Celebrating Circular Style: Stockholm's Slow Fashion Gala
On Thursday, November 7th, Stockholm hosted the highly anticipated Slow Fashion Gala 2024 at Clarion Hotel. This vibrant celebration of sustainable fashion, organized by Clarion Hotel Stockholm in collaboration with Stina Loving, Therese Forsberg, and Mikaela de Verdier—the founders of Slow Fashion Hub on Hornsgatan—brought together designers, creators, and advocates of circular fashion. Known for their work in establishing Södermalm’s Slow Fashion District, these founders have become instrumental in fostering a thriving community for re-use, sustainable design, and second-hand fashion.
Slow Fashion Hub
A Day of Inspiration, Panels, and Pop-Ups
The event kicked off at 1:00 p.m. with a series of pop-up shops, offering attendees a curated selection of vintage, re-used, and sustainably designed garments. This pop-up experience gave slow fashion enthusiasts a unique opportunity to shop consciously while mingling with like-minded individuals in a celebratory atmosphere.
One of the day’s highlights came at 4:30 p.m., with an insightful panel discussion moderated by Jennie Dahlén, a well-known author and sustainability advocate. The panel brought together influential voices in the slow fashion movement, including:
Alice Bah Kuhnke, EU Parliamentarian from the Green Party
Jennie Grute, Director General of Medveten Konsumtion
Maria Soxbo, journalist and sustainability speaker
Susanne Eriksson, project leader at Wargön Innovation
Together, they discussed the urgency of sustainable choices in fashion, the environmental impact of fast fashion, and how re-used and vintage fashion is leading the way toward a more circular future. Their conversation resonated with attendees, shedding light on the cultural and environmental significance of making mindful fashion choices.
Hulda Anderson, Emelie Norberg, Jackie Hammar
An Unforgettable Slow Fashion Runway
The evening’s highly anticipated fashion show at 7:00 p.m. showcased innovative designs crafted entirely from pre-existing materials, re-used fabrics, and upcycled clothing. As models graced Clarion’s Catwalk, audiences were captivated by the creativity and uniqueness of each piece, proving that fashion doesn’t require new materials to be inspiring. The event boldly illustrated the movement's motto: there’s no need for new clothes when circular fashion holds endless possibilities.
The diverse collection displayed on the runway was a testament to the skill and vision of Sweden's slow fashion designers, who are pioneering a creative, planet-friendly approach to style.
The artists: @vazoffical
Honoring Excellence in Slow Fashion
Following the show, it was time to recognize the night’s award winners. These accolades honored individuals and businesses making a significant impact within the slow fashion community:
Årets Slow Fashionista: Emmy Holmer, celebrated for her commitment to a sustainable wardrobe and her advocacy for mindful fashion choices.
Årets Re-Designer: Emelie Norberg, recognized for her innovative re-designs that breathe new life into old garments with creative flair.
Årets Slow Fashion Butik: Fab Studio, a beloved local shop that has become a beacon of sustainable fashion in Stockholm.
Each winner exemplifies what slow fashion is all about: transforming fashion through creativity, mindfulness, and sustainability.
Networking, Music, and a Future of Fashion
The event continued until 10:00 p.m. with a pop-up mingling session featuring a live DJ, setting the perfect tone for networking and shopping sustainably. Guests had a chance to connect with the designers behind the pieces, shop unique collections, and celebrate the collective creativity within Stockholm's slow fashion community.
A Sustainable Closet’s Perspective
As representatives from A Sustainable Closet, we had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with several creators throughout the event. Each designer and business owner we spoke to expressed a shared vision of a circular future for fashion, one that values quality over quantity, creativity over consumption, and the enduring appeal of re-used and re-imagined clothing.
The Slow Fashion Gala 2024 was a remarkable reminder of the potential for change within the fashion industry. Events like this are paving the way for a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand. For all who “älskar återbruk” (love re-use), vintage shopping, and making magic with what we already have, the Slow Fashion Gala is an event not to be missed.