Joni Lindroos and Ronja Stanley on How Their Homecourt Fuels Their Creativity
paid partnership with Fila Europe
It’s through a passion for blending performance and style FILA made its mark, influencing generations of athletes both on and off the court – first as a powerhouse during the era of tennis greats, later by making some serious noise during the basketball heyday back in the 90’s.
For SS21 FILA is celebrating the next generation creatives at their home court, engaging those proud of their craft and confident enough to break new ground. They are young and colorful – visual storytellers expressing their individuality through their bold style and vibrant fits. The street are their playground, and they embody the same bold vision that led FILA and the great players of past to push the boundaries of style.
The courts might be new, but the attitude and the energy remain the same.
FILA Europe handpicked Joni Lindroos and Ronja Stanley for an interview with HYPEND to share their Homecourt, Post Bar, which happens to be an underground dance music heaven hidden in plain sight in Helsinki, Finland.
Without further ado, let’s jump straight to the interview!
Hi Joni & Ronja! Let’s start with an easy one: in your own words, who are you and what do you do?
Joni: I’m Joni, a 29 yo multidisciplinary creative working in events, music, film and art.
Ronja: I’m Ronja Stanley aka New Ro. I’m a singer-songwriter-producer leading a double life as an instagram comedian.
Why is Post Bar your home court?
Joni: Well, I’m one of the founders of Post Bar and a resident DJ here. I’ve spent countless of nights here and in the booth and on the dance floor. It’s my second home.
Ronja: Post Bar became my home court when I met Joni (no surprise there). Pre-pandemic it was our safe haven, a place to meet friends and let loose. I’ve written songs about our nights there. Adding to the sentimental value is the fact that Joni actually proposed to me in the backroom. <3
Tell me about when you first discovered this place?
Joni: We heard there is an empty basement in the block and I came to see it. Didn’t think twice when we got an option to make a night club here.
Ronja: I don’t remember the first time!! I’ve repressed the times when I still had to stand in the queue lol. But I do remember meeting Joni on the terrace and thinking he was a sweetheart. And then I took him home lol!
Joni - How do you feel when you book one of your favorite DJs to Post Bar and find yourself dancing in the middle of a sweaty and packed dance floor?
It’s one of the best feelings in the world. And I miss that sooooo much.
Ronja - How did you come up with the idea of approaching your comedian side and doing funny clips on Instagram? / Was it to handle the darkness from the pandemic?
To be honest I can’t help myself. I’m a pain in the ass if I don’t have an outlet for my comedy. I also love making people laugh without actually having to be in front of them, I guess that’s the beauty of being an IG comedian, lol.
You’re currently spending some time on the tennis court - do you compete with other couples?
Joni: I’m spending there a bit more time than Ronja, but it would be fun to compete in a couples tournament. Haha maybe we need to organise that in summer. Let’s start practicing Ronja!
Ronja: I’m definitely not on the same level as Joni (meaning I suck), but maybe this summer is my time to learn! I’m also perfectly happy on the bench with a G&T in hand. In a sexy tennis outfit of course. Yeah I’m a poser, sue me!
What is the first thing you wanna do when this turns back to normal?
Joni: I want to see all my friends at once! At Post Bar! And then I want to travel to see all my friends living abroad.
Ronja: Party and bullshit. Booth bitching when Joni is playing. Dancing with strangers. And of course I want to perform the shit out of my album Late Bloomer that just came out. I miss meeting my fans and singing live so much it hurts.
The best thing about Helsinki?
Joni: It’s so cozy. It’s small yet vibrant, it’s very beautiful in every season, there’s many activities to do and the people are super nice.
Ronja: I agree with Joni. People are easygoing - not to shallow etc - and we’re surrounded by water and islands, adding the the beautiful scenery. And of course as food and wine lovers there’s always something interesting to choose from!
About the FILA SS21 collection
Digging deep into the archive for inspiration, the spring summer 2021 collection from FILA is a celebration of the past. Influences from tennis and 90’s basketball can be seen throughout. Old heroes and icons are brought into the daylight and is both re-invented and mixed with new and modern approaches.
A wider part of the collection is building on the brand’s long and storied heritage in the world of tennis, having pioneered the fusion of sportswear and fashion with its iconic White Line designs of the 70’s. Among with a basketball off court look featuring a monochrome palette and bold silhouettes to complete the collection. Inspired by the basketball heritage of the brand, placing it in an everyday streetwear context where style and comfort are equally as important.
In case you want to learn more about the campaign, check out these articles about Bella Sarris, Axel Boman, and more.
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