Mood Swingers

“...Our medium is the garments and our stories are true.”

Not your dad’s plaid; Stefan, Peder, and Simen make fashion fun for everyone

~by Kristi Francis

Norway has invaded. Armed with waffle-making grandmas and a golden tractor, the designers behind the Moods of Norway have set out to capture the hearts and attention of the style savvy. Their recently opened flagship on the famed shopping haven of Robertson Boulevard in Beverly Hills features sleek suits, casual hoodies, and funky floral or plaid patterns in eye catching hues on everything from blazers and vests to tunics and t-shirts. With the goals of making happy clothes for happy people while making grandma proud in the process, the three Norwegian designers, Peder Børresen, Simen Staalnacke and Stefan Dahlkvist, have created a remarkably fresh look that perfectly compliments the casually carefree California lifestyle. “We wanted to tell exotic tales from the tractor filled Norwegian countryside. Our medium is the garments and our stories are true.”

Above is the slick purple "Atle Tonning" blazer and slick purple "Even Flo" slacks. Below it is the "Dessi" sparkling navy dress.

While many fashion houses reflect the times with somber hues, the Moods of Norway stand as a fresh breath of Norwegian air with their bright,  daring patterns and colors. The brand also offers men’s and women’s apparel that can be inconspicuously worn in any office. In fact, there are three distinct tiers in their collection; Norway casual, Norway street, and Norway cocktail.

One step inside their new store transports you to a cheerful Norwegian paradise. Half of the store flaunts the natural beauty of Norway with murals of fjords and the rolling green hills of the homeland against dressing rooms that resemble quaint outhouses. Venturing farther inside will reveal the second half designed to echo grandma’s cabin complete with wood paneled walls adorned with grandpa’s skis and waffle irons that bring a homey, rustic ambiance to the high-end fashion display.

The brand — born of swinging cocktail parties and international adventures — puts a traditional Norweigian spin on the hottest current trends. Their “Rune Tonning Shiney Flowers blazer,” a silvery silk suit jacket with warm floral pattern that’s anything but boring, was the most talked about piece of fashion at the Grammy style lounge. Donned by everyone from daring design darlings like Gwen Stefani to rock legends like Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, the brand is a magnet for cutting edge musicians seeking signature styles.

[ moodsofnorway.com ]