Three Scandinavians & A Golden Tractor

When someone says “A collection designed by three Scandinavians”, it would most likely not conjure images of lurex jackets, bright patterns, checked three piece suits & golden tractors, but with the ‘Moods of Norway’s’ Autumn/Winter 2009 collection comes a definitive look that is just that.  ‘Moods’ is a clothing line that is best suited for the customer with absolutely confident style identification.  These customers are influenced by the quirky musings of Sir Paul Smith or the rich layered patterns of Etro & would no doubt find bespoke comfort in these undeniably upbeat pieces.   ‘Moods’ looks beyond the typical fashions seen on the streets for inspiration & gives men & women alike an excuse to have troughs of fun with what they are wearing.  Example:  each jacket is embroidered with a gold lurex “347,147” at the cuff button placket.  Units sold perhaps?  Yes, but not of ‘Moods’ jackets — but rather of tractors in Norway.

Inspired by their years of jet-setting around the globe, Simen Staalnacke & Peder Borresen began to conceptualize a brand that referenced their nights of sizzling cocktails & international exploits.  With the addition of one final designer, Stefan Dahlkvist, came the final component needed to give rise to 'Moods of Norway'.  The three designers had one common goal – to produce a clothing line for both men & women that emphasized great style & exuded happiness.

The Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection recently debuted in LA with the opening of its first American flagship on tony Robertson Boulevard, complete with its real life gold painted tractor in the middle of the sales area.  The line is incredibly eclectic in style & fabric range.  Each season the designers break down the collection into three categories of Cocktail, Casual, & Street.  It is very reasonably priced — with pieces that range from $25.00 to $850.00 — so one could conceivably purchase a three piece blue & orange plaid suit or perhaps a valor track jacket that shouts the labels namesake across the back & still have money left for dinner to boot.  Silk blazers in silver, black & pearl are embossed with floral detailing, & are meant to be paired with any one of the large range of polos and t-shirts all adorned with the line’s signature gold tractor.  This assortment, that is obviously attention grabbing at times, borders on zany, yet with enough thoughtful styling the feeling is overall sophisticated & substantial rather than frivolous & temporal.

Staalnacke, Borresen & Dahlkvist are hopeful to open more locations across the country with New York City topping their short list.   With the times affecting everybody’s mood, isn't it uplifting to support new talents that truly consider a customer’s well being?  These Scandinavian men are intending to brighten their customer’s moods through the attire they produce & the stories they weave.  Fashion and clothing is meant to be fun, a message that is sometimes lost or forgotten, & with 'Moods of Norway' comes a definitive statement which serves to remind the wearer of that notion every time he puts on a piece.  Lest you forget… just read the “Made In” label… it states: “Made somewhere in Europe by really hot blondes”.  Enough said.

www.moodsofnorway.com

-Kai Baukol & Scott French