Malmö Feminists and the post-industrial moment
Words By Ria Roberts
“WE DON’T DECIDE WHAT MEN SHOULD DO WITH THEIR TORSO, WHY THEN DO WOMEN HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE MEN. MOREOVER, MANY MEN HAVE LARGER BREASTS THAN WOMEN”
This remark came from the leader of a Malmö feminist group regarding women’s right to go topless at public swimming pools if they so chose. It is no wonder we love this town where political statements about personal freedom are stealthily ensconced in humorous reproach.
Malmö served as our headquarters during this year’s pilgrimage to watch the World Championships in Rudersal and Rådhuspladsen. It is also a good place for a Hero to get some downtime when visiting Scandia in general. When we are visiting, we often choose to cover our breasts (which are hopefully not larger than women’s). Our preferred method of doing so is with clothing from Très Bien Shop.
In order to best understand what makes Très Bien le meilleur, it helps to know a bit of the history of its hometown. Founded in 1275, the city was originally named “Malmhaug,” which translates to “gravel pile.” Such a name proved prophetically poetic. Malmö was long known as a rather bleak place, home to industry, a vast shipyard, and high unemployment rates. Despite this economic dreariness the city was never lacking in cultural capital. Malmö boasts a rich theater culture (of which Ingmar Bergman was central to) as well as Moderna Museet, which holds works by Duchamp, Picasso, Schneeman, and Rauschenberg, among many others. Recently the city has experienced a major upswing, partially due to the construction of the Øresund Bridge, which connects Malmö to Copenhagen.
Of any institution, it is perhaps Très Bien Shop which best evokes the sprit of Malmö, past, present, and future. Très Bien is known as a superlative in men’s fashion retailers. As many Malmö residents commute to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge for work, most Très Bien merchandise is sold via the Internet for international customers. The shop carries an impeccable selection that is avant-garde but always focused on quality and craftsmanship, perfectly aligned with Malmö’s amalgamation of blue collar and highbrow.
As for what we Heroes hope to cover our breasts with as we watch the Spring Classics in April? A Junya Watanabe coated nylon jacket and Adam Kimmel X Carhartt plaid shirt should serve us well.