We profile Norwegian fashion during London Fashion Week. Look out for these three brands!

 

NORWEGIAN RAIN

Born from Bergen’s infamously rain-drenched climate, Norwegian Rain makes functional efficient rainwear that also boasts the dramatic silhouettes of Byronic heroes. Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights and Caspar David Friedrich would find something in these collection. The secret is in the brand’s genesis: co-founder T-Michael brings serious tailoring skills and the memories of a Ghanaian childhood to the table while Alexander Helle, an astute business nouse and a fascination in Japanese aesthetics. The two will cite ‘innovation through tradition’ as their goal, but the innovation – technically and aesthetically – goes way beyond, creating a label that is as successful internationally as it is romantic and practical.

www.norwegianrain.com

 

EPILOGUE BY EVA

Epilogue by Eva was founded in 2004 by Eva Emanuelsen, designer, buyer and entrepreneur. “Our design is clean and minimalistic, with an architectural elegance,” enthuses sales director Katrine Kirkerud. “We use natural fabrics of high quality and the colour palette is neutral and timeless, inspired by Norwegian climate and nature.” And yet, for such a classical collection, Epilogue packs a surprisingly beautiful punch. There’s enough innovation to lend the brand enormous and continuing interest. Take spring/summer 2015, for example, where metallic knits, 3D-surfaces, laser inspired lace and sheer fabrics sit side by side with abstract prints and flower motifs over slouchy Hepburn-esque suiting.

www.epiloguebyeva.com

 

HAANING & HTOON

“Scandanavian minimalist meets British cool’ is how designers Min Htoon and Marianne Haaning bill their sophisticated label (Htoon, who graduated with an MA from Central St Martins, represents the latter part of the equation). The work, inspired by travel and art, is rich and various, blending riffs on 1970s chic, sportswear, folk, androgyny and more. The result is clean but powerful, with long lines that flatter the female form and a wonderful play in fabrics, from embroidery and subtle prints to metallics. Haaning and Htoon aim their work at “the strong independent woman, traveller and student of life,” says Min – and it shows. Key pieces this season include a knitted poncho and a dramatic cape dress.

www.haaningandhtoon.com