The vibrant prints, clean designs and innovative approach of Scandinavian designers have captivated Paris. As autumn set in, Paris Fashion Week showed a trend inspired by the northern light. The Finnish women's wear label Ivana Helsinki is one of the first Scandinavian designers to do a major catwalk show in Paris. And this summer the Musée des Arts Décoratifs held an exhibition of contemporary Finnish design, showcasing Marimekko fabrics, while shops dedicated to Scandinavian clothes designers are cropping up in the city's hip quartiers.
The current trend away from fast fashion and toward more sustainably and independently produced designs might explain, at least in part, the rise of Scandinavian designers. Ivana Helsinki and Norrback, for example, exemplify the current mood for ethical luxury, producing their clothes with locally made and, where possible, organic fabrics.
Information and photos taken from International Herald Tribune and www.ivanahelsinki.com.
