#18 : Swedish Style

July 31, 2010

ARTIST OF THE MONTH:
Mathias Sterner

ANNA-SARA DÅVIK
Anna-Sara Dåvik is an unusual bird in the Swedish fashion jungle. We first heard about her in 2009 when she received well-deserved attention for her nail rings in pure 18K gold, one for each finger. That was a couple of years after she received her MA from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London.

Dåvik has no problem distinguishing between trends and style; she works with the latter in mind and strives towards enduring fashion (quite refreshing if you ask us).
Earlier this year Dåvik launched the collection Suit Yourself where she utilizes the custom-made technique—if you want an item she’ll happily make it for you—after she’s been given your measurements. In other words, she’s equally concerned about the customer as she is about being in full control over the process.

The collection itself is timeless and refined—but don’t think for a second that it’s dull! The awry proportions add a uniqueness to the pieces, as well as a touch of asexuality traces the calm and soporific colors back to her Scandinavian background. “I like it being colorful without using strong colors as such. I like harmony rather than contrast,” she says. And when asked about an object that fascinates her, she simple states “the body.”
A perfectionist guided by intuition and elegance. We truly hope to see more of Anna-Sara Dåvik in the future. Because like Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
http://www.annasaradavik.com/
By ETS

ECO CHIC
While speaking of fashion, it is rarely mentioned that producing a pair of jeans requires the same amount of water as the basic needs of one human over the course of a year, or that cotton cultivation uses one tenth of the world’s agricultural chemicals. Yet, this and other interesting facts can be learned at the ongoing exhibit Eco Chic — Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion at Scandinavian House in New York City.
Any informed and mindful person knows that clothes do not grow on the shelves of H&M, but start with a cottonseed and pass through the hands of seamstresses before ending up in the pages of fashion magazines or in your laundry basket (incidentally, 80 percent of the negative environmental impact of cotton garments comes from washing).

The exhibition is not pushing any guilt buttons, but rather highlighting fashion that looks great and happens to be made by designers whose attitudes and values reflect social and environmental responsibility. Swedish brands DEM Collective, Camilla Norrback, Nudie, and Reflective Circle are just a few of the companies included in this quiet show with a loud message.

ECO CHIC
While speaking of fashion, it is rarely mentioned that producing a pair of jeans requires the same amount of water as the basic needs of one human over the course of a year, or that cotton cultivation uses one tenth of the world’s agricultural chemicals. Yet, this and other interesting facts can be learned at the ongoing exhibit Eco Chic — Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion at Scandinavian House in New York City. Any informed and mindful person knows that clothes do not grow on the shelves of H&M, but start with a cottonseed and pass through the hands of seamstresses before ending up in the pages of fashion magazines or in your laundry basket (incidentally, 80 percent of the negative environmental impact of cotton garments comes from washing). The exhibition is not pushing any guilt buttons, but rather highlighting fashion that looks great and happens to be made by designers whose attitudes and values reflect social and environmental responsibility. Swedish brands DEM Collective, Camilla Norrback, Nudie, and Reflective Circle are just a few of the companies included in this quiet show with a loud message.

On view until August 21st. Scandinavia House. 58 Park Avenue @ 38th Thirty-eighth Street. New York, NY. http://www.scandinaviahouse.org/
By EA

PATOUF
Anna Angseryd was educated at the Swedish Cutters Academy and founded the fashion brand Patouf in 2007. Her label is inspired by all-things-French, she designs dreamy clothes for amorous yet independent young women,

All the clothes are feminine and carry a l’air de vintage. The collections are consistently well- tailored and often characterized by contrasting materials. The AW10 collection includes some adorable square-pattern fabrics, and the colors range from smoky black and navy blue to earthier, softer shades. (We especially love the strapless, chocolate brown tweed dress.)

Anna describes the image she has for her line: “A girl sitting on a bench waiting for a train to Paris. Her look is casual; she’s dressed in her favorite sweater with a soft fur lining. Drifting away in her thoughts, feeling hopeful, she sees him. His arms are wrapped around what’s-her-name. The girl gets up and walks away. She doesn’t look back.”
Seldom has our fond vision of French love affairs and solace joined forces so harmoniously. We too are considering a move to Paris.
http://www.patouf.se/
By ETS

UNIFORMS FOR THE DEDICATED
The overall purpose of Uniforms for the Dedicated is to unite various artistic expressions under one umbrella.
Since the brands first days in 2007 music and art played an integral part of the brand; as inspiration but also to communicate the collections. Each line is launched with a music release, a film, art exhibit etc. A few artists that collaborated with UFTD so far are Adiam Dymott, Style of Eye, Stuffa and Johan Idesjö

Raspberry red, pitch black, mint green, navy blue, soft grey are colors that can be found in this refreshing line of men’s street wear. The brand doesn’t put much emphasis on trends and seasonal swings. Their playful design balanced out with detailed tailoring and a dapper look make Uniforms For The Dedicated that little extra that guys (and girls) always want and will continue to desired in men’s fashion.
http://uniformsforthededicated.com/
By LK

Written by: The Swede Beat