Showing posts with label northern design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label northern design. Show all posts

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Oslo Fashion Week: Vips



When the Undorn show ended we had some time to kill before the Vips show started , so we went to a cafe to get something to drink and eat. When we went back to Posthallen it was the same procedure as last time -only this time we had to wait outside in the cold a little longer.

Finally, we got inside. I noticed this was completely different from the Undorn show. There were waitresses running around making sure everyone had something to drink. As soon as I finished my first drink, I was offered another one. Now, that's how I like it! There was also a table with mineral water for the extra thirsty ;) A lady handed me a box of little i mints with a mirror inside -might come in handy! It's so unattractive when people have food between their teeth. Having clean teeth is important... fresh peppermint breath doesn't hurt either.

There was also more people at the Vips show. When we walked in there were people everywhere. Talking. Enjoying their drinks. I couldn't help noticing some of the things people were wearing. A bald man walked pass me wearing a vest that looked like roadkill patched together. Or maybe it was an old fur coat he bought from the salvation army and then just decided to cut the sleeves off? Did it look good? No. But I applaud him for making an effort though. He looked a lot more interesting than some of the other people there. And I think he sat down at the front row... wonder who he iiiiiss..... hmmm.

Anyway, we sat down at the second row close to the photographers. I thought the view would be quite good from our seats -but no, not really.



Then the show started! "The return of the crazy housewife and the funky handyman." First there was a short retro film interviewing Swedish housewives -what's the hardest work at home? At the end there was a joke about a machine that would do all the housework for them. One of the photographers started laughing out really really loud and everyone turned around giving him strange looks. Okay it was funny, but not that funny...

When the film ended a loud vacuuming sound filled the room. A model appeared somewhere from the audience and started vacuuming the catwalk in high heels and a really cool outfit. It was a great way to start the show. After this performance the music started playing and models came down the catwalk. They looked fierce and the choreography was really fun.



The purses! Where do I start?! They all looked amazing. Just look at the pictures. All the details, colours, shapes... exquisite. The thing that really caught my attention was the brown leather belt with a flower shaped detail in a darker shade of brown. I'll have to save some money so I can buy it this fall. A cheap copy simply won't do. And who could avoid noticing the huge leather bag? It came in two different (but equally beautiful) colours. Choosing only one would be really hard. The "quilt" purse was amazing as well. It reminds me of a purse I found at my grandmothers place -only ten times better.



Vips also launched their first collection for men. You have to admit the funky handyman looks pretty hot ;) Practical and stylish bags... now you know what to get your boyfriend/dad/brother for Christmas this year.



I wish I could rewind and experience this show again. That's how great it was.

Quick question:
What do you guys think of the collection?
Should I write more about Vips and other Norwegian designers in future posts?
Leave a comment!

Pictures: Det Tredje Øyet

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Oslo Fashion Week: Undorn



It's impossible to get anywhere on time in Olso if you don't know your way around so we decided to take a cab to Posthallen. When we arrived there were already some people lined up and we had to wait outside for a while. Then they checked out names on the guest list before we were allowed inside. I can see why they chose Posthallen for Oslo Fashion Week -it's a really nice place. The only seats left where in the back but the view was great. While we waited for the show to start we saw a couple of people who stole giftbags from the reserved seats. Can you believe it?! hilarious. At the row in front of us two guys actually sat down, took the gift bags and then left before the show started... wtf?! How rude. Naturally this became the main topic of conversation while we waited. The show was a little delayed so we had time to snap a couple of pictures too.



Finally everyone settled down, the music started playing and gorgeous models appeared on the catwalk. The hairstyles and make-up looked really cool and the clothes were fantastic. The short dresses with cropped jackets were my personal favorites. I doubt I could ever afford anything from Undorn but I'll definitely try wearing something like it this fall. I also loved the little black dress worn with a thin dark green leather belt and purse. I never imagined black and dark green could look so great together. The gowns looked great as well with bare backs and tied behind the neck. It was hard not to notice the bright red satin shoes -they looked great! I'm quite disappointed I couldn't find a decent picture of them online... why didn't the photographers from Henne Magazine take close-up pictures? Argh, annoying.




pictures: GLAM & TONIC, Det Tredje Øyet

Friday, February 22, 2008


Yesterday I read at henne.no that one of my favourite designers, Kristian Aadnevik is going to rock Milan with his collection. Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Kristian Aadnevik. Sigh, perfect. I can't wait to read the review and see pictures from his show. According to the article he has used materials like chiffon, silk, fur, wool and leather. When it comes to colours we're speaking a lot of fuchsia, black, silver, gold and metallics. Style keywords: sexy, Gothic, rock. Excited yet?!
While we wait here are some pictures from his spirng/summer 08 collection -enjoy.











pictures: henne.no, kristianaadnevik.com

Monday, February 04, 2008

Karina Kjenner Titze, spring/summer 2008


THE DESIGNER: The Norwegian designer Karina Kjenner Titze (27) graduated from Esmond -Ecole Supérleure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode. At the Esmond diploma show Titze managed to get noticed as a student when she impressed everyone with eleven gorgeous outfits instead of the required three. She received "Gullnålen" (the gold needle) for all the effort she put in her work as a student. As soon as three days later she arranged her first fashion show outside the school. Today Titze owns her own showroom in Oslo, Norway where you are welcome to buy Undorn designs. It is also possible to create your own design, made by measurements and in fabrics of your personal choice.

In an interview with her in an issue of tekstilforum (nr.8, 2005) she said this about her first year in the Norwegian fashion industry: "the last year has been hard work 24/7. In addition to design projects I've had to take other jobs to make ends meet. I sell lottery tickets over the phone two nights a week while I sew. Work is everything to me. No matter where I go or who I meet, I'm a designer." Fortunately things have changed for Titze and she now has about five good coworkers who help her make things work.

STYLE: "Undorn is the thought behind all the clothes I design. It can be interpreted in many different ways, but as development, change and that one has different needs at different times." says Titze about her designs. All her designs are fantasticly glamorous and are made from soft, clear silk fabrics.

SPRING COLLECTION: Her latest collection was all about beautiful gowns, refined surroundings and glamor. The dresses looked romantic and seductive and one of the models was wearing a ridiculously expensive diamond necklace and earrings from Mont Blanc. Gorgeous pieces for formal events and more relaxed occasions.






Pictures: tekstilforum, undorn.com, Det Nye Magazine
Sources: undorn.com, tekstilforum, Henne Magazine, Inside Magazine, Fedrelandsvennen


Sunday, January 13, 2008

VIPS -very important purses.


THE FANTASTIC FIVE:From the left: Hanne Tvedt (26), Elisabeth Saxvik Hatlem (25), Line Staxrud Eriksen (26), Marie Helene Engelsen Flatval (23), Helene Westbye (26)

Everything started in 2005 when the girls were sitting in the park, drinking fine wine and chit chatting. The idyllic mood is abruptly disturbed by the sound of a polyphonic ring tone. While her hands move desperately around the bag in search of the phone, it stops ringing -like so many times before. The idea of creating a more practical purse became the topic of conversation.

A messy purse can be so frustrating! That's why these girls decided to do something about the problem...

Two years later they had managed to get a designer and establish production of the purses in China. In April 2007 the first purses from Vips could be found at stores in cities like Oslo, Asker, Sandvika and Trondheim. Their first collection "Organized Chaos" had everything from small wallets to big laptop purses. Their second collection "Feminine Business" (designed by Helene Westbye) has shoes and belts as well.

Most of their purses are made of leather, but you can also find some models that are made of canvas. For the price of 1000NOK (or more) one of these feminine and practical Vips purses could be yours. Maybe you should visit their online store and have a look?

But Vips isn't just about good looks and practical solutions. They want all their workers to have good working conditions and a fair pay. Vips want to work with producers and suppliers who can fulfill these expectations. On their website it says, "With our producers in China we feel like we're building something together. It's a start -a good start." 30% of their profit goes to projects in India, where they are trying to establish and run their own school.



Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Northern design online

sally-b.com is a charming netshop where you can get Scandinavian designer clothing. If you're one of those people who miss unique clothes and are looking for something that's not mainstream, then visit this small online boutique. At Sally-B you can find hand knit sweaters from Gudrun & Gudrun and fun print dresses from Ivana Helsinki. My personal favourite has to be the new Danish brand, Nümph. I would kill for a pair of check elvirial knickers. They look fantastic <3



Spill it!

Feedback is very much appreciated. A simple hello, suggestions on what I should write about in my posts, if you want to share a great link with me, or tell me about your own fashion blog... it's all most welcome. You can leave a comment here, or e-mail me any time at:
glamandtonic@gmail.com

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More flavours

Here's a list of my favourite fashion blogs on the internet. I love discovering new new blogs and if you have one you want to be linked to, email me!

Thank you!