Oslo Runway promotes flourishing Norwegian design
On a recent visit to Oslo Runway – an annual showcase dedicated to promoting Norwegian design talent across the capital city – any preconceptions I had about Scandinavian clothing were blown out of the water.
When you consider their riches, it’s hardly surprising that the World Happiness Report consistently lists the people of Norway in the global top ten happiest populations. With their Government Pension Fund standing at a cool £1.3 trillion, the economy’s strength, when measured per capita against a population of just 5.5 million, is double that of the UK and even larger than the US. It is oil wealth of course that has underpinned their affluence but the dramatic rise in the last decade of a burgeoning fashion industry could spell even greater success.
Left, dress by Christian Aks, the ready-to-wear brand which stands out for its minimalistic aesthetic and use of only natural fibres; photo © Madeleine Lohne. Middle, O.A.D. with their contemporary approach to knitwear; photo © Lucas. Right, floral dress by ByTimo, whose founder Tina Mollatt believes in offering high-quality clothing and reasonable prices.
Thirty-three designers, some established…
