so it feels quite personal.
Jonathan Turton– One last fashion tip?
– Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, because when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it always shows.
English (US)