Evelyn and Finn - the story.

I named this blog after my biggest source of inspiration in life, love and aesthetics after my beloved grandparents; Gerd Evelyn and Finn Torleif. They belonged to a generation of modesty and style, both in the way they presented themselves and their home. I am certain that my countless hours spent with these wonderful and elegant people triggered my own fascination for vintage style and the design of the 1950s and 1960s. Here is, in brief, their story;

Lovely Evelyn was almost eighteen years old when she met and fell in love with the three years older handsome Finn during World War II. He came from a somewhat wealthy family and was expected to take over the family business as he grew older. She had lost her father at the age of ten and had to help out her mother and brother ever since. His family wanted him to choose differently, but he wanted Evelyn.

They both shared a passion for the outdoors and both lead an active life. She was a passionate gymnastic and swimmer. He was on the Norwegian Junior Bandy team, but was also into football, ski jumping and playing the fiddle...

(Here the summer of 1943)

But even on their many trips into the wild they still managed to stay well dressed and keep a dandy hairdo.

Evelyn, summer of 1942.

Evelyn and Finn celebrating May 8th, 1945. War is over, the last German has left and a bright future is ahead.

Evelyn was a tough and strong woman who worked all of her adult life as a lifeguard at the public swimming pool.

Finn refused to take over the family business, but was forced to take a job at his family's factory during the war. He stayed there the rest of his working life, but he always secretly wanted to work with aesthetics and fashion.

Evelyn was a member of the city's gymnastics team until she was way past sixty years old. Here she is probably showing off for her fiancé Finn during the summer of 1947...

Finn was the silent type with a passion for fashion.

Evelyn sunshine. She love-love-loved the summer, just like me. She and Finn spent every moment of the lovely Norwegian summer outdoors.

And during the winter they went skiing,

perfectly dressed of course.

Cabin trip and skiing with friends, 1948. Note the matching shirts and fabulous sunglasses.

Evelyn and Finn with my baby father in 1953.