Deep-diving into the inspirations that drive the coolest people we know.
Photo: Courtesy of LIÉ STUDIO
Lié Studio is not your average influencer brand. You might be surprised to learn that it’s one at all, which is exactly how twin sisters and co-founders Cecilie and Amalie Moosgaard intended. “We wanted Lié to be a steady-growing company that could stand on its own, without us pushing it on our social channels,” Amalie says of the accessory brand that specializes in meticulously crafted sculptural jewelry and hairpins, plus bags, belts, small leather goods, and, soon, an eyewear category launching in April.
The twins started posting their looks, usually consisting of vintage denim, timeless trench coats, crisp white tees and button-ups, and sweaters effortlessly thrown over their shoulders into textbook position, while working as models in their late teens and early 20s. With their fresh faces, pared-down outfit formulas, and undone hair often hidden beneath an “Olsen tuck,” the Copenhagen-based sisters are true Scandinavian minimalists.
They gained a following during the height of Scandinavian influence, driven by brands like Ganni, Toteme, and Cecilie Bahnsen, as well as influencers like Matilda Djerf who take a practical approach to getting dressed. “We wear very classic, minimalistic stuff that our followers can see themselves in,” Amalie says. Cecilie explains that their style philosophy stems from the Copenhagen culture they grew up in. “We use our things over and over again, we dress practically for the weather, and our wool sweaters will last season after season.” In 2021, they launched Lié Studio based on these ideals, with versatile yet timeless pieces that integrated seamlessly into their own wardrobes.
Here, Amalie and Cecilie tell The Cut about the evolution of their brand and what inspires them as tastemakers and business owners.
How did you bring Lié Studio to life, having no design background?
Amalie Moosgaard: We were always very certain about what we like and don’t like.
Cecilie Moosgaard: And very good at saying “no,” an important quality to have. We knew exactly how we wanted to brand it and how we wanted to make our customers feel. We just tapped into our own needs and created pieces for ourselves, which made the process quite easy.
AM: In the early days, the design process was much easier than it is now. We had the proof of concept in ourselves. We were lucky enough to be able to produce the things we wanted to wear because we had a very loyal following online. We didn’t have to think broader than that.
CM: People looked to us for style inspiration, so our designs resonated with them.
How do you stay grounded in that original Scandi-girl branding while also making sure the brand is evolving?
AM: It’s really difficult because we feel very loyal to what we know and how we created the brand, but our team is good at pushing us to look broader. We still focus on seasonless designs that stand the test of time. One thing we’ll never do is logos or big branding.
CM: And we still use the same shapes: soft and rounded. We create pieces that strike the balance between minimalist and standouts. But trying new things and developing the brand is the fun part.
AM: Part of the evolution is us growing out of the brand. It’s no longer about Amelie and Cecilie, it’s just Lié. We’re figuring out what Lié looks like without the two of us at the front of it.
Photo: courtesy of LIÉ STUDIO
Are you the type of twins who are polar opposites or very similar?
AM: Growing up, we were so sure we had different personalities. We really wanted to do our own thing.
CM: But there was no escaping the fact that we’re twins.
AM: Even if we get annoyed with each other after a full day of work, we end up calling each other at the end of the night. We’re very similar in values, mind-set, and style. We are so aligned on so many things.
CM: We tell everyone to get yourself a twin. It’s a wonderful thing, especially when you’re running a company. Just look at The Row! We have the ability to divide and conquer in a completely different way.
AM: We wouldn’t be where we are today without each other.
Is there someone who has served as a muse for your work? Who are they, and how have they inspired you or pushed you to think differently?
AM: In the beginning, all of our styles were named after people who are close to us because we designed for the people around us. Friends, family, and colleagues inspire us. But also, we really inspire each other. It’s the twin thing. We are copying each other constantly and always stealing from each other. That will never end, and we find a lot of inspiration in that.
Is there a type of person that typically proves inspirational? Why?
AM: We love ’90s girls: Sofia Coppola, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow. Also Lee Radziwill and Lauren Hutton.
What’s the last photo in your camera roll that proved creatively inspirational?
CM: Mine is a photo of someone’s outfit at a Fashion Week event last month. She was wearing this beautiful Loewe dress. The print was amazing. I loved everything about it, so I took a photo afterward.
AM: These shoes!
Photo: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images
Is there a visual artist whose work you find particularly inspirational? Or a museum/gallery you turn to for inspiration?
AM: In the Copenhagen Lié Studio store, we have this piece by Abel Burger that I love.
CM: The New York–based artist Joe Henry Baker. Love him, he has some amazing pieces. We’re big fans of the Danish artist Jon Pilkington. His stuff is colorful and fun. I think we like that in visual art because it feels more expressive than our day-to-day style.
What was your goal when designing the Copenhagen flagship?
AM: We wanted the store to be an extension of our living room. We wanted it to be a place that feels like home. Looking at it from the outside, it could be anything — a barbershop, a perfume store, anything. We have a lot of furniture in it to make it feel homey. We focused on creating a feeling, not displaying products.
CM: One thing we’ve always been cautious about is displaying campaigns. We didn’t want to have a photo of a naked body wearing an earring, for example, or a handbag with a spotlight shining on it. The feel of the store is more calming and relaxing than that. To us, it’s not about highlighting specific items; it’s about curating a vibe. We have a full-length mirror in the store instead of a jewelry mirror because we care about how you feel when you wear our pieces and how they fit into your wardrobe. Even in our campaigns, we’re not focused on displaying our products; we’re focused on displaying the lifestyle of the women wearing our products.
AM: The centerpiece of the store is a cabinet that weighs about 500 kilos. It’s made from beautiful, high-gloss wood veneer.
CM: We were inspired by a piano; that was the idea for the centerpiece. That’s why we wanted it to be high-gloss and have chunky legs. It’s the place in the store where people interact and where conversations start.
From left: Photo: courtesy of LIÉ STUDIOPhoto: courtesy of LIÉ STUDIO
From top: Photo: courtesy of LIÉ STUDIOPhoto: courtesy of LIÉ STUDIO
Is there a place where you feel most inspired creatively or visit for creative rejuvenation?
AM: Daily life in Copenhagen and New York City. Those are the two places we feel most inspired and most at home.
CM: Specifically the western part of Copenhagen.
How would you describe your shopping habits?
CM: I did buy some stuff from Flore Flore recently. We both think about our purchases for a long time. I’m not a good buyer in that sense. I would never just go into a shop and buy something on a whim, and I never make emotional purchases. Both of us really consider our purchases, which is very Scandinavian of us.
AM: I’m my best-dressed self when I’m packing for a weekend trip and only have my carry-on. It’s because I’m only wearing the things I feel great in and have probably had for five years. We’re boring in the sense that if we find a great cashmere sweater, we’ll stick to it (and probably just buy the same one when it eventually needs replacing).
CM: Yeah, I have boots that I have repurchased three to four times because they’re that good.
What’s the most surprising or unlikely person/place/artist/image/object that has proved inspirational for your work?
CM: Our Georgia belt was inspired by a vintage watch we bought during a trip to Japan. We made our belt buckle based on its shape. Other than that, I think my boyfriend inspires me a lot. He’s annoyingly stylish and always asks the right questions to push me.
AM: I was watching the Westminster Dog Show recently, and that inspired me. I love how the dogs wear tight tweed, small skirts, hairpins, and glitter. It was perfection.
Clockwise from left: Photo: Getty Images for Westminster KenPhoto: AFP via Getty Images
From top: Photo: AFP via Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images for Westminster Ken
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what do you do?
AM: Go on a long weekend getaway, that’s the best solution. That’s the wonderful thing about being based in Europe. You can easily hop on a plane and be anywhere in two hours.
CM: We get inspired by leaving everyday life. Rome, Barcelona, Athens, anywhere. But never for a week, just three to four days. It resets our minds and gives us a new perspective.
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