The designers collective, Designerkollektivet in Oslo Norway are about to expand. They will be moving from Aker Brygge to the prestigious GlasMagasinet in the city centre of Oslo. GlasMagasinet, located on Stortorvet, is one of Norway’s oldest and most famous department stores. Designerkollektivet was launched in 2009 by a group of Norwegian designers, with the aim of promoting emerging talents and great Norwegian design as well as making it more available to the general public. With the move the concept shop are hoping to include more designers.
© Vera&William
So far there’s been more than 50 independent designers involved in the project, with names including Jumina, Fam Irvoll, Vera&William, TSH, Tina Haagensen, Daniel Sørensen, Peter Løchstøer, Undorn and Arne&Carlos.
© Bine
See more at designerkollektivet.no
Author: Bianca Wessel
Scandinavian Kitchen, a shop and café in Central London
If you didn’t know already, there’s a Scandinavian Kitchen, called… Scandinavian Kitchen(!) in Great Titchfield Street, near Goodge Street tube station. A bright red shop front makes sure you can’t miss it, along with crazy sales boards outside implying insane stuff about Scandinavians… But never mind the sillyness. Because the Swedish / Danish husband and wife team that runs this gem of a shop and café means business. The coffee, open sandwiches and cakes are seriously delicious. And the shop stock most products that in an instant would heal any Scandinavians homesickness. However if you are not Scandinavian, this would be your chance to explore the Nordic countries through food served in a café with a friendly vibe.
Photo 1 via Flickriver Photo 2 © twentysomethinglondon.com Open Sandwich from Scandinavian Kitchen
Scandinavian Kitchen is open all days, in 61 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PP.
Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, a hidden gem in the deep forest
Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, a hidden gem in the deep forest of Norway, is a family-run design hotel only 2 hours and 45 min drive from Oslo Airport. Herangtunet is surrounded by picturesque forests and lakes, that guests may enjoy, having the stunning wilderness and changes of each season on your doorstep. When you need to retreat from your Norwegian adventure, the stylish hotel, surprisingly boldly decorated, offers a luxurious accommodation.
The traditional Norwegian timber house has been decorated in a most contemporary style. Each room is designed in a unique style inspired by various cities and countries from around the world.
With a popular and cosy hotel restaurant with a wood-burning stove, serving Nordic fusion cuisine, you are set for a unforgettable stay. Oh… Did I mention they have a Finish sauna and a hot tub? Other active you may try includes fishing, hiking and canoeing. Or just read a book and enjoy the fresh air.
See more (like the less exciting bits like room rates etc…) at herangtunet.com
From a rural Swedish island to New York – Meet Carin Rodebjer
Originally from the Swedish island, Gotland, a rural place in the middle of the Baltic Sea. She grew up on a farm far away from fashion. But her growing interest of clothes and sewing was nurtured by her mothers love of textile crafts.
Carin then decided to move to New York to study fashion at F.I.T (Fashion Institute of Technology). This opened up a whole new world, and soon after her own brand RODEBJER was founded. Her design philosophy is based on wardrobe essentials in combination with items catching the zeitgeist:
“I respect history and I am sensitive to the future, translating it into both long-lasting style and fashion forward items. I believe in a style that is effortlessly elegant without loosing comfort, allowing women the luxury to get on with life without restriction.”
When visiting London Fashion Week last February, RODEBJER was one of the brands that really caught my eye in the Scandinavia Exhibition. Highly wearable pieces finished beautifully in luxurious fabrics.
And when seeing the promo video for RODEBJER Spring Summer 2013, I can’t help to think that Carin is taking great pride in her Swedish island origin, and that she still holds nature close to heart. Here are a few stills from the beautiful film, shot by Rebecca Palmer, longtime friend of RODEBJER, styled and directed the film.
© RODEBJER
The RODEBJER Spring Summer 2013 video was filmed on a deserted Atlantic beach, during the sunrise and sunset of one single day. The vast ocean acted as backdrop in the east, with glimpses of lights from New York City in the long distant horizon. The video features India Salvor Menuez, an artist and actress of New York’s Lower East Side.
Swedish Sourdough bread baked in a stone oven in Hoxton
The trendy Swedish bakery, Fabrique has recently opened up in Hoxton, London. Tucked away, underneath the railway arch of Hoxton Station, it’s open daily except Mondays from 10am.
Continue reading → Swedish Sourdough bread baked in a stone oven in Hoxton
Munthe plus Simonsen Spring Summer 2013 edgy Danish fashion
Danish women’s fashion brand Munthe plus Simonsen, a favourite of supermodel Helena Christensen, is recognised for its relaxed glamour and edgy clothes emphasising on exquisite materials and details. Danish fashion at its best.
The Copenhagen based designer, Naja Munthe creates a casual yet elegant and glamorous style that Scandinavian fashion has become so famous for; High quality women’s fashion, feminine with an unmissable raw touch.
Naja Munthe finds her inspiration from the beautiful and rough Scandinavian nature and the changing seasons.
See more of Munthe plus Simonsen
Walpurgis Night in Regent’s Park London Saturday April 27th
Valborg, also known as Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht) is a traditional Spring festival on 30 April or 1 May in Scandinavia, celebrated with dancing and bonfires. Originally to chase away the evil forces of Winter and to celebrate the beginning of Spring, these days to celebrate the changing season.
The mens choir Ulricae Drängar will entertain with a Swedish repertoire at the Band stand in Regent’s park on Saturday April 27th at 5pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy Walpurgis Night in a Scandinavian style in one of the most beautiful parks of London.
The COS Scandi Chic affordable Little Black Dress
A drop gorgeous dress, the LBD Little Black Dress we all should have in the wardrobe, is hanging at your nearest Cos Store. The sleeveless dress made in lightweight woven fabric with raw cut edges brings a Scandi chic twist to the LBD.
Understated details of this dropped waist dress will make you stand out in any occasion, throughout the day.
With a kind price tag £69 and sizes from 34 to 44 this little black dress is simply a must have! I’m off to Cos Flagship store in Regent’s Street -see you there? cosstores.com
New Norwegian brand Inspiration by Laa
The Norwegian Lene Aanesrud has in addition to her own successful clothing agency, also founded her own fashion brand. Inspiration by Laa offers feminine womens clothes. Aanesrud employes designers and works closely with the production to the finished product. Perhaps a brand to watch? See more at inspirationbylaa.com
© Inspiration by Laa Spring Summer 2013
Nora, a members club for Norwegian women in London
Nora offers Norwegian female professionals a place to meet, socialise and network in London. With monthly meetings with everything from guided tours in the city centre to interesting speeches the members always have something enjoyable to look forward to. The non profit organisation is open to new members, annual fee for 2013 being only £25. This covers light refreshments etc on the meetings. Additional fee may apply on certain events such a wine tasting and the Christmas dinner.
Nora creates an informal meeting place for Norwegian women abroad, where all are most welcome.
© Nora i London. From Nora’s April meeting, a London guided gaslight tour
© Nora i London. From Nora’s May 2012 meeting, a evening pre celebration of 17.mai
I’m of course a member of Nora. I find it really interesting, both to meet new and old friends but also the variety of events you normally would not attend on your own. It’s a great way to explore London together with other fellow Norwegian women. I highly recommend giving it a try. You can come along to one meeting to see if this is something for you.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 14th May 2013. Follow the Nora blog to find out more.