Tête-à-tête with Ilenia Toma & Simon Nygard

Ilenia Toma and Simon Nygard move through life as they do through style, with intention, quiet strength, and a shared gaze that turns the ordinary into something considered. As the creative minds behind SIILENT Studio, their world is one of curated contrasts and emotional minimalism.

For our Autumn/Winter 2025 show, they didn’t just walk, they became part of the story. These words and portraits were captured in the stillness of that day, between backstage energy and runway light. In this conversation, they reflect on loyalty, transformation, and the art of building a life - and wardrobe - that speaks without shouting.

 

 

//Please introduce yourself?

We are Ilenia Toma and Simon Nygard, a creative couple sharing a strong & distinguished aesthetic that allows us to form our personal identity which we communicate through our lifestyle and overall aesthetics. We curate this with great care and share it through our social media channels.

We met ten years ago through Instagram, We quickly connected in life, love, and work, and traveled the world together. We are active in Modeling, Styling, Influencing, Consulting, Designing, and Photographing… all together led us to found our creative agency SIILENT Studio.

// You’ve been long-time ambassadors for MKDT Studio. What is it about the brand that continues to make you reconnect and remain loyal to it?

It is true that we are following, wearing and supporting the brand for many years now. We are all about supporting brands that stay true to themselves, are always innovative, yet they stick to their identity. All this aligns with our beliefs. Moreover, MKDT Studio never disappoints when it comes to quality and design, the two factors allow the pieces to be loved forever and become part of a curated wardrobe that has no expiration date.

 

//Describe your wardrobe essentials?

We like to work around monochromatic and minimal pieces that speak for themselves and point on strong and bold accessories that complete our minimal yet extravagant aesthetic.

//Moving into the new season how does your wardrobe transform? Are you drawn to new silhouettes, textures, or moods, especially with the atelier pieces from the MKDT Studio collection playing a role in that transformation?

We are not trend driven and therefore our wardrobe doesn’t really transform a lot. We like to cautiously add new pieces that make sense to us in the moment and allow us to innovate and extend our aesthetic without distorting it. MKDT Studio pieces are perfect additions and support our way of building our wardrobe.

 

 

// You’ve both experienced fashion from various points of view, as models and as viewers. How does the experience of walking in a show compare to simply observing one?

What we appreciate as models and ambassadors, is the process that includes every aspect, from fitting to backstage, hair and make up, to the show setting… it offers such fruitful insight into our creative minds that helps us understand how much work and love is put into showcasing a collection. To sit as a guest is a beautiful moment too, because you can actually see the whole show and collection ready.

//Favorite piece from the AW25 show?

MKDT Studio never disappoints when it comes to tailoring and fabric sourcing, therefore we would say that our appreciation goes to the collection as a whole concept, rather than just one piece.

 

// How would you describe the energy of Copenhagen Fashion Week compared to other fashion capitals you’ve visited?

More fun, more relaxed, less snobbish and overall a great vibe, combined with the city of Copenhagen, which is full of inspiration.

//How will you spend autumn?

Working on creative projects and enjoying the Swiss nature.

 

// Can you recommend a piece of culture everyone should experience?

The piece of culture is the moment where you put down your phone and soak in what you have around you and take inspiration from it, rather than just creating one aesthetic Instagram post.

// Any future projects on your list?

We recently moved and are focusing a lot on furnishing and building a cozy, calming, and curated home. Besides that, we are focusing more on personal projects rather than being part of the mass.