Scandinavian MIND

20/09/2024

We are speaking with Erik Ulin, a Swedish-born, New York-based executive working at the intersection of fashion and technology. Erik is currently running the consultancy 0600 LLC, where he offers management consulting services to players in the fashion-tech space, including SoldThrough, Threedium, and Maison de Sabré.
In this episode, we talk about: How running J.Lindeberg in the US helped Erik understand the lack of data in the fashion industry, why we need standardisation when it comes to technologies, what fashion brands need to do to understand tech better, and how AI can boost a fashion brand
Host: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder of Scandinavian MIND.

Erik is currently running the consultancy 0600 LLC, where he offers management consulting services to players in the fashion-tech space, including SoldThrough, Threedium, and Maison de Sabré. In this episode, we talk about: Host: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder of Scandinavian MIND. 

18/09/2024

Finland has, yet again, presented a new generation of innovators, exploring new ways of utilising several of the most predominant waste streams. We speak to Susanna Björklund and Harri Kalliomäki, Senior Lecturers at LAB University of Applied Sciences, about the eye-catching Habitare exhibition.

Finnish design profile and Senior Lecturer at LAB, Susanna Björklund, had an idea, that the LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts would create a sustainability exhibition for the country’s leading design event, Habitare. She reached out to the second-, third-, and fourth-year students at the ...

03/09/2024

As we prepare to publish all the content from our events in Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen, editor-in-chief Konrad Olsson reflects on his highlights from this year’s Transformation Conferences.

”Fashion needs to learn how to speak tech. One common comment from all the tech companies present is how hard it is to find people to speak to at fashion companies. Is it the sustainability person? The commercial department? The CFO? CEO? Hardly ever is there a Chief Technology Officer present at fashion companies.”

As the dust settles after the 2024 season of Transformation Conference, I wanted to clarify the multiple insights gathered at our flagship activity. Having done it now for four years, expanding from Stockholm to Helsinki to – most recently – Copenhagen, it has become a tent pole event, not just ...

30/08/2024

In this week’s podcast episode, we hear our conversation with Achim Berg, recorded live at Transformation Conference in Copenhagen earlier this month.
We talk about: The current state of the global fashion and luxury market, lessons learned from running The State of Fashion report for eight years, and his upcoming book, Future of Fashion
Hosted by Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND

We talk about: Hosted by Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND. 

30/08/2024

We gathered fashion industry stakeholders at the eighth edition of our flagship event in for panel talks, keynotes, and round table discussions, on the topic ”Can data save fashion?” Thank you all for coming!

30/08/2024

We gathered fashion industry stakeholders at the eighth edition of our flagship event for panel talks, keynotes, and round table discussions, on the topic ”Can data save fashion?” Thank you all for coming!

30+ photos from Transformation Conf. Stockholm

23/08/2024

The podcast is back from summer! We report from the latest editions of Copenhagen Fashion Week and CIFF.
We are speaking with: Anne Marie Mondrup, Co-Founder and COO, BetterChoice, Daniel di Benedetto, Regional Director Euro North, Centric Software, and Kata Börönte, XR Project Manager, MANND.
We talk about: Using tech to get rid of greenwashing, the rise of the data debt — and how to handle it, and a “no bullsh*t” VR experience shedding light on the unethical fast fashion industry
Hosts: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, and Johan Magnusson, Senior Editor, Scandinavian MIND

We are speaking with: We talk about: Hosts: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND. Johan Magnusson, Senior Editor, Scandinavian MIND.

22/08/2024

CHART Director Julie Quottrup Silbermann chooses the new names to watch, and highlights the growing awareness of how the art industry can be more sustainable ahead of three intense days in Copenhagen.

Next weekend, in the heart of the Danish capital, CHART welcomes 36 galleries from the region to the 12th edition of the leading Nordic art event. — Ever since when the fair was established, in 2013 by five Danish galleries, the idea has been to create an entrance point to the Nordic art scene, Di...

20/08/2024

According to Oscar Rundqvist, co-founder of eComID, it’s a matter of driving positive change and making a real difference for brands, and customers.

The challenge of managing product returns in the fashion industry is one I’ve witnessed firsthand during my tenure leading the digital customer experience at H&M. This persistent issue, plaguing nearly every brand, motivated me to seek a comprehensive solution, culminating in the founding of eComI...

19/08/2024

Don’t miss our flagship event Transformation Conference, which once again takes place at Stockholm Fashion District on 27 August.

Learn about innovative solutions, get an update on upcoming EU legislation, and network with leading minds in the fashion and tech industries. More info and RSVP here: t.ly/qedDM

Speaker list:

Anna Berne/Filippa K , Emma Stjernlöf/Syre, Erik Lagerblad/H&M Group Ventures, Daniel di Benedetto/Centric Software, Linda Pimmeshofer/Change Retail, Jenny Wärn/TrusTrace, David Thunmarker/Impulso, Staffan Olsson/GS1 Sweden, Simon Hjelte/NOMS, Marja-Liisa Niinikoski/Suomen Tekstiili & Muoti ry, Amanda Thorén/Bencha, Fashion researcher Nayara Moià, Fredrik Ekström/Above The Clouds, and Konrad Olsson/Scandinavian MIND

14/08/2024

Sofie Dolva and Konrad Olsson on stage at CIFF during the first-ever Transformation Conference Copenhagen last Friday. Thank you all for coming!
We’re looking forward to the third edition of Transformation Conference Stockholm on August 27. Schedule and signup are now available online, visit scandinavianmind.com.

01/07/2024

Together, PaperShell and STILFOLD can enable the production of everything from sustainable façade panels to design objects for both indoor and outdoor use.
— They have a process for folding steel to create load-bearing 3D structures. We have a paper technology where we use traditional metal forming technologies. Quite natural to merge! PaperShell founder Anders Breitholtz says.
— This partnership gives us an opportunity to further develop our technology and production capacity, says Jonas Nyvang, co-founder and CEO of Stilfold.

Many so-called bio-based materials have fossil-based binders often exceeding 50%. The Swedish innovation PaperShell, however, is 100% bio-based, which makes founder Anders Breitholtz call it groundbreaking. — It’s poised to revolutionise sustainability and innovation, he states. It’s pressable...

20/06/2024

In this week’s podcast episode, we revisit a panel discussion from the Transformation Conference in Helsinki a few weeks ago, where we discussed the opportunities and challenges for designers in a more fragmented fashion landscape.
We will hear from: Jenny Hytönen, designer, Anna Semi, designer and teacher, Aalto University, Ervin Latimer, designer & founder of Latimmier, and Alice Bouleau, Principal & Head of Creative Pole, Sterling International.
Host: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND.

We will hear from: We also share a short introduction to the article “Nordic fashion needs a new north star,” by authors Evie Kivi and Maria Ervast. Host: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND. 

19/06/2024

Oliver Dahle reports from the biggest and most influential men’s fashion trade show which gathered nearly 800 brands in Florence. Read and hear from Raffaello Napoleone/Pitti Immagine, Anna Sofie Dolva/CIFF, Giorgia Cantarini, Molebo by Bosswik, Eton Shirts, Robert Talbott , and more.

In the last few years, the fashion and clothing industry has met many difficulties. First came COVID, followed by a changing geopolitical situation, that has led to a pressing economy globally. In the last years a slew of retailers — department stores, etailers, mono-brand- and multibrand stores ....

18/06/2024

Trend expert Stefan Nilsson shares his highlights after intense days in Copenhagen. Read about initiatives from Toogood & Faye Toogood, Vitra, Noma, Massproductions, and Juslin Maunula, and the state of 3daysofdesign and the design industry in 2024.

According to Nilsson, the 2024 edition was even stronger than previous ones, with ”nicer experiments and more innovation.” — I give it a ten out of ten. I like how they maintain a Scandinavian focus but still allow international players to be part of this. The overall conversation was about n...

12/06/2024

”There is a new generation of talent that grows up realising that fashion, while still cool, is definitely unhealthy.”
Konrad Olsson shares Observations from two conversations on the future of Nordic fashion.

It’s not always you are blessed with visiting Helsinki two weeks in a row, but that’s exactly how I started summer season here at Scandinavian MIND. First, with our Suomen edition of Transformation Conference during Fashion in Helsinki two weeks ago, and then hosting a special session on Fashion...

07/06/2024

We report from Finland’s fashion week, where shows, exhibitions, awards, and our very own Transformation Conference took place last week. We also share three conversations, with Jani Niipola, Executive Director, FASHION FINLAND, Laura Juslin & Lilli Maunula, founders of the design studio Juslin Maunula, and Sara Martinsen, Exhibition Producer and Co-curator, Designmuseo and SOFiA iLMONEN, designer.

We talk about: The importance of building bridges between commercial fashion and creatives, how to turn ugly materials into something beautiful, and the rise of a Finnish repair movement.

Hosts: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND and Johan Magnusson, senior editor

We share three conversations: We talk about: Hosts: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND.  Johan Magnusson, senior editor

05/06/2024

Swedish fashion entrepreneur Johan Graffner/Dedicated Brand takes us behind the scenes to unveil the hidden truth about 22% of the world’s production.

I was shocked when my friend Sreeranga told me the story about his dear friend, a cotton farmer in Gujarat, India who after a long time of growing debt to the wholesaler of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides finally made the decision to commit su***de. Apparently, this is not uncommon among farmers u...

04/06/2024

TrusTrace’s Jenny Wärn: ”Those who do not will be left behind, and, worst case, if they are not able to comply, ultimately not be able to exist in the circular marketplace of the future.”

TrusTrace is a traceability data and compliance management platform for fashion and textiles, working to empower companies with the data they need to know, prove, and improve the impact of their value chains.  — What makes us unique is our ability to collect, validate and analyse data at scale, m...

03/06/2024

In the latest podcast episode, we are reporting from fashion’s biggest sustainability conference — Global Fashion Summit — in Copenhagen. We give our key takeaways from the event and discuss with Faith Robinson from Global Fashion Agenda, the organisation behind the event.

We talk about what issues were most important, how do they select their guests, and Faith’s own highlights

Hosts: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND and Oliver Dahle, Editor-at-large

Fashion brands, sustainability experts, and policymakers gathered in the Danish capital to discuss our industry’s pressing issues. We were on the ground, conducting interviews and listening to the talks. In this episode, we will give our key takeaways from the event and discuss with Faith Robinson...

03/06/2024

Last week, we gathered designers, executives, and tech innovators for an afternoon of panels and keynotes at Hotel St. George Helsinki. Thank you all for coming, and we hope to see you at Transformation Conference in Copenhagen and Stockholm in August!

Here are the photos from Transformation Conf. Helsinki

31/05/2024

Last week, the fashion industry’s key players gathered in Copenhagen for the annual Global Fashion Summit, organised by Global Fashion Agenda, to tackle sustainability challenges. This year’s theme, ”unlocking the next level,” focused on evaluating progress and urgently addressing future actions.
Hear from Faith Robinson, Geraldine Vallejo/Kering, Eva Kruse, Christiane Dolva Törnberg/H&M Foundation, Ahmed Zaidi/Hyran Technologies, Namrata Sandhu, Jules Lennon/Ellen MacArthur Foundation, António de Sousa Maia, Lars Fogh Mortensen, Paul Polman, Ryan Gellert/Patagonia, and more.

Over the course of three days, events, talks, and roundtables were held to discuss and share knowledge on the state of the industry and how to move it forward. The summit was organised by Global Fashion Agenda, a non-profit organisation aiming to accelerate the impact on sustainability within the te...

30/05/2024

In the age of better use of resources, Bonnie Hvillum, Kim Lenschow, and Dinesen explore the potential of four different wood materials — including sawdust — aiming to bring it to market.

How to transform the discourse of design for equal synergies between human, nature, and space? Copenhagen-based Natural Material Studio is proposing a new design typology and terminology based on systemic methodologies, centered around their own, biobased materials. Last year, the studio was awarded...

29/05/2024

Worldfavor’s Ulrika Sandberg shares the steps required undertaken by the companies that the new legislation targets.

Worldfavor is a leading ESG platform that helps companies manage sustainability data and drive change. The platform enables businesses to collect high-quality ESG data directly from their value chains, to make informed, sustainable decisions and in that way drive sustainability.  — We provide too...

28/05/2024

In the latest podcast episode, we are revising the latest edition of Virtual Creativity Live, which we recorded in front of a live audience at the Lynk & Co showroom in Stockholm. In this episode, you will hear from: Olof Lindh, Founder, Kive, Linda Pimmeshofer, Founder, Change Retail, and Thomas Hana, Co-Founder, Naughty Society.
We talk about:
How a brand will evolve in the age of artificial intelligence
How creatives should use generative AI in their marketing material
And the opportunities available for retail

Hosted by:
Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder of Scandinavian MIND

In this episode, you will hear from:  We talk about:  Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and Founder of Scandinavian MIND. 

27/05/2024

The 2024 International Program shall signal a new era of international ambition with Copenhagen at its heart.
— As we work to build bridges between Copenhagen and hubs around the globe, we look forward to meeting and sharing with local industry and friends, old and new, and finding new ways of working together for the benefit of the wider industry ecosystem we are all a part of, says Anna Sofie Dolva, CEO, CIFF.

CIFF’s International Program furthers the discourse around Scandinavia’s growing global role within the fashion and apparel industry, showcasing the best of domestic and regional creativity and brands and opening channels for cooperation and exchange. First conceived in 2018 as an international ...

27/05/2024

Transformation Conference is a unique, pan-Nordic, cross-industry gathering that aims to address the textile industry’s most pressing challenges. Established in 2020, the event brings together stakeholders across the fashion ecosystem, including designers, executives, tech innovators, and investors. Join us at Hotel St. George Helsinki on Wednesday, together with our speakers: Annamari Vänskä/Aalto University, Ane Lynge-Jorlén, Evie Kivi, Maria Ervast, Jenny Hytönen, Anna Semi, Ervin Latimer/Latimmier, Fredrik Ekström, Milja Hannu-Kuure/ Brightplus Oy, Jenny Wärn/TrusTrace, Konrad Olsson, and more.

29 May 2024 • 14.00–17.00 Hotel St. George Helsinki, Wintergarden, Yrjönkatu 13, 00120 Helsinki, Finland Conference entry is free of charge Scandinavian MIND x Juni Communication Powered by Programme 13.45 Registration 14.00 Opening words By our moderator Konrad Olsson, Founder & Editor-in-Chie...

23/05/2024

Entrepreneur Patrik Sandhu Wilén’s view on his industry, after many sleepless nights before launching: ”We usually find solutions when we really have to.”

The key concept for new Swedish bed company Videung is circularity and modularity. When founder and CEO Patrik Sandhu Wilén run a bed store, he was disposing his clients’ old beds — and threw away vast amount of valuable materials. Making them in a different way comes with its difficulties. —...

22/05/2024

The rising stars of Nordic fashion are longing for a new north star. Hearing from the young designers of Finland — Evie Kivi, Maria Ervast, Risto Kirjonen, and Eveliina Lehtisalo — it appears that building a meaningful career in fashion has never been as difficult as it is now. In this article, the emerging talents of Finnish fashion shed light on their current reality and propose a path forward that is more sustainable — also spiritually.

Reports on the Finnish fashion ecosystem have been puzzling in recent years. Every other news article seems to be about fashion graduates being awarded at Hyeres, or Aalto University being yet again ranked among the world’s best design schools. The other half of the news is either reportage on ate...