6 Young Designers Disrupting the Swedish Fashion Scene
As highlighted in the Swedish Fashion Council’s recent [X]perience activation in Stockholm.
The Swedish fashion scene is going through a change, much like the industry in the rest of the world. At the center of this shift is the Swedish Fashion Council, led by CEO Jennie Rosen alongside creative director Robin Douglas, who brought the fashion community together for two days in Stockholm to spotlight some of the most exciting local names in the game.
Dubbed [X]perience, the off-calender event was all about discussing topics like sustainability, inclusivity, accessibility and the decentralization of fashion, while highlighting exciting designers and artists that keep these issues at the core of their work. “Sweden has a unique combination of an outstanding force of innovation, a widespread focus on sustainability and creative excellence. By applying all of these strengths, Swedish fashion has the opportunity to play a leading role in the future of the fashion industry. SFC’s Stockholm [X]perience is the first step in introducing the New Era of Swedish Fashion and strengthening Sweden’s position on the international fashion arena,” Rosen speaks of the event, which was a mix of fashion shows, presentations and showroom openings that not only served as a stage for fashion labels, but also rising beauty brands, artists, musicians and more.
Along with [X]perience, the Swedish Fashion Council launched FASHION X, a new digital platform analyzing the fashion industry from a social, political, economic and creative lens. For its rollout, the SFC partnered with Stockholm-based publication NUDA PAPER to print MODE 2022, an expansive book featuring Our Legacy, EYTYS, Anna Uddenberg, FEBEN and many more.
Continue scrolling to explore the young designers disrupting the Swedish fashion scene as it enters a new era, as highlighted by the Swedish Fashion Council.
Beate Karlsson
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Born in Stockholm, Beate Karlsson now serves as the creative director of the Florence-based label AVAVAV. The former Pyer Moss accessories designer is now well-recognized for her quirky aesthetic, which is reflected through her standout pieces such as over-the-top furry boots and four-toe boots. At Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, the designer showcased a collection where every single model fell on stage while wearing pieces inspired by the idea of “looking rich.” Most recently with the support of the Swedish Fashion Council, Karlsson presented an exhibition featuring designs from her archive.
FEBEN
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FEBEN, who is currently on the London Fashion Week schedule, is known for the twisted silk technique used on her dresses. The designer, who is Ethiopian but born in North Korea and raised in Sweden, is informed by her experiences growing up in creating each collection. A few scrolls on the Central Saint Martins graduate’s Instagram and you’ll find numerous celebrity fans, such as Jorja Smith, Ashley Graham and Michaela Coel.
HODAKOVA
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Helmed by Ellen Hodakova Larsson, HODAKOVA is one of Stockholm’s most exciting fashion talents creating new looks out of deadstock and existing garments. Some of the designer’s signature pieces include the Buckle Baguette bag made out of pre-loved belts, which is a common theme also found on the rising label’s skirts and vests. Having showcased a buzzy collection at Paris Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2023, HODAKOVA teamed up with the Swedish Fashion Council for an experimental perfume launch featuring fragrances in bottles made out of previously owned bottles.
Jade Cropper
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Supported by the Swedish Fashion Council as part of its SFC [Incubator] program, Jade Cropper is a Stockholm-based designer who launched her namesake label in 2020. Already loved by It girls like Gigi Hadid, Veneda Carter and Julia Fox, the brand headed to the Swedish capital’s Loyal Gallery for a presentation showcasing the creative’s denim skirts, knitted dresses and more.
Rave Review
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Rave Review, helmed by Josephine Bergqvist and Livia Schück, marked one of the highlights throughout the Swedish Fashion Council’s [X]perience launch. The designer duo hosted a runway show for their SS23 collection, which was previously unveiled in a lookbook. A continuation of the brand’s aesthetic combining bold prints and various textures, the presentation was a love letter to Midsummer.
“Yes, we live in a country where summer is way too short. It all comes down to this day because the morning after, it will literally become darker again. So, we dress up, arrange ambitious flower ornaments, and prepare a feast. While the next day, facing a massive hangover, hopefully with good but fragmental memories,” Bergqvist and Schück speak of the collection, which uses upcycled fabrics. “Everything we do derives from our Swedish heritage and the upcycled fabrics we use, like old ditsy flower sheets, curtains or tablecloths have all been sourced from the Swedish market. They’re all instantly recognizable and represent a sense of time and place that this collection and lookbook manifest.”
Selam Fessahaye
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Selam Fessahaye presented her first runway about four years ago and only took two years to become loved by megastars like Beyoncé. For the Swedish Fashion Council’s [X]perience event, the designer invited guests to explore her studio in Stockholm, filled with archive clothes and accessories all the way from when she was a costume designer and stylist. Her space was filled with her collection of tulle dresses in voluminous silhouettes along with vintage treasures.
