Things That Connect People – In Real Life

On social objects, why made to last matters, the buyer’s guide, and as usual, a few recommended readings to widen and deepen your perspective – on things

Instead of pointing fingers at corporations and governments, ask yourself: how can I live a more environmentally friendly and sustainable life? Begin with what you bring into your life followed by how you live in the world. Change begins and ends with you.

Paris with my Leica in August 2017, strolling around the 10th arrondissement at night, meeting people and enjoying the simple life. Photo: Per Håkansson.

I own three things, social objects if you will, that have introduced me to new people across the world: My Leica Q, my Klein bike, and my Hiut Denim jeans. They are not just exquisitely made but also excellent conversation pieces.

The Leica draws attention when I walk around in a city like Paris or London, for some casual street and travel shooting. There is always another aficionado close by and when we meet the unspoken rule is to greet and talk photography.

My Klein bike is more of a local phenomena. Yesterday, when I took it out for a full day’s spin across the Golden Gate Bridge, into the Marin headlands via Sausalito, I had not one but three people approach me and wanted to talk Klein bikes.

“Material things are delightful, but they're not important.” – Richard Branson

Finally, my Hiut Denims, made by hand out of classic Japanese indigo selvedge with a slight stretch built in, are gathering attention everywhere. I didn’t wash them for a whole year, and once washed, they turned into wearable master pieces.

These three things can all stand on their own but together, oh là là, the stories I could tell. They all take skill and hard work to break in and master. And if you properly take care of them, show them love and affection, they will last forever and age beautifully.

I recently resold my old Hiut Denims back to Hiut under their Déjà Blue program (which I since regret) as all the biking and surfing made them too small. But they lasted for 5+ years in my ownership and hopefully a few more in someone else’s.

The Klein bike, now on its 21st year, has shown to be indestructible. Only fixing has been new tires and handgrips, everything else are original parts. During summertime it resides on the top of my car, carelessly blowing in the wind.