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Four Under-The-Radar Brands That Scandi Style Fans Need To Know

info@hypebae.com (Hypebae)  Mon, 02 Sep 2024  Hypebae

Now in its milestone tenth year, Oslo Runway is a vibrant celebration of all things sustainable and Scandinavian, where the essence of Scandi style is more palpable than ever. While Copenhagen Fashion Week may be stealing the spotlight as Scandinavia's most famous fashion event, Oslo Runway remains a hidden gem, deeply rooted in Norway's capital. It's the birthplace of popular brands like Holzweiler.

This year, Oslo Fashion Week once again demonstrated its commitment to showcasing the crème de la crème of Norwegian fashion. It's a captivating blend of seasoned industry leaders and exciting emerging talents, all sharing the runway. With over 30 Norwegian brands participating, familiar names like Line of Oslo, Envelope1976 and Pearl Octopuss.y made a strong return, while fresh faces such as Christian Aks, 1313 Selah and Josephine Studio brought a fresh perspective to the scene.

As the week unfolded, we picked out a few of our standout favorites, read on to find out more.

Christian Aks

Oslo Fashion Week, SS25, Pearl Octopuss.y, Christian Aks, ENVELOPE1976, Livid,

Ever imagined what heaven might look like? And no, we don't mean the typical clouds in the sky. If heaven was a minimalist room, it'd be the Christian Aks set for its Spring Summer 2025 show. Founded by brothers Christian and Frederik Aks, the Oslo natives have grounded their philosophy in creating for the ready-to-wear customer, and this season was no exception. With nature being a huge inspiration behind the brand, this season's show focused heavily on embracing clean lines and delicate contrasts. With flowy, flower-pressed translucent fabrics and soft serene hues, the collection captured a dreamy, ethereal essence -- as if each piece was kissed by a gentle breeze.

The runway opened with a model in a voluminous black dress, a simple yet bold statement that immediately set the tone for the collection. The dress, with its subtle sheen and elegant drape, floated effortlessly as the model moved down the runway. It was the perfect balance of structure and fluidity, an ode to the brand's skillful ability to create pieces that are both wearable and visually striking.

Envelope1976

Oslo Fashion Week, SS25, Pearl Octopuss.y, Christian Aks, ENVELOPE1976, Livid,

Co-founded by influencer and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen fan, Celine Aagaard and Pia Nordskaug, ENVELOPE1976's Spring Summer 2025 show, "The Ceremony", was a hauntingly beautiful affair. Set in Oslo's historic Jakob Church of Culture, the show perfectly embodied this season's inspiration: weddings, funerals, and everything in between. The candle-filled, ethereal church created a dramatic atmosphere and blended the sacred with the avant-garde, evoking a sense of solemnity and reverence.

The runway was a monochromatic dream of black and white, showcasing a mix of tulle, leather, crushed velvet, transparent veils and shearling fur. It was a wardrobe fit for the modern bride and groom, with a twist. The soundtrack, "Sadeness Part I" by Enigma -- a track which recently went viral on TikTok, added an atmospheric edge, reinforcing the show's moody, contemplative tone. Heavily inspired by Aagard's perspective on marriage in addition to the various bridal gowns sold by the brand, the initial idea for the collection surrounds the topic of what one should typically wear to such ceremonies.

One standout look featured a floor-length white gown, which was the closing look of the show -- a simplistic tulle white bridal gown, with an edge.

Pearl Octopuss.y

Oslo Fashion Week, SS25, Pearl Octopuss.y, Christian Aks, ENVELOPE1976, Livid,

Founded by Cathrine Børter, Pearl Octopuss.y began as a jewelry brand and has now expanded into apparel, proving that clothing can be just as sparkly and glamorous. The SS25 show, "ECLIPSE," opened with dark, flowing fabrics in deep blacks and inky blues, evoking the mystery of the night sky. Sleek, sophisticated silhouettes balanced sharp, structured elements with soft, fluid designs.

A highlight was a tailored jacket paired with a billowing skirt, embodying the contrast between rigidity and fluidity -- much like an eclipse. As the collection progressed, warm tones of gold and burnt orange emerged, reminiscent of the sun during an eclipse. The designs remained bold yet refined, with clean lines showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Accessories were minimal, featuring sleek, futuristic geometric jewelry that complemented the modern aesthetic. The show concluded with a shimmering floor-length gown, capturing the brilliance of an eclipse's corona, reflecting light with every step.

Livid

Oslo Fashion Week, SS25, Pearl Octopuss.y, Christian Aks, ENVELOPE1976, Livid,

If Our Legacy had a Scandinavian counterpart, it would be Livid. Known for its exceptional denim and deep roots in the fabric, Livid has evolved far beyond its origins, branching into a wider world of apparel. With fabrics carefully sourced from Japan and Europe, founder Jens Olav Dankertsen clearly prioritizes enduring quality and craftsmanship.

The Fall/Winter 2024 show, held inside the striking U.S. Embassy, was a masterful blend of the brand's denim heritage and minimalist sophistication. Dark denim jackets paired with wide-legged jeans demonstrated precision in both fit and finish, a testament to the brand's expertise. Sleek jumpsuits and oversized trench coats in soft, neutral tones offered a modern, utilitarian edge to blend function with understated style. Adding to that were fluid, silky blouses to introduce a gentle contrast. Its delicate shimmer catching the light from the central water feature added an almost baptismal atmosphere to the space.

The show concluded with a floor-length dress in charcoal gray. Each piece in the collection reflected Livid's journey -- deeply rooted in tradition but always moving toward new horizons.

For more Fashion Week news, read about GANNI moving to Paris Fashion Week.

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