The 3 Scanditeers
Think you know Scandinavian design?
These 3 brands are here to make you think again. Cult labels from across the region, Carin Rodebjer (Sweden), Susanne and Maria Holzweiler (Norway), and Stine Goya (Denmark) and have built reputations for themselves as innovative thinkers, not just in design terms but also in the way they add sustainability into everything they do. We’ve partnered up with them to give you an insight into their brains and their wardrobes, with interviews here, and a collection of pieces from each designer’s wardrobe and from their catwalk collections, which is available to shop now.
All proceeds of the sales will be donated to the Marsha P Johnson Institute (https://marshap.org,) our Pride month charity. Marsha P. Johnson was a drag queen and activist, and a prominent figure in the pivotal Stonewall uprising in 1969 in which the queer community began actively fighting the authorities for their right to exist. Today, the Institute protects and defends the human rights of black transgender people.
So, let’s dive right in!
Stine Goya @stinegoyastudio
Danish designer Stine Goya launched her label in 2006 with the idea of shaking up Scandinavian design, adding some of the region’s rich history of colour and print into the minimal aesthetic. Over the last 14 years, Stine’s blend of playful silhouettes and rich fabrics have given her a loyal following, underlined by her adoption of sustainable techniques throughout her brand.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
For us, sustainable fashion has meant - first & foremost - a specific focus on working with sustainable and/or recyclable materials. As we began to invest heavily in understanding the landscape, educating ourselves and suppliers, integrating circularity into our operational structure became the logical next step.
How are you influenced by your city when creating?
Copenhagen’s influence is visible in almost every collection, and there’s a comfort in designing with something I know so intuitively.
How do you carry sustainability through into your everyday life?
Action. Think about concrete behavioural changes that will make a difference - however small.
What does your dream sustainable fashion wardrobe look like?
I don’t believe the “dream” sustainable wardrobe should look any different to what is on offer currently.
Sustainability should not be synonymous with sacrifice.
How would you sum up Vestiaire Collective in 3 words?
Progressive, circular, community.
Carin Rodebjer @rodebjerofficial
Rodebjer makes fashion with wit, heart and conscience. what more could you want from a brand than that? Swede Carin Rodebjer founded the brand back in 2000, not only to create great clothes, but also with a philosophy rooted in feminist and environmental values. Since then, the brand has won awards, pushed the boundaries of sustainability, and become something of a cult favourite for stylish women everywhere.
Why did you decide to collaborate with Vestiaire Collective?
I have always loved the resourcefulness and uniqueness of vintage clothing and nowadays it feels more modern than ever. Vestiaire Collective is such an amazing platform.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
It means that garments have longevity and can live over a long period of time, being re-sold and bought over and over again. Sustainability is a conscious choice from everyone; customers, designers, brands and stores.
How does feminism intersect with sustainability in your brand?
Equal rights are sustainable and the only way going forwards - the same can be said about gender, race and class, of course.
How do you carry sustainability through into your everyday life?
I try to think about what I invest in and I try to limit my travels.
How would you sum up Vestiaire Collective in 3 words?
Modern, unique, relevant
Maria and Susanne Holzweiler @OfficialHolzweiler
Founded in 2012 by siblings Susanne & Andreas Holzweiler (and joined by Maria Skappel Holzweiler in 2014), they started out with scarves made from silk, lambswool & cashmere, and today has grown into a full ready-to-wear label, known for their artistic collaborations as much as they are for their positive contributions to both environmental and social impact.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you both?
For us it means taking responsibility and really caring, being curious to know more, and always pushing ourselves to be better. Sustainability has always been important for us, but the last few months have proven to the whole world that we really can make big changes. And we should.
How are you influenced by your city when creating?
We both have a huge passion and love for our home city, Oslo, and we’re influenced by everything from the people in the streets, architecture and of course nature, which is a big part of the Norwegian living.
"The last few months have proven to the whole world that we really can make big changes."
Susanne & Maria Holzweiler
How do you carry sustainability through into your everyday life?
We believe in the power of making small changes. For example, Maria cycles to work every day, and has challenged the team to leave their cars at home and bike to work.
What does your dream sustainable fashion wardrobe look like?
It’s small, much smaller than my wardrobe is today, and wouldn’t have a single piece in it that we don’t use.
How would you sum up Vestiaire Collective in 3 words?
Sustainable, assertive, innovative.