Haaning & Htoon wins prestigious designer award Nåløyet

And they pulled it off nicely with a catwalk show that challenges Oslo Fashion Week.

The event was filled with celebrities, industry people and fashion bloggers. The mayor of Oslo, the famous art collector Christian Rignes, the could-have-been Norway’s answer to Kate Middleton and the dynamic super-duper duo Simen Staalnacke and Peder Børresen were among the attendants.

But when the attendants took their seats, the spotlight turned to the nominees of the evening.

In a dimmed blue disco light, violinist Marthe Krogh opened the show with a spectacular performance to a cheering audience. A promising start to the prestigious fashion award.

Best accessories designer

For the first time in Nåløyet’s history, the award show now includes a category for best accessories designer. The hostess of the evening Ellen Arnstad, editor of HENNE magazine, and jewellery designer Rikke Harsheim, were proud to announce the winner of this new category; Bjørg Jewellery.

Inspired by old myths, winner Bjørg Jewellery has created an extraordinary collection combining feminine and edgy design.

- Bjørg Mathiesen of Bjørg Jewellery has designed something unique with a great potential, said jury member Arnstad.

The jury’s final decision was based upon the recognition Mathiesen has received abroad, and the designer’s ability to adapt to the constantly changing business

Best fashion designer

In the category best Norwegian fashion designer, the eight nominees presented their work in a diverse and tightly scheduled runway show. The contestants consisted of vastly talented designers, making this year’s award ceremony a highly competitive one.

First out was Flinga, whose focus was upon feminine and soft garments. Vatle had a stronger statement, showing a collection with resemblance to femme fatale look. Yet, it was the laid back elegance of Veronica B. Vallenes’ design and Helje Hamre’s modern expression that caught the attention of the audience.

However, it was the professionalism and quality of Haaning & Htoon that wooed the jury. The winner duo combined femininity and masculinity quite successfully in their collection. Their classical design had a modern twist to it, which made the collection stand out. The high quality of their luxurious fabrics added a strong statement, much loved by the audience.
- It’s great to get this kind of recognition, said a surprised Htoon. Marianne Haaning agreed:
- It really gives the brand a head start.

Haaning & Htoon also received 150.000 NOK from Innovation Norway, a money price sorely needed in the Norwegian fashion industry.

When asked about the jury’s final decisions, Ellen Arnstad expresses her enthusiasm for the winners potential with the Norwegian, Scandinavian, and international marked.

Haaning & Htoon have experience from the high fashion industry, a vital learning experience of understanding how to succeed. Bjørg Jewellery is engaged in a collaboration with high street brand Urban Outfitters, a result of the recognition the designer’s has gotten abroad. Both winners enthusiastically accepted their awards, mentioning the advantages Nåløyet will give them.

Nåløyet has previously been a part of Oslo Fashion Week, but this year marked a fresh change. As the event wrapped up, there was no doubt about HENNE magazine’s success.

- It’s been a tough process, and a great challenge to arrange this big event on our own. However, the success of the evening proves it was the right decision, said a satisfied Ellen Arnstad.

Foto: Steven Stieng