Stockholm’s Slow Fashion Gala 2024 —Meet 3 Outstanding Brand Exhibitors
AS STOCKHOLM EMBRACES THE CRISP AUTUMN AIR, THE SLOW FASHION GALA 2024 OFFERS A MUCH-NEEDED BURST OF VIBRANCY AND ELEGANCE, SHOWCASING THE VERY BEST OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION THE SCANDINAVIAN CAPITAL HAS TO OFFER. SET AGAINST THE VIBRANT BACKDROP OF STOCKHOLM’S FASHION SCENE, THE SLOW FASHION GALA CELEBRATES INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, FOCUSING ON ETHICAL PRODUCTION AND TIMELESS STYLE. THE EVENT HONORS DESIGNERS, BRANDS, VINTAGE STORES, AND CREATORS WHO ARE PIONEERING ECO-CONSCIOUS FASHION. AS THE SEASON SHIFTS, SHOWCASED BRANDS PRESENTED THEIR TOP FALL LOOKS, OFFERING A GLIMPSE INTO THE LATEST STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE TRENDS. WE ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW THREE FOUNDERS ACROSS DIVERSE CATEGORIES: A SLOW FASHION BRAND, A JEWELRY BRAND, AND A VINTAGE STORE.
words by EMILIE JONSSON
photographs COURTESY OF SLOW FASHION GALA & BRANDS
Behind The Scenes
As I step into the grand banquet hall on November 7th 2024, at the Clarion Hotel in Södermalm, Stockholm, I am immediately enveloped by an air of curiosity and excitement. The atmosphere hums with energy, a celebration of fashion in full swing. Guests arrive in a stunning array of attire, from bold, extravagant ensembles bursting with color and daring textures to minimalist, effortlessly sophisticated looks. Each individual expresses their unique style, yet all share a common bond—a deep appreciation for sustainability and the principles of slow fashion. Amid this blend of creativity, conversations flow freely as guests share stories, ideas, and visions for a more mindful approach to fashion. It’s not just about clothing, but a movement that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and respect for the planet.
Gala’s Founding Story and Award Winners
At the heart of this movement are Stina Loving, founder of her own brand, and her fellow co-founders of the Slow Fashion Hub, Therese Forsberg and Mikaela de Verdier. Together, they have played a pivotal role in establishing the Slow Fashion District in Södermalm—a vibrant enclave now home to Stockholm’s most coveted vintage boutiques and cutting-edge slow fashion labels. “This gala aims to be a positive force in the industry, and we’re still discovering the role it will play in Swedish fashion as this is our debut year,” shares Loving. “My hope is for it to grow into an event that truly makes a difference, showcasing diverse perspectives—from innovative brands to vintage boutiques—and sharing both knowledge and inspiration.” At the gala, awards were given for Redesigner of the Year, Slowfashionista of the Year, and Slow Fashion Store of the year. The winners were:
Redesigner of the year: Emelie Norberg
Slowfashionista of the year: Emmy Holmer
Slow Fashion Store of the year: FAB Studio
3 Outstanding Brands from Stockholm's 2024 Sustainable Fashion Gala
01 — LOST POEM
Founded by Mengqi Yang and Saadia Haji in 2023
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A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
Can you tell us about the design you showcased here today and how it reflects your values around slow fashion?
Yang: The design showcased here includes a pearl necklace worn by a woman paired with a second-hand dress we found in Oslo. The dress beautifully highlights the jewelry. We focus on very small-scale production, selling items first and allowing them to sell out before producing more, to avoid overproduction. Additionally, some of our pearls are recycled.
How do you ensure that both aesthetics and sustainability are given importance in your collection?
High-quality pearls can only be produced in clean water, making the preservation of our oceans a core value for us. Protecting the environment is essential to continue enjoying the exquisite gifts that nature provides, such as pearls.
What inspired you to work with slow jewelry?
I used to work for a fast fashion brand, but I have always loved vintage and been inspired by vintage styles, especially from the 1920s, which is evident in some of our jewelry pieces. So the simple answer is that it came naturally to me. Today we want to encourage customers to cherish and wear our jewelry for life. True timelessness for us means the pieces go with everything and can be effortlessly combined over time.
02 — JO-JO STOCKHOLM
Founded by Karin Liljekvist in 2023
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A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
Can you tell us about the design you showcased here today and how it reflects your values around slow fashion?
It's about reuse, but I want to present it in a luxurious way. A luxurious packaging of a lace curtain that might not be used at all in interior design today but suddenly becomes an elegant garment, a blouse or a skirt. I work a lot with what I find, but lace has become somewhat of my signature.
Do you work with collections or by seasons?
Yes, I work a bit with collections. This shirt is part of a collection I call 'White Recycled'. But I don’t really work by seasons. Instead, I focus more on themes and making sure the pieces can be worn throughout the year.
What challenges do you face as a designer when trying to create fashion that is both sustainable and appealing to customers?
Sometimes, there’s an attitude that remade items aren’t luxurious. My challenge is to design each piece with the same attention to quality and craftsmanship as a high-end product. I want customers to feel just as comfortable buying a shirt from a luxury brand as they would one made from upcycled materials. I always aim to create something beautiful, focusing on the visual aspect. The reuse shouldn’t be visible—you shouldn’t be able to tell it’s upcycled. Instead, you should think, “Wow, what a beautiful shirt!”
03 — NINA’S NUGGETS
Founded by Nina Campioni
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A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
Can you tell us about the design you showcased here today and how it reflects your values around slow fashion?
I wanted to show a modern look, a relaxed yet elegant look with autumnal tones that anyone can wear. Burnt brown and orange tones, but also a touch of pink, create a nice autumn mix. And then a luxurious faux fur coat draped over the shoulders. Everything is, of course, second-hand from my vintage store Ninas Nuggets.
Tell us more about your concept?
Nina's Nuggets are my nuggets, meaning my carefully selected vintage gems. I personally buy items during my travels, but I also accept pieces on commission. These are handpicked items from what other people want to sell through me.
What attitudes do you encounter among customers regarding slow fashion and second-hand items?
Generally, I think more and more people are shopping second-hand, but many still need help finding what they’re looking for, as it can be time-consuming to search for the perfect pieces. However, I have clients who are looking for something special, whether it's for a prestigious event like the Nobel Prize ceremony or just for everyday wear.
Further Reading
