As the platform to showcase Norway’s most exciting design talents and brands, Oslo Runway highlights several creative industries where fashion obviously plays a big part. Next week’s edition includes both aspiring and established names like Envelope1976, AWAN, Cathrine Hammel, Holzweiler, Cala Jade, Swims, Livid, Kastel, and Norwegian Rain.
— We are proud to present a program that highlights some of Norway’s most relevant voices in sustainability and design, several of which are already being internationally recognized for their quality, says Elin Carlsen, CEO of Oslo Runway.
Exhibition project Sorgenfri Artwear highlights the most influential voices in slow fashion, showcasing new and established designers working in the intersection between fashion and art. With artist and ceramist Nellie Jonsson as a collaborator, Oslo Runway also presents a new edition of the jewellery and art exhibition in Oslobukta.
— The Norwegian lifestyle, as well as Oslo’s immediate access to nature have made us an attractive destination. During the pandemic, the outdoor trend exploded, and suddenly everyone wanted to go hiking. Norwegian lifestyle brands now have a unique opportunity to gain a larger foothold internationally. The understanding of design that is both cool and functional is something Norwegian brands have long been known for, and we want to emphasize this by gathering the Norwegian lifestyle brands during an event, says Elin Carlsen.
This event will take place at The Plus, the world’s most sustainable furniture factory, located in the middle of a pine forest on Magnor, a two-hour ride east of Oslo. The participating brands include Swims, the direct-to-consumer brand AWAN, and Norwegian shoe brands with sustainability on the agenda: Kastel and New Movements.
Oslo Runway also presents DS Fashion Talent Award which will be granted to Norway’s next design talent. Graduating students from KhiO, Esmod, OsloMet, and SOFI are invited to participate and one student from each school will be nominated by the jury, based on their graduation presentations. The jury will look for designers considering both craftsmanship, vision, and a unique design DNA, as well as business and growth potential when choosing one award winner.
— A shift toward a more sustainable industry and new technological advances places new demands on young designers — Oslo Runway has wanted to serve as a bridge between young design talents and the established industry for a long time, says Ditte Kristensen, Head of Fashion in Oslo Runway.
Starting this year, Oslo Runway will collaborate with Copenhagen Fashion Week and Norwegian Fashion Hub in bringing the industry together to implement CPHFW 2023 Sustainability Requirements. These include using certified, upcycled, or recycled materials (at least 50% of all materials), and not destroying unsold clothing. To be included in Oslo Runway’s schedule in 2023 and on, brands must meet the minimum requirements.
— I feel that we are obligated to use this platform to drive and advocate positive change, and to promote solutions that cater to our needs for renewal and self-expression, but with a much lower impact. We have set ourselves a goal of introducing several sustainability requirements by 2023 and I look forward to contributing to that, Elin Carlsen concludes.
Oslo Runway takes place on August 23-28.
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