Tiger of Sweden AW14 - Mercedes Benz Stockholm Fashion Week

Tiger of Sweden show was definitely the best way to wrap up Stockholm Fashion Week. "Tiger of Sweden is for Stockholm Fashion Week like Dior is for Paris Fashion Week. They always choose a cool venue and put on a great show!" - overheard in the crowd waiting outside of Magasin 9, placed just in Stockholm's industrial port (on my list of the best fashion show venues I've been to along the years).

The AW14 collection was a fusion of 70's tailored silhouettes and rock'n'roll attitude. With a steady colour palette , predominant in various textures of black, shades of grey, brown and subtle hints of pale pink and metallic burgundy, the androgyny looks are continued in the womenswear line and are building a signature image for the brand. Key garments include a minimalist cut blazer and an unlined, graphic plaid print coat. Monochromatic patterns and a strong sports influence strengthen the feeling of a modern, relaxed feminine look.

While Tiger of Sweden still concentrates it's main activity in Sweden and sees Stockholm Fashion Week as it's "home ground", the company has future plans to expand on the international fashion market, in cities such as Paris and New York. We can only hope it happens soon! We all need some Tiger of Sweden in our lives.

Rookies - Swedish Fashion Talents 2014 - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Stockholm

Rookies is a project run by the Swedish Fashion Council in collaboration with local design schools,  retail companies, press and media agencies to promote emerging Swedish designers and boost their careers within the fashion industry. The project started in 2005 and has since showcased a large number of promising design talent selected by a highly knowledgeable and experienced jury. Some of the members, among others, include: Margareta van den Bosch from Hennes & Mauritz; Thomas Hägg, of Thomas Hägg PR & Communication; Robert Nordberg from Plaza Magazine; Anna Nortenius from Tjallamalla; Göran Sundberg, Beckmans School of Design and jury chairman: Helena Mellström from the Swedish Fashion Council.

Below is a list of my favourite fashion Rookies, which I think showed some great potential this year and each of them come with a short introduction and presentation of the collection.

MALIN HENNINGSSON is a Swedish jewellery brand that focuses on experimental products of unconventional materials. It was founded in 2013 by Malin Henningsson, who is both an artist and designer with a Masters degree in Fine Art and a Bachelor degree in Jewellery Art, both from Konstfack College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm. 

The first collection "Jocalia aeris" is based on a series of nine styles; each part representing one step on a long and complex process of inspiration. Influences are taken from tools, historical navigational instruments, architecture, female explorers and ethnological studies of African ancient tribes. The materials such as brass and marble are brought together in a challenging and unconventional form where a strong attention to detail and tactile quality is visible.

Castor Pollux is driven by tradition and propelled by innovation - embodies uncompromised design and craftsmanship for self-minded connoisseurs. The AW14 collection has been inspired by the tailored Neapolitan tradition that has existed in Southern Italy for generations. The collection contains elements of typical Neapolitan unstructured garments in exclusive materials of both buttons, details and fabrics from prestigious well-known fabric manufacturers in Italy. 

Isabell Yalda Hellysaz is a Swedish/Persian fashion designer. Isabell Yalda Hellysaz wants to explore a more human alternative and concentrate on the essence of fashion, design, craftsmanship, details and materials. Aiming to explore mobility within comfortable tailored clothes, focusing on the details, creativity and craftsmanship, Isabell Yalda Hellysaz design sophisticated high-end garments. The brand's clean and minimalistic lines create a futuristic and contemporary design.

WILHJA wishes to offer an exclusive visual expression of experimental elegance that is a celebration of the endless possibilities in creativity. The collection presented at Rookies shows manipulated chiffon that is torn and pleated by hand to give volume to a dusty, detailed surface with raw edges and fringes that brings life to the creation. The inspiration for this collection was found in majestic creatures as dragons and polar bears, that are both beautiful yet bold in their solitude. It was not only their magnificent fur and scars that was enchanting, but also the core and spirit of their mystical aura.

Ida Klamborn AW14 - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Stockholm

Playing with various perspectives and creating a visual spectacle of multiple angles, emerging designer Ida Klamborn was the highlight of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Stockholm. Gaining the attention of the press and buyers, she has been included in the "ones to watch" designers category with a powerful collection and show. Raising the stakes with a live performance by Swedish rapper Silvana Imam, the second day of #MBFWSTHLM was finished off in glory by Ida.

The AW14 collection features a lot of folds and layers with geometric cuts that create an optical illusion of the silhouette. The straight lines turn into rounded curves and the flat shapes become three-dimensional. The entire collection is like a pop-up book with beautiful surprises and architectural garments to be discovered with the movements of the models. The clothes become alive with the movement of the wearer.

Different shades of pink (fuchsia, hot pink, blush pink and raspberry sorbet) are combined to create a graphic print that looks like a deconstructed camouflage pattern and are used throughout the collection. 

Ida Klamborn is a Swedish fashion designer, situated in Stockholm. The language and focus in her work can be seen as a balanced union between colour, shape and material where the momentum is to explore and develop simple ideas. Her BA degree collection received the prize "Italian Fabric Award" which lead to a collaboration with an Italian fabric company and the result was exhibited during Milan Fashion Week 2012.