Iconic knitwear brand Dale of Norway.Bertine Monsen/Oslo Runway
Oslo is not widely known for its fashion, let alone its fashion week. But with two cool siblings nearby (Copenhagen and Stockholm), and an industry that prides itself on its traditions, craft and quality, the Norwegian capital is the centre of a fashion scene worth paying attention to.
In late August, Oslo Runway, Norway’s fashion week platform, celebrated its 10th anniversary with three tightly packed days showcasing the best in Norwegian fashion and offering fresh insights into its future. Spoiler alert: It’s a future built on community, traditional techniques and a sense of elevated Scandi style.
Here are the big themes of the week.
Norwegian knitwear reigns supreme
If there’s one thing Norwegians know, it’s effortlessly stylish knitwear. So it came as no surprise that the country’s most iconic knitwear brand, Dale of Norway, kicked off the festivities with an electric yacht ride to Hovedoya island for a panel discussion on Norwegian craftsmanship and how to inspire the next generation. As part of the event, three local stylists were invited to rework the label’s current collection in inventive ways, bringing its traditional pieces firmly into the future.
O.A.D., an offshoot of Devold of Norway.Oslo Runway
Later, at Oslo’s Botanical Garden, Woodling’s spring-summer 2026 presentation reflected the surrounding nature. Light-as-air knits took on fungi-like forms in soft shades that were occasionally disrupted by acid greens and tomato reds.
The name that kept coming up among guests, however, was O.A.D., an offshoot luxury line from the oldest knitwear brand in the country, Devold of Norway. Founder and creative director Maria Lilly Flakk has spent the past three years building the label, with a focus on contemporizing traditional patterns and techniques. O.A.D’s Oslo pop-up at luxury retailer Steen & Strom exemplifies the brand’s refined character, with swoon-worthy sweaters and scarves alongside rare vintage Scandinavian furniture and artworks.
Past, present and everything in between
The International Library of Fashion Research.Bertine Monsen/Oslo Runway
Looking to the past was a common theme, but no one did so more passionately then Elise By Olsen, founder of the International Library of Fashion Research. The library, located in front of the National Museum, holds more than 15,000 pieces of contemporary and avant-garde fashion media, including rare books, magazines, show invitations and backstage passes. Together with co-founder and head of communications Else Skalvoll Thorenfeldt, who worked at Parisian haute couture house Maison Margiela from 1990 to 1994, By Olsen has created an inspiring setting for panel discussions, talks and collaborations.
On the runway, Celine Aagaard’s collection for Envelope 1976 was also a trip down memory lane. Elements drew inspiration from different eras of the creative director’s life, yet stayed true to the brand’s modern ethos. Shearling coats in cow and leopard prints, draped wool scarves and matching accessories reflected the elegance of a bygone time, while the stark neutral palette and updated styling – such as shearling miniskirts over leather pants – gave the collection a fresh feel.
Christian Aks styles a faux-fur pillbox hat with a matching coat.Martin Rustad Johansen/Oslo Runway
Less is more
In the painted halls of the old Handverkeren meeting house, Christian Aks sent out a collection that seamlessly merged strong, structured shapes with soft, billowing fabrics (just when you thought minimalism had peaked). A modern-day version of the pillbox hat, which seemed to dominate the runways and streets of Oslo, came in a soft, coiled faux fur and paired just as easily with a matching coat as a sheer draped dress.
It’s easy to spot a well-made garment when all of the bells and whistles are removed, and that’s the feeling one was left with after seeing Elisabeth Stray Pedersen’s 15th collection for ESP. One look that stood out: a rust-coloured three-piece set (jacket, skirt and pants) in fine merino wool with a contrasting embroidered stitch along the hem.
The standout three-piece set from ESP.Oslo Runway
The next generation
Highlighting emerging talent is an essential part of fashion weeks across the globe, and Oslo Runway made it clear that it’s investing in the next generation. Students who were up for Steen & Strom’s Talent Award were included in many events, and three graduates hailing from fashion schools across Norway were chosen to present their collections and exhibit them at the luxury retailer.
Graduate Ola Moe was awarded the prize at Oslo Runway’s opening night ceremony at the Munch museum. Moe’s collection, called “Where Do We Go When We Fall Asleep,” drew inspiration from folklore, fairy tales and traditional folk costumes. A sense of whimsy pervaded the exaggerated silhouettes and historical tailoring – a quality not often associated with Norwegian design, but a refreshing new direction nonetheless.
The writer travelled to Norway as a guest of Oslo Runway. It did not review or approve the story before publication.
