Vesna Paun and her class exhibited at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in February.
Paun's interest in design blossomed while working at an eyewear store in central Skellefteå. This sparked a career shift, leading her away from her initial dream of becoming an optician and towards the world of design.
– Design is such a personal expression. You're putting a piece of yourself out there for everyone to see.
Currently nearing graduation at Jönköping University, Paun recently participated in a furniture fair held in Stockholm alongside her classmates.
–The experience was fantastic," she recalls.
– You get valuable feedback from both industry professionals and the general public. Not everyone will love your work, but it's crucial to take it all in as constructive criticism. As I said, design is deeply personal, and I want my designs to reflect my unique voice.
In mid-April, Paun will join a group of classmates on a trip to Milan Design Week, where she will be the sole Swedish representative at their exhibition space.
– It feels surreal. It's going to be incredibly educational and a lot of fun.
Paun's design reinterprets the classic pin-back or Windsor chair.
– These chairs are ubiquitous in homes. I wanted to create something that deviated from the norm.
This desire led Paun and her group to design a pin-back sofa, a unique piece that blends organic shapes with clean, straight lines.
– The manufacturing process was quite challenging, Paun admits.
– There are so many angles involved, and it required constant problem-solving.
Paun is brimming with excitement about showcasing her creation in Italy.
– Milan is a true design powerhouse. You need to stand out to get noticed, and that's exactly what we plan to do.