What are the particular challenges facing Nordic designers?
We are such a small region, and there aren’t enough jobs, so we encourage them, and help them, to go abroad. In addition, we’re also a mid-market region, and if they want to work in high-end fashion, they should begin by working for international labels to build their skill sets, network, and understand the business.
Is the support Alpha provides intended to help these designers become brands?
Yes and no. We empower them and help them gain a footing, and we encourage them not to start their own from the get-go. Some of them are hoping to launch a brand, and we help them with mentors, showrooms, and retail connections. Some designers want to work for other brands, and we connect them with labels and recruiters.
What’s the blueprint for building a brand in this challenging environment?
Understanding the business, having a business plan, being authentic and creative, connecting with community, and being responsible.
Yeruul Ariunsansar, The Swedish School of Textiles
Asger Beyer, The Royal Danish Academy
On their Instagram, the designer describes the “denim trompe l’oeil process [pictured here and consisting of] 4 layers of tulle (two sky blues for the bleached denim effect, one ivory tulle for the cotton yarn, one navy blue to create a twill effect) piqued onto a layer of cotton organdie for support and comfort.”
Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com
Lauri Greis, Aalto University
A look from the designer’s “Karelian Sportslore” collection, the starting point for which was his grandmother’s folk costume.
Photo: Sofia Okkonen / Courtesy of Alpha
Kathrine Kirk, The Royal Danish Academy
The designer’s double-bonded cotton Two Box Dress.
Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com
Enni Lähderinne, Aalto University
On Instagram, the designer describes this look as a “monofilament knit gown and pants [with] iron waist jewel and silver earrings.”
Photo: Sofia Okkonen / Courtesy of Alpha
Petra Lehtinen, Aalto University
Petra Lehtinen took consumerism and clothing storage as archive as the starting point for her collection.
Photo: Sofia Okkonen / Courtesy of Alpha
Yu-Chen Lin, Aalto University
Knitwear and repair informed Yu-Chen Lin’s collection.
Photo: Sofia Okkonen / Courtesy of Alpha
Abbas Mandegar, The Swedish School of Textiles
Titled Made in Pakistan, this collection was based on Mandegar’s own, painful experience in the garment industry and through it, he wrote, “I express these intense emotions and share a part of my journey from a child laborer to a designer.”
Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com
Jens Nilsson, Beckmans College of Design
The designer describes this look thus: “Needle felted mohair embellished inside out duffle cape, with striped jersey fringe dress, knitted tubular headpiece, and carica 3D-printed eyewear.”
Photo: Mathias Nordgren / Courtesy of Alpha