Stepping outside of her knitwear comfort zone, Woodling founder Siv Elise Seland presented a collection plucked straight from the atmospheric Norwegian coastline
A craggy coastline, waves beating at sandy beaches, rugged trees rustling by a summer breeze, grass growing wildly around the dunes – this is Jaeren, the landscape that Woodling’s designer Siv Elise Seland draws on for the spring/summer '24 collection. Known for her work in knitwear, this season Seland went outside of her comfort zone to present linen sets, tucked silk dresses and exaggerated collars crafted from broderie anglaise inspired by the bunad (Norway’s folk costume).
But knitwear is still where Woodling shines. Layered fuzzy mohair dresses with matching cardigans found their way onto the runway, some rendered in a sultry loose-stitched for sheer effect. A pair of white knitted open chevron stitch shorts paired with two soft sweaters and tall black boots stood out among the line up, speaking to the Nordic idea of a ‘late summer sweater’ thrown atop hot-weather garb.
Two years ago, Seland moved the brand’s knitting machines into her Jaeren-based studio-slash-house – a reconstructed barn surrounded by her “family-tribe”. It’s a continuation of the long Norwegian heritage of craftsmanship, moving production closer to the brand’s coastline base. “The Woodling collections are always contemporary with references to Norwegian traditional craftmanship,” explains Seland.
Jaeren can also be found in the colour palette of the collection. Algae green mingle with off-white sea foam, a sunset orange off-set deep blue seas. The collection, in its monotone looks and blocked colour ways, paints a true picture of the Norwegian landscape itself.
Discover Woodling’s full SS24 collection below:
Woodling - SS24
