From an abundance of folk dresses to buzzing parades and traditional feasts – this is how the Norwegian style set celebrated 17.mai
Every country has a national day but none celebrate it so emphatically and uniquely as Norwegians do. Unlike other nations – who celebrate their national day with a military parade – 17.mai is a feast and commemoration, kickstarted by the people themselves.
By lunchtime, the streets of Oslo are swarming with celebrates and onlookers alike, sporting customary folk costumes and waving home-made flags in honour of this momentous occasion. Marking the date in which Norway became an independent nation, having previously served under Swedish rule, Norwegians take to the the streets for the so-called “Folketog”: the people’s parade.
In the midst of the buzzing celebrations, Vogue Scandinavia turns its spotlight to Norway’s most stylish, celebrating their national holiday with their usual sartorial savviness.
Sara Flaeen Licius
Influencer and model Sara Flaeen Licius stuns on 17.mai in a classic Norwegian folk dress. But what particularly caught our eye was the beautiful adornment of vintage jewellery at her neck and the neatly tied silk twilly, complementing the traditional getup perfectly. We can always count on this fashion aficionado to modernise any outfit.
Janka Polliani
Janka Polliani deviates completely from her everyday vibrant attire to instead bringing forth the beautiful craftsmanship of Norwegian folk dresses. For the occasion, Polliani added beautiful roses by the collar and a prominent headband, adding a personal twist to her traditional get-up.
Hege Golf
Model and Stylist Hege Golf opts for a modern take on the traditional folk dress – adding a sleek leather belt bag, smokey eye makeup and a denim shirt – adding the perfect dose of laid-back ease to her look. The cute bonnet adds a touch of playfulness yet keeps in line with the formal dress code.
Madeleine Pedersen
The cool it-girl of Norway Madeleine Pedersen switches her usual leather jacket and vibrant handbag getup for a stunning Norwegian folk dress. Surrounded by her friends, the girls look utterly gleeful – showcasing their beautiful dresses – adding a touch of spice with stay-up stockings and contemporary sunglasses.
Nina Sandbech
Always out and about in envy-inducing outfits, fashion connoisseur Nina Sandbech celebrates 17.mai with her beloved family – who are all dressed in matching traditional folk attire. Raising the Norwegian flag and enjoying a meal with loved ones, Sandbech retains the classic Norwegian folk dress style, accessorising with just a pair of cat-eye shades.
Marianne Theodorsen
Marianne Theodorsen is known for her joyfully colourful and maximalist outfits, but her 17.mai ensemble veered more towards personal and sentimental side. With her family by her side, Theordorsen celebrated the day dressed in Tromsbunad, being the traditional bunad outfit of Troms in Norway, where the style maven hails from. As a master of playful accessories, Theodorsen completely the look with a scarf and jewels at the collar.