Daily Front Row

2010 February 24

Nordic Invasion

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Muriel Piaser
fashion director, The Train & The Box View Gallery

Over the weekend, NYC welcomed a new set of designers to the U.S. shores with The Train & The Box tradeshow featuring collections from a slew of Nordic companies for their Western debut. "This season the Nordic designers are the most fashion forward combining creativity, marketing and price; which corresponds directly to the buyers attending this season's Train & The Box," said Muriel Piaser, fashion director, The Train & The Box. "I feel it is very important to give them an alternative to what is already on the market. These brands are already established in their home markets and I saw a great opportunity for crossover appeal." And appealing they were among the event's numerous exhibitors. Described as more of a "large showroom, very selective and intimate", press and buyers alike perused the usual Train and Box venues for established clothing an accessory brands but it was the introduction of this new section, The Engine, where up and coming designers were able to display their collections that proved to be a show highlight. "We want these designers to grow through the exposure we bring them and move from The Engine and end up in The Train," Piaser added. A few to keep on your radar: Norway’s Elton & Jacobsen with a street style collection featuring hints of art and science fiction with a sporty twist. Finland’s fashion rock star Tiia Vanhatapio's self-titled collection of "va va voom cocktail dresses" and a rocker edge. Sweden’s Ida Sjostedt's line of tongue-and-cheek elegance recommended for women who don’t take dressing up too seriously. Plus, Islaet, designed by Denmark’s Trine Jespersenen that encompasses Scandinavian expression injected with a diverse and colorful London influence.