Model/photographer Luka’s relaxing day with the Finlayson holiday collection

Luka visited the Sauna Sweet Cabin at O Park OGOSE, a bio-resort hotel and spa located in a wooded area of Ogose in Saitama Prefecture. The lodge was designed around the concept of a Finnish sauna cabin, a place where you can feel the warmth of wood. It features an authentic sauna and Finnish-style barbeque, along with special rooms designed in collaboration with Finnish brand Finlayson. The room is decorated with eye-catching textiles, from bed linens and rugs to cute stuffed animals placed around the living room, many with the Elefantti pattern that represents the Finlayson brand. Beginning in December, guests will also be provided with loungewear and room shoes from the UT collection. The aim of the special room is for guests to enjoy the world of Finlayson by wearing the brand, as well as spending time in the space.

Photos: Ayako Masunaga

Photos: Ayako Masunaga

Finlayson has many textiles that convey a modern impression while maintaining a universal design. Their distinctive designs have been incorporated into this collection through fleece with soft color tones and a gentle feel, with items such as loungewear, room shoes, and blankets. We asked Luka about experiencing the Finlayson worldview at the Sauna Sweet Cabin, as well as her own travel experiences, and how she expresses herself as a photographer.

Scenery and mementoes from trips enrich the heart

Q. What did you feel when staying in the Sauna Sweet Cabin?

“I really love traveling, and visited many countries prior to the coronavirus outbreak. I’ve never been to Finland, however, so this stay was really appealing to me. The attention to design fosters a fondness for even casual, everyday items, but one that’s simple and practical, without being intrusive. Finlayson textiles have such an impression. I’m sure Finnish people enjoy everyday life.”

Q. Winters in Finland are long and harsh, and the people have passed down wisdom about how to enjoy their time when nestled down for winter. The coronavirus crisis has upended life in Japan, and people are spending more time at home. What tricks and tips do you have to enrich time spent at home?

“I’ve always been the outdoor type, and would go traveling or camping whenever I had time. These days I’m doing extremely ordinary things like cooking, cleaning house, and enjoying casual days. At home I prefer simple room wear, and this loungewear is so soft I just want to wear it all the time! It looks like I’ll be spending more time than ever at home this winter, so these are sure to be necessary items.”

Q. What first got you interested in traveling?

“My parents liked traveling, so that was a big influence. I still remember the time when I was in third grade, my parents and I went on a month-long driving tour through Europe. Instead of staying in hotels, we camped the entire time. There are many camping sites across Europe, and we would usually find one along the road. When there weren’t any camping areas, we’d sleep in the car. Each day we’d cook out, and draw pictures outdoors. When I was in high school I traveled to various countries on my own. Often I’d visit local friends. Traveling is so much more fun with people who know how to enjoy the area.”

Q. How do you choose your destinations?

“Most of the time I’ll see something in a magazine, instinctively feel good about it, and immediately decide to go. I’m motivated by a desire to see a place, or take a photo. I’ve been in touch with nature ever since I was a child, so I’m often entranced by natural beauty. Visiting the Seven Sisters cliffs in England was also memorable.”

The world of Finlayson through the lens of photographer Luka

Q. You’re active as a photographer under the name Luka, with works appearing in magazines and other publications. When did you begin taking pictures?

“In my first year of high school, a friend and I took a trip to Vienna and Paris. I borrowed a film camera from my father who is a professional photographer, and became absorbed in taking pictures while I was there. I didn’t have any special knowledge and was just clicking the shutter, but they were pretty good photos for what they were. It’s different from what I’m doing now.”

Q. What are your favorite cameras?

“I like my Leica M6 and Konica Big Mini. The Leica is the one I first borrowed from my father. It’s an expensive camera, so I always borrowed it from him when I wanted to use it, but eventually I decided to take the plunge and buy my own, and have used that for three or four years. I usually use the Big Mini. It’s lightweight, so I can take it anywhere. My dad and I often talk about cameras, such as which models are good, and what to do if one breaks. We don’t usually discuss the pictures I take, though. It’s like he’s watching over me from afar.”

Photo: luka

Q. What is the appeal of a film camera?

“My first camera was film, so I don’t understand digital cameras well. I also know a lot of photographers and creators, and they all use film. I’ve learned to develop photos easily, and for us as the digital native generation, I think that there’s a freshness to film photography. I like how you’re never sure what you’ve taken until you develop it, and there’s a texture that you can only get with film.”

Photo：luka

Q. What do you imagine for yourself in the future as a model, and as a photographer?

“Now that I’m taking pictures myself, modeling work is more interesting. I’m able to get a first-hand look at professional photographers at work, and because I understand the thinking of the person taking the pictures, I think more about how to express myself as the subject. I feel that I’m able to make use of both sides, and want to enjoy and more deeply explore both types of work.”

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