Circolo is a virtual marketplace, connecting like-minded people who share the same values and trade in trust when buying and selling goods, services and experiences.
February 2024
Marte & Oslo:
“I’ve been treasure hunting all my life!”
Marte lives in the Cotswolds, after years in London and Oslo. She grew up in Norway and goes back every summer to her cottage on the Oslofjord. She’s got two teenage daughters and is married. Marte loved travelling and exploring since she was a young girl, and it was on one of these journeys that her eponymous jewellery label was born back in 1999. The sense of craft and folklore is essential to her designs, and she’s finding inspiration in everything from vintage fabrics, architecture and ancient jewellery.
Where do you live and where is home for you?
I currently live between The Cotswolds and Shropshire which I love! Before that I was in London, but Norway will always be ‘home’.
What do you do for a living and what would be your perfect 8 hours?
I’m a jewellery designer, and my ideal day would always be spent creating. I love working on new styles, researching, drawing, making and beading.
The last book you read and the one you would always recommend?
I’ve just finished ‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin and I loved it. It has very clear and uncomplicated thoughts on the creative journey. The book I recommend to EVERYONE is “Still Life’ by Sarah Winman. I have read it 3 times and I will keep coming back to it because it’s clever, emotional and funny.
The last song you listened to and your favourite artist?
Texas Hold’em by Beyonce. I am really keen on music, so naming one is nearly impossible, but I do adore Michael Kiwanuka. I met him once in Paris by chance, and as well as making the most beautiful music, he is also a very sweet person.
The last movie or series you watched and your all time favourite?
I just finished ‘One Day’ on Netflix which I loved. All time favourite, “Call my agent’. It just makes me laugh.
The last live performance you went to and the one that you will never forget?
I recently saw Madonna at the O2 and it was really a trip down memory lane as I was a die hard fan in the 80s. We go to a lot of gigs and it is hard to pick just one, but… Aerosmith at Madison Square Garden was a very special evening.
The last exhibition you visited and the one that will always stay in your heart?
The last one I saw was Rothko at Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. It was so beautiful. It is so hard to choose one favourite, but Cy Twombly at Centre Pompidou a few years back was incredibly special.
Last meal you cooked and your speciality?
I made Spaghetti Carbonara for my family, it is one of my special dishes that both the girls and my husband keep asking for. I am mad about soup and I seem to always be making some.
The last holiday you went on and your all time favourite?
We went to Baja California in Mexico over New Years and the coastline there is so intense and beautiful. Not to mention the margaritas and the food!
The last city break you have had and your ‘place to live’?
Paris. Definitively always a good idea, and a place I dream of living and creating in.
The last hobby you picked up and your longest running one?
Skiing! Even though I grew up in Norway, I never learnt to ski and started together with my daughters. It has taken a while, but now I am loving it! It is probably more of a passion than a hobby, but I have been treasure hunting all my life, my parents would take me to auctions and flea markets, and to this day it’s one of my favourite things to do.
The last item you added to your wardrobe and your ‘special’ item?
I just bought a pair of sailor jeans, which is something I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for! My special item is a particular Chanel jacket I hunted 5 years for, and finally found it. I love wearing it and the hunt makes it even more special.
The last account you followed on IG and the one you check first every morning?
@inigo.house because I am obsessed with old houses!
The last restaurant you ate at and one you would always recommend?
We recently had a wonderful meal at The Bull in Charlbury, it is one of our favourite pubs in the Cotswold. Depending who is was recommending to, either Poule au Pot or Hotel Costes in Paris. Never misses a beat.
The last hotel you have been to and your top pick?
We just stayed at Maison Armance in Paris, great boutique hotel in Paris 1st. It is one that always come back to. Firm favourite hotels that I love is Badrutt’s Palace in St.Moritz and Colombe d’Or in St. Paul de Vence.
The last app you downloaded and the one you always use?
I just downloaded the Eurostar app, but the one I use the most is Pinterest as I love pinning It’s like my digital scrapbook.
The last project you worked on and what are you most proud of?
I am currently working on a fine jewellery range called Marte Frisnes Atelier, and I am so excited for it to be launched. I am rarely proud of myself (I am working on it!) but when I passed my gemmology exam I was delighted. It’s much harder that you’d think!
What will you be listing on Circolo next and your favourite listing on Marketplace?
We have the cutest cottage in the Cotswolds that we let so I might be listing that! I really love the service section, people offering yoga, tarot and design.
What do you like about Circolo and who would you love to invite?
I think it’s a great place to connect with like minded people, and the travel guides are gold! I think my friend @bodilbjerkvikblain would love it.
And finally, your top tips to Osloand surrounding areas to share with your fellow Circolo Members?
1. see an opera or ballet performance at the striking Opera House, designed by architect legends Snøhetta. It has completely changed the urban landscape of Oslo 2. enjoy the great restaurants and cafes, scattered all over the city. There is something for everyone, but if you want to try something very old school, go to Teaterkafeen 3. explore Frognerparken, with beautiful sculptures by Gustav Vigeland 4. If you visit in winter, go cross country skiing in Nordmarka, or do ice swimming and use one of the many floating saunas in the fjord 5. visit the new Nasjonalmuseet (National Museum), it always has great exhibitions and its permanent collection is fantastic. The new Munch museum is also amazing. 6. Take the tram to Frognerseteren, have a waffle with brown cheese and enjoy the spectacular views 7. Get out on the water. There are ferries and electric cruises to take you to different parts of the Oslo fjord and it offers you a different point of view, and Aker Brugge is a great place to depart from 8. 17th may is our Constitution Day, and I promise you, you will not experience anything like it! Go and see everyone wearing their stunning national costumes and celebrate! 9. If you want to learn more about Norways history, go to Bygdøy, where you can find the Bygdøymuseum and the Viking Ship Museum 10. Stroll around like a local in the different districts of the city, like Frogner or Grünerløkka. Enjoy a nice coffee or glass of wine, and watch the world go by!
