Chef’s Stories from FRAMA: Elegance and Sustainability — Is Food and Fashion the Same Art?

In our ongoing “Women of Makara” series, we meet Ieva — a chef at FRAMA in Copenhagen whose journey moves gracefully between art, fashion, and food. With roots in classical music, fine arts, and fashion design, Ieva’s creative path has evolved into gastronomy — where minimalism meets nourishment and every plate reflects the same conscious beauty we share at Makara Wear.

What first drew you to the world of cooking, and how has your journey led you to FRAMA in Copenhagen?

I've always been fascinated by any form of art. Since a very young age I've been introduced and professionally educated in classical music, fine arts and later in life I got into fashion design where I spent years working and finding myself in. Nonetheless, cooking was always a big part of my DNA. At one point in life I felt the need to try it professionally and see if this form of art - gastronomy art is more than passion, more than procrastination. After graduating culinary school and having a taste of work in different forms of fast paced establishments, I was looking for something else - to slow down, focus on quality of ingredients, sustainability and flavor. And that's our concept in Frama : our daily meal is always vegetarian, nutritious, seasonal and local as it can be.

FRAMA is known for its minimalistic yet soulful approach — how does this philosophy translate into your cooking?

Frama's minimalistic design and lifestyle approach is very much inspiring when it comes to cooking - less is more. Quality over quantity. It's also very rooted and grounded, celebrating tradition and craftsmanship. And that's how I construct the plate with few, but key ingredients reflecting all these features so it would be the most important and nurturing plate of their day.

What ingredients or flavors are you most inspired by right now?

Autumn is my favorite season of the year. At the moment I'm very much inspired by seasonal varieties of cabbages and root vegetables. So many colors, flavors, structures - endless opportunities for amazing meals.

Do you have a dish that feels like your personal “signature”?

Don't feel like I have a signature dish yet.. But I've developed a chile seasoning condiment that's been so addictive that it's almost always on a side of every meal!

How do you balance creativity with sustainability in the kitchen?

Being creative and at the same time conscious about ingredients and ways of cooking is challenging, but in a good way. It makes you think, test, taste, fail - succeed and do it all over again the next day. It's part of the process!

What role does minimalism play in how you dress and live?

I do believe that minimalism in my closet is part of the same sustainability mindset dictated by my work life. I appreciate the comfort, durability, simplicity and versatility of each piece to build a long lasting capsule wardrobe. Then again, I do enjoy some unconventional statement pieces that can reflect my artistic personality. And when it comes to lifestyle, I guess all these choices I make with the way I work, dress and live minimizing to only what's important and needed for my wellbeing.

Where do you find balance — between the intensity of the kitchen and your own personal downtime?

Stereotypically chef's job/life is known for a 'grind'. Long hours, tough working conditions.. I did have to go through this period of my professional life and eventually accept the reality of it. But being a chef is so much more than that. Many different directions to choose from and decide for yourself. For me it was important to make a change: have a good work-life balance, have a good routine taking care of myself both physically and mentally and just in general slow down and be present. 

What helps me a lot is structured planning. I keep a six months calendar on the wall where I have a visual of my professional and off-work time. When I'm off work I highlight the importance of rest, exercise, family and friends time. Planning ahead not only helps to make time for mentioned above, but also takes off stress of  unforeseen or forgotten

When did you first discover Makara Wear, and what resonated with you most?

 Water is my element and Makara Wear was a discovery starting with a beautiful friendship. Back in that time, I was working in the fashion industry and advocating for sustainability in every step of the garment process chain. What got me fascinated with Makara was its brand philosophy and shared values of being a conscious creative in the current fashion world. Been a fan ever since.

How does wearing Makara Wear make you feel — in the kitchen, at the sea, or in daily life?

Swimsuit from Makara is definitely a key piece in my "water closet" . Constructed to fit like a glove and made to last. I've been wearing it for high intensity activities like long distance open water swimming, surfing and as a stylish and comfortable beach wear. It really makes it feel that every detail of it is thought well through. 

All Photos by Ieva Karkauskaite and Photographers @babette.cph @Kachasch & @naclshowcooking