Category: shopping

The international luxury shopping scene in Oslo has definitely evolved during the last few years, but aside from the well known designer houses there are some local – or Nordic – brands that you might want to know about. Here is a list of Norwegian and other Nordic brands that might be hard to find elsewhere.

1. Aphru.
One of my personal favourites, Aphru is what you get when you couple Norwegian comfort with Italian design and quality. Timeless pieces for women in high quality materials, designed in Norway and made in Milan, Italy. I adore the simple, timeless designs and the trademark Italian finishing. This is a brand you will not find anywhere else, but will fall in love with if you are into minimalistic design and functional materials. Why not grab one of their dresses or tops for your flight home. The store is located in shopping center Paleet, Karl Johans gate 37-43.

2. By Timo.
The feminine, vintage-inspired dresses from by TiMo have taken the fashionistas around Europe and beyond (their designs are available at Barneys in New York) by storm. The brand was founded by Ms Tine Mollatt, who is still the heart and soul – creative director – for the company. A visit to their store in Oslo (in the same shopping center as Aphru) is like a little escape: the boutique is decorated with plants and vintage items for a unique experience. Paleet, Karl Johans gate 37-43.

3. Swims
As counterintuitive as it sounds, it’s actually quite logical that the people that wanted to make galoshes (those rubber things you pull on your shoes on rainy days) orange come from Norway: it’s a country where you wear galoshes a lot. Any time of the year. However, it was while he was studying in New York that founder Johan Ringdal came up with the idea to start Swims. Swims is a living proof that weatherproof can be stylish, and with their galoshes, shoes, coats and other accessories for men and women, rain won’t ruin your day or style. The Swims brand store is in Prinsensgate 25.

4. Illums Bolighus
This Danish design department store Illums Bolighus is not a Norwegian brand, but carries several Norwegian lifestyle, fashion and home brands among a large number of other Nordic and international designers (for example Georg Jensen, Decadent, Iittala, Alessi). From Norwegian brands, you’ll find here for example the minimalistic ceramics from Meant, watches from the Oslo-based watchmaker Harper & Brooks and beautiful, stone-like soaps from Stone Soap Spa. Being Danish, Illums Bolighus carries a large number of Danish kitchenware, home textile, fashion and accessory brands. Definitely worth a visit! Address: Haakon VIIs gate 10.

5. Filippa K
Known for its minimalistic designs and high quality, Filippa K offers both trendy and timeless fashion for men and women. Øvre Slottsgate 11.

6. Marimekko
The Finnish design icon known for its colourful print textiles and stripe t-shirts also has tableware and accessories, such as canvas bags. Marimekko truly has redefined “timeless” when it comes to design: for example their classical stipe shirt design is over 50 years old, yet never gets old or outdated. Øvre Slottsgate 17.

Outdoor gear
If there is one thing the Scandinavians do better than anyone, it’s definitely outdoor gear. And it’s not a surprise, as nature is an integral part of the Nordic lifestyle – whether it rains or shines.

7. Norrøna
One of the top brands is Norwegian Norrøna. High quality, functionality and cool design come together in their collections that are designed by activity: skiing, biking, hiking, surfing and so on. They are also committed to sustainability and offer services for fixing their products, so you don’t have to buy a new one. The Norrøna flagship store is located in Akersgata 30.

8. Bergans
Another Norwegian outdoor brand is Bergans, which manufactures everything from clothing to tents, backpacks and hiking equipment. Bergans flagship store: Kronprinsesse Märthas plass 1.

9. Haglöfs
Haglöfs is a Swedish outdoor brand that makes clothing, backpacks, dry bags and also has footwear. Grensen 8.

10. Fjällreven
The Kånken backpack was designed in 1978, and is still the best selling product from the Swedish outdoor brand Fjällreven. Karl Johans Gate 19.

While most visitors associate Oslo with nature, the Viking ship, the Holmenkollen ski jumping tower or a blooming architecture scene, the city has quickly become also a great shopping destination.

The best thing about shopping in Oslo is that all luxury brands are located in a small area right downtown, between Karl Johans gate and Nedre Slottsgate. As with all shopping in Norway, it’s good to keep in mind that most shops are closed on Sundays. Most high-end stores open at 10AM and close at 6 PM Monday to Saturday.

Here are our top picks for designer shopping in Oslo:

1. Hermés 
   Famous for its scarves, handmade handbags and other leather accessories, the iconic French brand is located in Nedre Slottsgate 15. The two-storey store offers a nice selection of goods for men and women, including items from the Hermés ready-to-wear collection. If you are looking for a specific item, I would recommend that you contact the store before your arrival – the sales associates are very helpful.
2. Louis Vuitton
   The classic French luxury brand is located in Nedre Slottsgate 13. You’ll find mostly handbags, leather accessories, scarves and shoes for men and women in this store, but if it’s something in particular you are looking for we recommend you give them a call in advance to learn if they have the item available in store.
3. Burberry
   You’ll find the British luxury fashion house in Nedre Slottsgate 9. The store has a selection of handbags and other accessories, scarves and a nice selection from their ready-to-wear collection, including the classic trench coat in various models.
4. Bottega Veneta
   Next door to Burberry is Bottega Veneta, the Italian luxury brand known for its woven leather handbags. The store has a selection of handbags, shoes and other accessories. Their address is Prinsensgate 21, however the entrance is on Nedre Slottsgate side.
5. Saint Laurent
   Saint Laurent is ne of the newcomers in the Oslo luxury shopping district. The store has a particular focus on handbags, however you’ll find a selection of shoes and other accessories as well. Address: Nedre Slottsgate 13-15.

   

6. Jimmy Choo
   Opened late summer 2018, Jimmy Choo is one of the latest additions to the Oslo designer scene. The store carries a wide range of shoes and some handbags and accessories as well. The store is located in Nedre Slottsgate 17.
7. Balenciaga
   The Spanish designer brand is one of the new brands that have opened a store in Oslo during the last couple of years. In this store you’ll find handbags, shoes, accessories and a selection of clothing from their ready-to-wear collection. You’ll find Balenciaga in Nedre Slottsgate 8.
8.  Moncler
   The Italian luxury lifestyle clothing brand has a small Genius store in Nedre Slottsgate 13.
9. Gucci
   A luxury fashion district would not be complete without this iconic Italian brand. The store carries a good selection of handbags and other accessories, as well as ready-to-wear for men and women. Nedre Slottsgate 8.
10. Isabel Marant
    In Prinsensgate 22, you’ll find the brand synonymous with Parisian chic. The store carries ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories. 
11. Vincci
    Located in Akersgata 20 (behind the Norwegian Parliament house Stortinget), Vincci is a multi-brand boutique that carries luxury brands such as Céline, The Row, Chloé and Manolo Blahnik.
12. Kamikaze
    While the iconic Italian designer house Salvatore Ferragamo doesn’t have a brand store in Oslo, you’ll find a nice selection of their shoes and handbags for women at Kamikaze, in Prinsensgate 21. They have specialised in luxury shoes, and in addition to Ferragamo, they carry Christian Louboutin, Les Petits Joueurs and Gianvito Rossi.
13. Høyer
    On the second and third floor in the high-end shopping center Eger (Karl Johans gate 23B) you’ll find Høyer, a large multi-brand store. Their top floor is dedicated to international luxury brands such as Lanvin, Fendi, Loewe, MaxMara, Givenchy and Valentino.
14. Valentino
    For the luxury fashion friend, there is more to come: Valentino is opening a store in Nedre Slottsgate, right next to Gucci (updated October 2018).