Fashion Scandinavia: Contemporary Cool

One of the most interesting things about titles such as this one is the fact that the authors so often in rhapsodizing about the subject matter in their introductions, forget what they have expounded on by the first chapter. Nevertheless, Ms. Gundtot certainly reinforces to the reader that fashion is indeed international. The format of Fashion Scandinavia is educational, a bit personal, and full of facts.

Unquestionably, the reader becomes keenly aware that with both mature and burgeoning global markets, each of these designers has found his or her niche. Some have gone the traditional wholesale/retail route while others might have opted for their own eponymous boutiques or devoting themselves to private clientele via word of mouth.

Basically each designer is afforded a somewhat personalized question and answer interview accompanied by a modest photographic representation of his or her work. But during these interviews the author neglects to ask the questions that might reference back to the original concepts presented in the book’s introduction as well as offer up some extra information via more perceptive questions.

Another point of interest is that even the seasoned fashion reader may not recognize the name of the featured designer, yet the output from so many of these designers will be familiar. This is most definitely a book worth reading for the beginner as well as the jaded fashion aficionado.

Fashion Scandinavia is not a huge, glossy coffee table edition that one must own, but rather a book with great merit for those of us who see fashion as a truly global business as well as for those entering the business who need to know details concerning the true expanse of fashion in the 21st century.