The stars of the Nordic International Film Festival wore nothing but vintage on the red carpet

In its eighth year, the Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) is a key fixture amongst New York's cultural calendar, known for bringing together the brightest and best Scandinavian talent across independent cinema. This year was no exception, with screenings and proceedings taking place across the legendary Hotel Chelsea, Fotografiska and Scandinavia House, seeing Danish director Sanne This recognised as Best Director for An Eternity of You and Me, and Oscar-nominated Icelandic feature Beautiful Beings taking the Best Nordic Feature gong, amongst others.

The festival's Swedish-born, New York-based founder and president, Linnea Larsdotter Mikkelä established the festival to create something that "honoured and celebrated the filmmakers and their art," she says. "In the vision of creating a high-end festival we knew we needed an edge, and as Nordic filmmakers we had an ace up our sleeve. We knew that our home region was full of talent that needed more opportunities to showcase internationally – so we decided to create that platform."

As well as creating opportunities for Scandinavian talent, NIFF has, for many years, been climate conscious. "We were the first festival in the world to fully carbon compensate for the filmmakers who fly in, and we are completely plant-based," Larsdotter Mikkelä tells me. But this year, NIFF took things up a notch with a deliberate vintage fashion focus – in direct response to Larsdotter Mikkelä's own uneasiness with how she was often styled in one-wear outfits for the red carpet.

Cue NIFF's Director of Operations & Couture, Delia Grace, whose styling abilities became integral part of the sustainable fashion goal, including a dedicated photoshoot of the Nordic filmmakers and VIPs, aptly named 'För Älskad'. "We wanted the photoshoot to showcase how beautiful vintage, pre-loved fashion can be without sacrificing the glamour of couture," says Grace." The vintage designer gems were sourced by Grace at various stores and second-hand sites, with some pre-loved couture gowns borrowed from showrooms in New York."

"I also wanted to make sure, since we showcase the work of filmmakers from around the world, that my styling reflected and respected those cultures;" Grace goes on, "one of our filmmakers brought shoes that belonged to her grandmother and wore a skirt of her mother's, for example. I strove to find the balance between a cohesive, glamorous vibe while honouring the many cultures we are so proud to represent at NIFF."

With renowned photographer Jason Leiva on board, the 'För Älskad' photoshoot took place at Seret Studios in Greenpoint, with the sustainability focus stretching far beyond the garments. The production incorporated all vegan makeup and haircare, the latter supplied by Swedish brand Maria Nila. All food was plant-based, with leftovers provided to One Love Community Fridges, and NIFF's presenting partner Volvo supplied the heritage P1800 Volvo.

Discover the full 'För Älskar photoshoot below, as the most exciting Nordic talent, guests and VIPs paused for their portraits in pre-loved designer treasures at this year's Nordic International Film Festival: showcasing the magic that happens when old Hollywood meets a sustainable future.