Defining Nordic Fashion: What makes Scandinavian fashion work so well?
By Patrice Prosper
Whether we are aware of it or not, many of the modern looks that we love so much have originated in Scandinavian fashion capitals. The cities of Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm have provided internationally distinguishable fashion designers and brands such as Fillipa K, Henrik Vibskov, Mads Nogaard, Marimekko, Noa Noa, and MTWTFSS Weekday. So what makes Scandinavian fashion so appealing?
To take a better look at the Scandinavian design aesthetic we have to look beyond fashion trend and consider the work of specific Scandinavian designers. Katrín Eyþórsdóttir author of “The Story Of Scandinavian Design”, has broken down Scandinavia design by describing it as “being fairly minimalist, with clean simple lines“. Separate from traditional European art movements such as modernism or realism, the “principles of Scandinavian design” are based on function while maintaining a graceful beauty.
The simple lines in the soft silhouettes of Stockholm designer Fillipa K and effortless feel of Danish brand Noa Noa are good examples of what make Scandinavian fashion so attractive. Fillipa K’s color neutral palette make it easily to mix and match pieces for endless wardrobe possibilities. Fabrications range from cottons and denim to luxurious silks. On the other hand Noa Noa makes use of a variety of colors, prints, soft cottons and cozy wools that can inject an air of romance into any wardrobe. The brand focuses on nature and “simple Nordic design traditions” by manufacturing in an environmentally conscious way, as expressed on its website.
Fillipa K.
While the use of basic color schemes; neutrals or monochromatic elements are pivotal styling techniques for many Scandinavian designers, on the other end of the spectrum, the bold colorful prints of Helsinki’s Marimekko has captured international attention. There is something intriguing about her use of bright floral patterns and color contrasting fabrications.
Copenhagen’s Mads Nogaard and Henrik Vibskov are prime examples of beauty meets function. The collections of these two designer powerhouses offer classic style with minimalist looks and clean lines. The fresh feel of solid basics from Nogaard can be easily deemed summer must haves and his color blocking with stripes make us fall in love the print all over again. Movement and prints are two vital components present in Vibskov’s collection. His modern prints and fun use of lines can serve as a wardrobe update.
The Sun Block summer collection of MTWTFSS Weekday from Stockholm makes use of light weight cotton in solid basic colors, geometric prints and occasional bright colors. The minimalist approach to these designs makes it easy to pair separates or accessorize with statement pieces without the fear an overwhelming a look. Weekday has just launched the S/He collection which features gender neutral pieces utilizing soft tones with pops of color, a few basic shapes and key item. The Simple design elements easily lend itself to the gender neutral movement since the colors and shapes can easily be worn and styled regardless of gender.
So what key elements of design make define Nordic fashion? Here is the rundown:
- Minimalist shapes and simple silhouettes
- Monotone colors; nudes and neutrals
- Keep it separates
- Bold geometric prints
- Soft Organic textiles
It’s not difficult to see why there is global gravitation toward the Scandinavian design aesthetic. The undeniable grace and beauty that the clothing evokes through the use of colors, shapes and fabrication can work its way into anyone’s closet.
-PP
