Scandinavian Noir Beauty + Raw Goodness

photo by Jesper Brandt

With Copenhagen Fashion Week having come to a close this past weekend and Stockholm Fashion Week gearing up this week, it is time to officially acknowledge that Scandinavia is the place to be for all the beautiful people during this softer and perhaps more reflective time of the summer. 

Bllack Noir AW11 available at Green in the City, Paris

The super gorgeous Johanna Björk of Goodlifer and Råfrisk just posted a brilliant medley of 'Good Stuff: Scandinavian Noir' to celebrate the darker and sexier shades of sustainable style in her homeland.

Bllack Noir Tiffa Dress via Goodlifer

Johanna writes, "Bllack Noir was established 3 years ago as a sub-brand of Danish conscious fashion label Noir. This LBD (above) has some badass details that will set you apart from the crowd, yet is classic enough to last a lifetime." Agreed. Johanna is also a new fashion and lifestyle correspondent for EcoSalon. She's one hot woman to watch and definitely understands the raw side of real beauty, fitness, and good living to boot.

Copenhagen FW: One Million Years B.C. No More

Question: With Copenhagen Fashion Week celebrating free-spirited ready-to-wear designs such as Munthe plus Simonsen's Spring/Summer 2012 collection, why do Scandinavian designers (who obviously have a sense of hippie-chic gorgeousness) still incorporate fur and leather into their presentations? 

Raquel Welch doing the ravaged pelt thing

I really want to love this trendsetting label, as the spirit is right on in terms of my aesthetic, but their Raquel Welch as 'Loana The Fair One' circa One Million Years B.C. approach to materials is definitely not cruelty-free or frankly very modern? With so many appealing and humane alternatives to leather and fur on the fashion landscape, isn't it time to crawl out of the cave? If Norway can do it, why not Copenhagen?

Copenhagen FW: Anne Sofie Madsen SS12

Beautiful, innovative textiles from Anne Sofie Madsen SS12 at Copenhagen Fashion Week. A fusion of killer graphics, impeccable detailing, and soft modern luxury. Totally smitten. I love the tapering skinny braids as well.