Spanish illustrator Javi Aznarez has created an original Stockholm-inspired cover illustration for Robb Report Sweden, bringing his distinctive visual storytelling to the Swedish edition of the international luxury lifestyle magazine.
The commission invited Javi to interpret Stockholm through an illustrated city collage, capturing the character of the Swedish capital through its architecture, landmarks, restaurants and people. The brief called for the same quirkiness, humour and visual detail that informed his earlier illustrated city composition for the Los Angeles Times.
Stockholm: architecture, design and urban life
Built across a remarkable network of islands and waterways, Stockholm has a distinctive urban character in which historic architecture, contemporary design and proximity to nature exist side by side. The city occupies 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, with Lake Mälaren meeting the Baltic Sea at the heart of its geography. This relationship between water, architecture and everyday life is central to Stockholm's identity.
Javi's illustration draws on this distinctive urban landscape, bringing together recognisable landmarks and details of contemporary city life in a single composition.
One of Stockholm's most recognisable architectural landmarks is Stockholm City Hall, designed by architect Ragnar Östberg and inaugurated in 1923. Its distinctive brickwork, tower and golden Three Crowns combine elements of Swedish national romanticism with historical architectural influences. Elsewhere, the city's architectural character moves between the medieval streets of Gamla Stan, the grand waterfront buildings of central Stockholm and the functionalist architecture associated with modern Swedish design.
Scandinavian design is another important part of the city's cultural identity. Often associated with simplicity, functionality, craftsmanship and an appreciation of natural materials, Swedish design has developed a strong international reputation. Institutions such as ArkDes, Sweden's national centre for architecture and design, continue to explore the relationship between architecture, design and contemporary society.
The city's approach to architecture also reflects a close relationship with its natural surroundings. Contemporary Swedish architecture increasingly considers sustainability, materials and the integration of buildings with the landscape, extending a longstanding Nordic interest in the relationship between people and nature.
A city of restaurants, watches and social rituals
Stockholm's identity is as much about its social spaces as its architecture. Its established restaurants, independent boutiques, design destinations and waterfront cafés provide a rich visual vocabulary for an illustrated portrait of the city.
One such institution is Riche, the Stockholm brasserie that first opened in 1893. Inspired by Café Riche in Paris, it has evolved into a longstanding meeting place for the city's business, cultural and creative communities. Its history is closely connected to Swedish gastronomy, including the celebrated chef Tore Wretman and the creation of Toast Skagen. The commission specifically suggested depicting diners through Riche's windows, adding a glimpse of Stockholm's social life to the composition.
Another distinctive reference is Gondolen, the celebrated restaurant suspended above Södermalm. Opened in 1935 alongside the Katarina Elevator and the KF Building, Gondolen has become an architectural and social landmark, offering expansive views across the city's harbour entrance. Its unusual elevated position makes it an especially fitting reference in a commission celebrating Stockholm's relationship with its waterfront.
The brief also referenced Nymans Ur, Stockholm's historic watch retailer, connecting the city's retail heritage with the wider world of fine watchmaking and luxury craftsmanship.
These details give the illustration the character of a visual city guide rather than a conventional architectural portrait. Boats, restaurants, recognisable locations and people combine to create a playful interpretation of Stockholm's particular atmosphere.
Illustration for luxury publishing
The commission sits within the wider world of luxury publishing, where illustration offers an alternative to conventional photography, bringing personality, narrative and a distinctive visual identity to editorial communication.
Published by Robb Report Sweden, the magazine covers the international luxury lifestyle landscape, including watches, design, travel, motoring, gastronomy and culture. Its Stockholm-inspired cover provides an opportunity to connect the publication's international outlook with a strong sense of local identity.
Javi Aznarez has developed an international practice spanning editorial illustration, advertising, publishing and animation. His work has appeared in publications including The New Yorker, The Guardian and El País, and his film-related work includes illustration for Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch.
This latest commission demonstrates the versatility of illustration in luxury publishing: bringing personality, cultural references and a strong sense of place to a magazine cover while creating a distinctive visual identity for its readership.
Robb Report Sweden, issue 2, 2026, features Javi's original Stockholm cover illustration.
Javi Aznarez is represented worldwide by Dutch Uncle.
