menu-icon
Scandinavian
MIND
search-icon
Fashion
Oslo Runway presents four design talents to watch from the Norwegian fashion scene
Graduates from Oslo Met, KHiO, Esmod, and SoFI put innovation first in this year’s edition of DS Fashion Talent Award.
By JOHAN MAGNUSSON
30 Jun 2023

Oslo Runway aims to showcase new talents within Norwegian fashion. Just the other week, when announcing the NEXT initiative, and now, with the unveiling of the four DS Fashion Talent Award finalists.

Graduating students from Esmod, KHiO, Oslo Met and SoFI are invited to participate in the competition and one student from each school has been nominated by the jury, based on their graduation shows:

Espen Haugland (pictured above) from Oslo Met:

The jury: Espen Haugland shows a great balance between commercial and conceptual. With exciting colour-blocking and well-executed stitching, the collection has a wide range of interesting cuts and a clear concept.

Ingrid Pettersson from KHiO:

Ingrid Pettersson demonstrates a very strong understanding of textiles. She has already established a strong signature in addition to being innovative. The collection is architectural both with the use of colour and silhouette.

Ingrid Pettersson.

Sunniva Aasli Øen from Esmod:

Sunniva Aasli Øen’s outfits demonstrate a holistic image of a complete collection with the use of needlework techniques, prints, and fresh colours. It is very positive that the garments have several functional areas and the collection feels like a breath of fresh air.

Sunniva Aasli Øen.

Klaudia Bartoszek from SoFi:

Klaudia Bartoszek surprises with an unusual silhouette in the Norwegian market. She works with upcycled leather and has a good understanding of the material and its properties. In addition, she has a well-thought-out background for the collection, which is clearly expressed.

— The finalists show great breadth in terms of both expression and technical strengths, says Sunniva Hartgen, Head of Fashion, Oslo Runway and project manager of the award. I hope they use the time well to refine their collections for the display in August.

— The emerging designers that stood out emphasize varied themes and processes such as 3D design tools, print and upcycling, well-executed needlework techniques, and innovative use of knitwear, says jury leader Elin Kathrine Saunes.

DS Fashion Talent Award takes place on August 14.