Latest news with #Freja
Elle
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Hailey Bieber's Favorite Affordable Handbag Is on Sale Right Now
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. If you're still looking for the perfect work tote or shoulder bag to wear to brunch, we have good news. Freja, the under-the-radar brand editors love, is in the midst of their Summer Vault Sale. This is a rare opportunity to pick up one of their already-affordable vegan leather bags for up to 30 percent off. You have until July 27th to pick up a new bag on sale, including the Caroline Bag, which is a favorite of Hailey Bieber. If you're not already familiar, Freja launched in 2020 with a range of neutral, office-appropriate totes that could fit a laptop and all your daily essentials. Since then, the label continued to expand its repertoire, now offering vegan shoulder bags in neutral hues. From time to time, Freja will offer a twist on a variation, like with its butter yellow Mini Chrystie or their croc-embossed Mercer Bag. While most of the label's range falls under $300, right now we're seeing some of our favorite styles on sale for only $175. If you're still hunting for the perfect discounted summer bag, or you need a new stylish brown bag to wow your coworkers, don't miss this rare opportunity to pick up one of Freja's celebrity-approved purses. While some options are only discounted by a few dollars, some styles are marked down by more than 30 percent. With fans like Sarah Jessica Parker and Alix Earle, these are timeless pieces that are durable enough (and affordable enough) to wear for years to come. Be sure to click through each style to see their range of colors, and act fast–some options are already selling out.
Local Sweden
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Local Sweden
How many people were granted Swedish citizenship in June?
New statistics reveal that the Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) is again approving Swedish citizenship applications, although still not at the same pace as before new security checks came into force. Advertisement Sweden approved a total of 759 citizenship applications through naturalisation in the month of June, according to figures from the Migration Agency. That will come as welcome news to many applicants currently waiting in the queue, after only 15 such applications were granted over the course of April and May. Although the figures indicate that the processing of applications is again picking up pace after the 'citizenship freeze' this spring, they are still not back at normal levels – the monthly average of granted citizenships was over 4,200 in January-March. 'Naturalisation cases' are the standard kinds of applications by an adult foreigner who wishes to become a Swedish citizen and they make up by far the majority of cases. A total of 678 citizenship through notification cases (an easier route available mainly to children and Nordic citizens) were approved in June, as well as 30 applications for retaining one's citizenship (for example Swedes born abroad) and 34 so-called citizenship declarations (for people who don't know whether they are citizens). The figures include applications granted by the Migration Agency itself and those granted on appeal in court. July data will be publicly available from mid-August. Advertisement As The Local reported at the time, the Migration Agency was unable to approve citizenship through naturalisation cases for almost two months in spring, because it hadn't yet fully set up its routines for the in-person identification required of applicants after the government ordered the agency to step up security checks as of April 1st. All nationalities were affected by the freeze, despite Migration Minister Johan Forssell's pledge to The Local's readers in January that work permit holders and people from countries without security risks would be unaffected by extra security delays. In the second half of May, the Migration Agency began contacting citizenship applicants to book in-person identify checks, effectively ending the freeze. Applicants who are at the final stages of their application will receive a letter inviting them to book a time for a 'personal appearance' at any of eight Migration Agency offices: Malmö, Växjö, Gothenburg, Norrköping, Örebro, Sundbyberg, Sundsvall or Boden. Those who haven't been invited to such a visit should not book a time. READ ALSO: It was initially reported that certain nationalities with biometric passports would be exempt and would instead be able to confirm their identity digitally via the Freja app, but as The Local has previously reported, the technological solution for that isn't yet in place, so for the time being, all applicants have to turn up for a personal meeting, regardless of their nationality. The extra stage in the process, which also includes applicants being sent an 11-page questionnaire with additional security questions, is the result of an order from the government and its far-right Sweden Democrat allies in January for the Migration Agency to take "forceful measures" to "as far as possible" prevent people who pose a threat to security or use a fake identity from being granted citizenship. Advertisement Experts had previously guessed that security checks would be tightened as a pretext of slowing down the awarding of new citizenships until stricter rules are in place in 2026 – a slowdown strongly hinted at by the government in an opinion piece in the DN newspaper in November. Forssell later denied that the underlying intention was to slow down citizenship applications, telling the TT news agency that the point was only "to prevent people who pose a threat to security from being granted Swedish citizenship". However, the extra checks are still expected to cause delays. In October 2024, the agency predicted that it would conclude 87,000 applications each year in 2025 and 2026, thanks to increased staff at the agency – a first step towards reducing the heavily criticised long waiting times for Swedish citizenship. But the new security checks forced the agency in April to lower its previous estimate by more than a quarter: to 64,000 concluded citizenship cases in 2025 and 65,000 in 2026. According to the Migration Agency, 75 percent of recently concluded cases involving adults received a decision within 25 months.
Local Sweden
27-06-2025
- Business
- Local Sweden
Swedish Migration Minister: 'Sweden can't wait for international talent'
Sweden's Migration Minister Johan Forssell has highlighted nine ways the country is trying to improve the situation for foreign talent in an opinion piece in Dagens industri, co-authored with representatives from major Swedish companies. Advertisement 'If Sweden is going to be a leading country for innovation and a hub for cutting edge expertise, we need to take concrete steps to actively attract and retain top international talent,' Forssell wrote in an opinion piece titled "Sweden can't wait for international talent", co-authored with members of the business council he set up late last year. The council is made up of experts from companies and organisations such as Katarina Berg from On (previously Spotify), MajBritt Arfert (previously Ericsson), Masih Yazdi (previously SEB) and Ellinor Johansson from Embracer. 'The debate has had a singular focus on asylum seekers,' they wrote in the opinion piece. 'We want to broaden that picture and shift the focus from low- to high-skilled labour. Immigration is also about Sweden's competitiveness. It's about people who want to work, invest and build a future in our country.' Forssell and the business council listed nine measures which they believe strengthen Sweden's ability to position itself as a destination for foreign talent. New fast-track for highly qualified labour migrants and researchers The first of the nine measures is the fast-track for work permit holders and researchers which was implemented in 2024. This scheme, the brainchild of former Migration Agency director Mikael Ribbenvik, who described it to The Local as his 'baby', has cut the processing time for complete applications from over 100 days to an average of 18. Make it easier to change jobs Under current rules, anyone who changes jobs – even if that's a promotion within the same company – needs to apply for an entirely new work permit. In the opinion piece, Forssell writes that the government is putting forward legislation to change this. This legislation, based on an EU directive, was announced earlier in June and has a suggested implementation date of May 21st, 2026. Advertisement Longer permits for trial employment As part of the same proposal mentioned above, the government is also working on changing the rules so it can grant longer permits even if the work permit applicant has only got a contract for a six-month trial period. Better service for employers The government has also instructed the Migration Agency to improve the support it provides to employers when it comes to work permits, including information before and after an application and also, the opinion piece reads, by 'developing the digital tool used by the applicant and the employer'. Digital passport controls for workers and students Another measure which is already in force is the Migration Agency's digital ID checks for people from certain countries, which allows applicants to show ID using the digital ID app Freja instead of having to travel with their passport in person to a Swedish embassy. 'This means simplified processing, and according to the Migration Agency has saved trips equivalent to 86 journeys around the world.' Make it easier for researchers and doctoral students Researchers and doctoral students have been adversely affected by Swedish migration policy in recent years, with the SULF university union recently criticising the Migration Agency for "false advertising and mixed messaging about migration policy", accusing it of misleading applicants about their immigration prospects. In the opinion piece, Forssell and the business council write that the government is 'preparing proposals that, among other things, involve improved opportunities to apply for a permanent residence permit and extended permit periods to seek employment after completing doctoral-level research or studies". Advertisement Set a common national direction As part of Sweden's plans to better position itself to foreign immigrants, the authors of the opinion piece argue that Sweden needs a 'common direction', which it suggests should be titled 'Work in Sweden'. They add that the government has already started working on this 'long-term cross-agency' initiative, which is designed to ensure more coordination between different government agencies. Sweden's brand Forssell and the business council also call for more marketing of 'brand Sweden', which among other things includes a government order to the Swedish Institute to develop a strategy for a 'stronger and more positive image of Sweden,' focusing on innovation and quality of life. Partnerships with business sector Finally, the last measure listed in the opinion piece is increased partnerships with the business sector, with the authors writing that 'business and politics need to have a close dialogue.' As part of this, they state that the government will hold 'regular advisory talent forums' with relevant groups in order to make sure that reforms meet the needs of Swedish companies. What do you think? Do you agree with Forssell's nine measures or is there anything else you would add? Let us know in the comments (please note that the iOS app is currently experiencing tech glitches which cause some comments to disappear – we're working on fixing this and in the meantime comments should all be visible on desktop computers and the Android app).
Local Sweden
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Sweden
How many people were granted Swedish citizenship in May?
No more than 15 naturalisation applications were approved during Sweden's recent citizenship freeze, statistics reveal. But the processing of cases is hopefully picking up pace. Advertisement A total of nine citizenship applications through naturalisation were approved in the month of May, according to figures from the Migration Agency. In April, as The Local was the only Swedish news site to report, six such applications were granted. To put it into perspective: between January and March, Sweden approved more than 4,200 naturalisation cases every month, on average. 'Naturalisation cases' are the standard kinds of applications by an adult foreigner who wishes to become a Swedish citizen and they make up by far the majority of cases. A total of 962 citizenship through notification cases (an easier route available mainly to children and Nordic citizens) were approved in May, as well as 68 applications for retaining one's citizenship (for example Swedes born abroad) and 36 so-called citizenship declarations (for people who don't know whether they are citizens). The figures include applications granted by the Migration Agency itself and those granted in court. Courts were able to process appeals as normal in April and May. Statistics for the month of June will be publicly available from mid-July. As The Local reported at the time, the Migration Agency was unable to approve citizenship through naturalisation cases for almost two months in spring, because it hadn't yet fully set up its routines for the in-person identification required of applicants after the government ordered the agency to step up security checks as of April 1st. All nationalities were affected by the freeze, despite Migration Minister Johan Forssell's pledge to The Local's readers in January that work permit holders and people from countries without security risks would be unaffected by extra security delays. Here's a table which shows how many citizenship cases have been granted in 2025, per nationality: In the second half of May, the Migration Agency said it had begun contacting citizenship applicants to book in-person identify checks, effectively ending the freeze. Applicants who are at the final stages of their application will receive a letter inviting them to book a time for a 'personal appearance' at any of eight Migration Agency offices: Malmö, Växjö, Gothenburg, Norrköping, Örebro, Sundbyberg, Sundsvall or Boden. Those who haven't been invited to such a visit should not book a time. It was initially reported that certain nationalities with biometric passports would be exempt and would instead be able to confirm their identity digitally via the Freja app, but as The Local has previously reported, the technological solution for that isn't yet in place, so for the time being, all applicants have to turn up for a personal meeting, regardless of their nationality. Advertisement The extra stage in the process, which also includes applicants being sent an 11-page questionnaire with additional security questions, is the result of an order from the government and its far-right Sweden Democrat allies in January for the Migration Agency to take "forceful measures" to "as far as possible" prevent people who pose a threat to security or use a fake identity from being granted citizenship. Experts had previously guessed that security checks would be tightened as a pretext of slowing down the awarding of new citizenships until stricter rules are in place in 2026 – a slowdown strongly hinted at by the government in an opinion piece in the DN newspaper in November. Forssell later denied that the underlying intention was to slow down citizenship applications, telling the TT news agency that the point was only "to prevent people who pose a threat to security from being granted Swedish citizenship". Advertisement However, the extra checks are still expected to cause delays. In October 2024, the agency predicted that it would conclude 87,000 applications each year in 2025 and 2026, thanks to increased staff at the agency – a first step towards reducing the heavily criticised long waiting times for Swedish citizenship. But the new security checks forced the agency in April to lower its previous estimate by more than a quarter: to 64,000 concluded citizenship cases in 2025 and 65,000 in 2026. According to the Migration Agency, 75 percent of recently concluded cases involving adults received a decision within 24 months.
Forbes
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Hottest Brand Collaborations Of Summer
What's better than one fantastic brand coming out with a chic summer must-have? How about two creative forces joining forces for maximum style? From brands partnering together to influencers designing limited-time collections, here are some of the coolest brand collaborations to shop this summer. Freja x Heaven Mayhem Mini Chrystie Bag in Reptile Noir With Charm | $318 Freja and Heaven Mayhem are two of the hottest brands out there for accessorizing, so it's no surprise that they would create true art when coming together. This collaboration exceeds all expectations, from the rich colors to the fun textures to luxurious metal accents. These are staple pieces that elevate any wardrobe! Dr. Scholl's x Favorite Daughter Heartbreak Sandal | $250 Favorite Daughter and Dr. Scholl's gave us a truly special collaboration. These pieces have the nostalgia of classic Dr. Scholl's silhouettes with timeless upgrades that make them irresistible. The Heartbreak Sandal in Chocolate Croco Leather is a staple piece for all year round. Whether you're a sneaker or a heels person, both styles from this collab will be the most comfortable shoes you've ever worn. Rails x LSPACE Calla Dress | $248 This collaboration encompasses the vibes of both Rails and LSPACE perfectly. You can tell each piece was designed with intention, and the collection as a whole creates a luxe beachy aesthetic. My favorite piece is the Rails x LSPACE Calla Dress in White Sea Shell Crochet. This classic piece will be my go-to vacation staple for years to come. Andar The Harper | $279 Andar makes the most beautiful leather pieces; there's a reason why they keep selling out! This is Lauren Lane's third collaboration with Andar, and in my opinion, it's the best one yet! I was already obsessed with the matcha-colored tote bag, but the black woven leather is my new favorite. It's luxurious and perfect for any style. Plus, the chapstick holder and strawberry keychain make this a must-have collab! Crocs x Marimekko Classic Platform Clog | $80 Crocs nailed this collaboration with Marimekko. Each detail selected for every piece in the collection is perfection, infusing Marimekko's iconic floral prints into classic Crocs styles. The tote bag is gorgeous for any beach day, while the socks and platform clogs are ideal for the fashionista looking to make a statement. This collection is a great addition to any summer wardrobe! Lola Blankets x Rach Parcell Blankets | $109 to $399 Lola Blankets are both a statement piece for your home while also being the softest blanket you'll ever use. Lola nails every collaboration, but the designs they made with influencer Rachel Parcell are an interior designer's dream. These two neutral blankets feature a design inspired by Rachel's iconic staircase. These prints are gorgeous and perfect for any space! Ruggable x Bridgerton Lady Whistledown Soft Blue Rug | $129 to $1099 Ruggable makes the best rugs, in my opinion, but their Bridgerton collaboration produced some of my favorite designs yet. The Regency Era-inspired designs soften any room for an elegant aesthetic with a modern touch. I love the gorgeous cream and blue hues in the Lady Whistledown Soft Blue Rug; the colors create a stunning vintage look. Stoney Clover Lane x Star Wars™ Galactic Classic Backpack in Lightsabers | $228 Stoney Clover Lane is well known for their brand collaborations, but this Star Wars™ Galactic one is one of their best! The prints are so fun, with an option for any Star Wars fan. My favorite is the Lightsabers print, which gives a feminine twist to an iconic graphic. This sturdy yet packable backpack is perfect for any theme park vacation. STIL x Cozy K A5 Binder (6-Ring) | $34 Every busy fashionista needs an organization system to match her lifestyle. STIL does some amazing collaborations with creators who are examples of great time management and organization, while still living life to the fullest. The STIL x Cozy K collaboration features stylish planners for everyone with a love for hobbies and goal tracking. The cozy little touches on each design are adorable, too! Naturalizer GameChanger Ballet Flat By Deepica Mutyala | $130 Naturalizer is known for their comfortable and stylish shoes, but they went above and beyond with their collaboration with creator and entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala. The leather flats from this collection are so comfortable and come in a delicious red. The white stripe on these shoes adds a sporty touch to classic feminine footwear.
