A JOURNEY through OSLO’S FASHION SCENE
As we introduce you to some of our favorite spots in Oslo, we invite you to explore the world of Norwegian designers who are pushing the boundaries of fashion while remaining rooted in their Nordic heritage.
In recent years, the global fashion conversation has often revolved around the iconic metropolises of New York, Paris, Milan and London. However, a new player has emerged on the scene in recent years: Scandinavia. Known for its minimalist aesthetics and emphasis on sustainability, Scandinavian fashion has garnered tremendous attention, and the term «scandi -cool» has become synonymous with contemporary style. As ELLE embarked on this collaborative project with A-One to spotlight Norwegian designers and the vibrant fashion scene in Oslo, we aimed to celebrate the harmonious blend of art, nature, and fashion that defines this unique region. The essence of Norwegian fashion is deeply intertwined with our country’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The themes of art and nature are not just keywords; they are the very foundation of the design philosophy embraced by local creators. In Oslo, where the fjord meets the forest, designers draw inspiration from the organic forms and colors of their surroundings, leading to collections that are both visually captivating and environmentally conscious. As we introduce you to some of our favorite spots in Oslo, we invite you to explore the world of Norwegian designers who are pushing the boundaries of fashion while remaining rooted in their Nordic heritage.
HOLZWEILER
Believe it or not, it all started with scarves. Founded by the family trio of siblings Susanne and Andreas Holzweiler plus wife and sister-in-law Maria Skappel Holzweiler in 2014, the brand has quickly grown into an international success story. Still very much a family-driven business, the Oslo-based fashion house creates future-facing designs rooted in an easy elegance and suited to everyday life. Successful runway shows at Copenhagen Fashion Week and London Fashion Week the past few years have contributed to making Holzweiler even more popular among both international press and profiles as a sought -after «scandi brand».
Location: EKEBERG SCULPTURE PARK
Clothing: HOLZWEILER
BYTIMO
Bringing modern romance to timeless craftmanship, ByTiMo creates pieces that are both unique stand-outs in any wardrobe as well as on-trend in the current times. Tine Mollatt, byTiMo’s founder and creative director, created byTiMo in 2004 with the vision to offer high-quality clothing at justifiable prices, without compromising on her beliefs and values - truthfulness, consciousness and quality.
The styles are inspired by vintage fashion, fabrics and silhouettes, and are made with special attention to detail and tailoring techniques. Colors and prints are unique and made in-house, ensuring an exclusive finish. ByTiMo pieces are made through a more sustainable and ethical process, taking care of the people involved throughout the supply chain. In addition to their flagship store in Oslo, where their whole universe including homeware and tableware can easily be explored, the brand can be found in more than 200 stores worldwide, such as Liberty London, Shopbop, Nordstrom and Saks 5th Avenue. Location: EKEBERG SCULPTURE PARK Artwork: NORDIC PIXEL FOREST BY PIPILOTTI RIST Dress: BYTIMO
PEARL OCTOPUSS.Y
Pearl Octopuss.y was founded in 2018 by Cathrine Børter – but launched in 2020. As we say in Norwegian: What’s
good is always worth waiting for. The Oslo-based jewellery brand has a soft spot for the eccentric and the bold, and for
playing with the contrasts between minimalism and maximalism, as well as between the feminine and masculine.
The pieces are handmade with an obsessive care for detail, craftsmanship and the nostalgia of owning something
unique. Each piece is meant to be worn and styled in different ways – a brooch or a pair of earrings can be worn on a blazer, shoe, bag or decorate as buttons on a shirt.
Location: ST. HANSHAUGEN PARK
Clothing and accessoires: PEARL OCTOPUSS.Y
PIA TJELTA
As an actress, Pia Tjelta has spent years surrounded by costumes made by the tailors at the National Theatre in Oslo. She has always put a lot of effort in interpreting her characters through the possibilities given by clothing. Therefore it is not surprising that her own brand’s designs are inspired by her love for the theater, the great dramas and movie icons throughout time. With this, it goes without saying that her designs focus on choice of materials as well as attention to detail.
It was in 2017, parallel to her career as an actress, that she launched her eponymous brand together with the design team consisting of fashion designer Nina Amble, print designer Torunn Myklebust and herself. Location: ST. HANSHAUGEN PARK Dress: PIA TJELTA
ENVELOPE 1976
Considered one of the leading stars of Norwegian fashion, Envelope1976 was founded and launched in 2018 by Celine Aagaard. Already an industry veteran, following a career of several years as a fashion magazine Editor in Chief, stylist and international fashion profile, she saw the need for a brand with a more conscious approach to creating fashion. Oslo-based Envelope1976 is about creating seasonless garments in good materials, which can be used in multiple ways - all renewable, biodegradable and long-lasting items. Important keywords are: versatile, tailored, layers, seasonless, gender-neutral, recycled.
Co-Founders Celine Aagaard and Pia Nordskaug remain inspired by the contrast between the cool Norwegian summer nights and the harsh transition to cold winter - both in color palette as well as concept. Envelope1976 is currently operated by around 30 selected concept stores around the world, including Net-A-Porter, Kadewe and Browns. Location: EKEBERG RESTAURANT, KONGSVEIEN 15 Clothing and accessoires: ENVELOPE 1976
O.A.D.
Few Norwegians will be unfamiliar with Devold of Norway, one of our most well-known heritage wool brands, dating all the way back to 1853 and the industrial worker Ole Andreas Devold. O.A.D. is a newly established sister to Devold of Norway. This newcomer honors Devold’s heritage while forging ahead into the future with more refined knits for today’s modern lifestyle - bringing the spirits and tastes of Scandinavia to a global audience. While Devold of Norway was originally developed to protect fishermen and explorers against the extreme conditions of the Norwegian coast, it’s today known as the go-to sportswear brand for adventurers and lovers of the outdoors. O.A.D. carries on this legacy, redefining timeless designs with a contemporary edge. Location: OSLO BADSTUFORENING, SUKKERBITEN Sweater: O.A.D