Stylist Nina Sandbech On Her Fashion Journey, The Power of Colour and Effortless Summer Dressing

The digital creator speaks exclusively to The Aje Report from the Maldives.

Nina Sandbech is not afraid to have fun with colour—no matter the occasion.

Known globally for her vibrant and playful ensembles, it is an approach that has amassed the Norwegian stylist and digital creator a devoted legion of more than 400,000 Instagram followers—and counting—and made her a fixture on the international street style scene.

To learn more about how the Oslo-based tastemaker’s career began, her love of colourful looks and take on festive dressing, The Aje Report caught up with Nina in the Maldives, where she styled and captured looks from the Resort 23 ‘Sculptura’ collection.

Below, continue reading for our conversation with Aje Insider, Nina Sandbech.

Nina Sandbech in the Maldives wearing an organza Aje dress in a mint colur

Nina Sandbech in the Astrid Tie Back Mini Dress

Nina Sandbech in the Maldives wearing an Aje mini dress

Nina Sandbech in the Maya Tiered Mini Dress

The Aje Report: Take us back to the moment your fashion journey first began. What sparked your love for styling and creation?

Nina: To be honest, I don’t really remember a specific time or moment, instead, it feels like I’ve always been into fashion.

I have memories from when I was a kid; I always wanted my outfits to match in colour, and I loved dressing up in different costumes.

At that time, my mother was sewing a lot, so I think instinctively the styling and creation interest comes from her as well. She is very creative, so I got that from her.

How would you describe your personal style today? How has living in Oslo influenced your style evolution?

Colourful and fun, with a specific love for shoes. I think that living in Norway, which is gloomy and cold during the winter, made me want to dress in colours more, so it would brighten up the dark days.

Nina Sandbech wearing the Aje Impressionist Tie Back Jacket and Flared Pant in the Maldives

Nina Sandbech in the Impressionist Tie Back Jacket* and Impressionist Flared Pant

“I have memories from when I was a kid; I always wanted my outfits
to match in colour, and I loved dressing up in different costumes.”

Nina Sandbech wearing an Aje Floral Print Suit in the Maldives

Nina Sandbech in the Impressionist Tie Back Jacket* and Impressionist Flared Pant

You styled and shot looks from Aje’s Resort 23 ‘Sculptura’ collection against the backdrop of the Maldives. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to visit?

I think finding a resort or hotel with a lot of activities that can keep you occupied and your body moving would be a piece of general advice.

You are well-known for your way of working with bold colours. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to wear more colour but is unsure of where to start?

Start with colourful accessories—maybe a colourful bag or a pair of shoes. Then you can add new things as you get more used to using colours.

If you want to dress up colourfully, I would recommend either tone-on-tone or colour-blocking.

Which pieces from Resort 23 ‘Sculptura’ are you most drawn to? Where do you see yourself wearing them?

My favourite for this vacation has to be the blue Wave Cut Out Ring Midi Dress. It's just the perfect blue when you have sun-kissed skin, and love the voluminous shape of the skirt.

Nina Sandbech in the Wave Cut Out Ring Midi Dress

As a resort collection, ‘Sculptura’ was designed with travel, summer and party dressing in mind. What’s your approach to styling…

… a festive party outfit?

I would style a mini dress from the collection with a pair of high heels and some sparkling jewellery.

… a day-to-night summer look?

A pretty summer dress styled with a pair of sandals, golden jewellery and a straw bag for a day look—and then change it up with heels and sparkly jewellery for a night out.

... A holiday capsule wardrobe?

Mostly bikinis. I love being on the beach and go swimming in the ocean when I’m on vacation. And I’m also over packed with dresses, so I can dress up in the evening.

What is one look or style you would love to see come back into fashion?

I’m in love with bold shoulders—more shoulder pads, please!

Nina Sandbech wearing a blue Aje dress on the beach in the Maldives

Nina Sandbech in the Wave Cut Out Ring Midi Dress

“I’m in love with bold shoulders—more shoulder pads, please!”

Nina Sandbech wearing an Aje Mini Dress in the Maldives

Nina Sandbech wearing the Context Embellished Mini Dress

After this trip, what’s next in the world of Nina Sandbech? What does the future hold for you?

Christmas vacation at home, going up to the mountains to celebrate New Year's Eve with friends and hopefully going skiing. Then fashion week starts again in Copenhagen end of January, so I need to start planning for that.

And to finish, some quick-fire questions…

… Sequins or prints?

Sequins.

… Your favourite city for style inspiration?

Milan and New York.

… Summer or winter fashion?

I love summer.

… A piece of clothing you’ll never part with?

All my shoes!