Here come the Swedish!
….said no one, ever! But, I found it curious that at my new job at Nordstrom, that three very prominent fixtures in our Designer’s/Collector’s section feature Swedish designers/brands. Being unfamiliar with them myself, I did a little research…
Toteme
With the striking exception of their trendy, embroidered wool blend scarf jacket, Toteme at first glance may seem a bit boring. Based in Stockholm and founded a decade ago by Elin Kling and Karl Lindham, their “singular aesthetic” aims to be just that: wardrobe-essential staples that are timeless, effortless, and easy to shop. Not until I read Alice Cary’s article for British Vogue dated December 2023 did I realize how many celebs were fans of the brand: Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kendall Jenner (among others). A glance at their webpage (or better yet, their soon-to-be year-old flagship in London), immediately gives us to understand the interconnection between their designs, art, and architecture. The brand is noted for its distinct silhouettes, perfected cuts, and elevated fabrics rooted in “Swedish sensibilities.”
Cecilie Bahnsen
I was recently shamed by a customer who knew much more about this designer than I do! Apparently, her offerings used to be bolder, but it’s hard to imagine that the super puffy sleeves on an ethereal cream-yellow dress could get that much bolder! Effortless in this instance takes on a new meaning: the clothing is meant to feel effortless on the body, with breezy, gauzy, lacy, pieces that are made with, as described on her website, as “fabric that is lighter than air that drift across skin like clouds.” Power dressing? Maybe not, but these clothes embrace romance and feminism in a way that also offers a range of motion and comfort.
BITE Studios
Founders of “By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress,” Veronika Kant and William Lundgren in 2016 imagined a new vision of luxury, inspired by the raw beauty of Northern Sweden, and eco-conscious with a slow design process and organic fibers. Similarly to the two previously mentioned labels, BITE proffess to minimalism and femininity, although to my sensibilities (at least based on the Nordstrom buy) this brand offers cutting-edge style in a very selective, curated way. It’s safe to say that the fabrics used very much guide the designs at this nouvelle maison, as the very strictest of guidelines apply to any materials used in production. It’s always a feel-good to support a brand that supports our planet.
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Sincerely,
Kristina
