Royal Norwegian Consulate General's Residence, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
"HAPPY CLOTHES FOR HAPPY PEOPLE"
Mets owner Fred Wilpon's loss (he linked with that SEC missed, ginormous financial pyramid scheme mess)--- is Norway's gain,
---residentially speaking---and so we couldn't think of a better midtown setting than this glorious two-story penthouse for a casual gathering of media types and Norwegian consulate staff members (many thanks to Sissel Breie, Consulate General and smart smart smart lady)---
---to preview the apparently, fully complete lifestyle brand Moods of Norway...
AND the brand's menswear -for Spring/Summer 2012----that is currently making the rounds of all the major menswear tradeshows. Listen up store owners---all you need are in-store appearances and this'll sell. Trust us.
Founded by a duo-Simen Staainacke and Peder Børresen on a margarita fueled jaunt to Hawaii...soon joined by Stefan Dahlkvist---the 'party-on' vibe ---cleverly apparent in the hang tags, margarita glass silhouettes, perfectly tailored---in super bold colors-lining and fabrications...typical of those countries that live half the year with a lot less sun then ideal...
Tongue in cheek commentary everywhere---even on the Moods of Norway branded glass frames,
----requisite waffle maker (a staple in every Scandinavian home -we know-we've spent serious time there---and Grandma's waffle mix "that's Grandpa's approved"...we want!!!)
And requisite matchy match up kickers....in punched out suede oxfords, drive mocs, boat shoes, chukka---etc.
BUT---we don't doubt for a nano second the smarts of how these three young gents-turned their collection of vintage clothes sold in their homeland ---brought from the 50th state to enter the USA---into a viable business---now boasting a team of 24 designers.
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 Picnic Society
Part Palm Springs/Palm Beach patio/pool perfect-with hints of that vintage swagger we associate with the Rat Pack-Frank and Dean--- or George and Brad,
Part collegiate, part preppy casual wear...
Part summery office appropriate (pinstripes, subtle plaids)--- as an alternative to the somber colors that dominate menswear here in the USA---a whole separate rack dedicated just to that....
---the very accessibly priced (really unreal given the quality!!! ---the glam lined blazers top out at $350) ---wowed the media types we spoke with.
THE FAV: this coral blazer...with details that show off the exact number of registered old Massey-Furgeson agricultural trucks--- are a signature sighting and symbol of rural Norway...and hence an emblem of the label.
Other Dandy offerings...included 3 piece short suits...
NOT THERE AT THE PREVIEW: Women's wear, skiwear, watches-and shoes-the full line-up, and of course the Moods of Norway ski resort...in Norway.
FYI: The soundtracks were bumpin' but through our brain cells was the REM ditty-Shiny, Happy People
Norwegians by and large speak better grammatically correct, understandable (not Scottish)--the King's English-better than we do. When over there-we found all Nordic residents did---Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland---English is often how they communicate with each other.
And once again, we were reminded how good looking Norwegians are because the Vikings killed off the ugly ones.
INFO: http://www.moodsofnorway.com
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
"HAPPY CLOTHES FOR HAPPY PEOPLE"
 |
| MADE WITH LOVE ---in every suit |
Mets owner Fred Wilpon's loss (he linked with that SEC missed, ginormous financial pyramid scheme mess)--- is Norway's gain,
 |
| Walk into the apartment and see this...nice even on a gloomy day, clutter free too. |
---residentially speaking---and so we couldn't think of a better midtown setting than this glorious two-story penthouse for a casual gathering of media types and Norwegian consulate staff members (many thanks to Sissel Breie, Consulate General and smart smart smart lady)---
 |
| Norway's Consulate General Sissel Breie and Moods of Norway's Stefan Dahlkvist Co-founder and Pesident-we'd love to earn a spot on her go-to guest list-what a terrific host. |
---to preview the apparently, fully complete lifestyle brand Moods of Norway...
AND the brand's menswear -for Spring/Summer 2012----that is currently making the rounds of all the major menswear tradeshows. Listen up store owners---all you need are in-store appearances and this'll sell. Trust us.
 |
| Sunny hues for Spring 2012 sportswear/casual wear---that are actually rather elegant enough for those posh resort parties when a faded tee and cargo shorts just won't do no matter how wealthy you are. |
Founded by a duo-Simen Staainacke and Peder Børresen on a margarita fueled jaunt to Hawaii...soon joined by Stefan Dahlkvist---the 'party-on' vibe ---cleverly apparent in the hang tags, margarita glass silhouettes, perfectly tailored---in super bold colors-lining and fabrications...typical of those countries that live half the year with a lot less sun then ideal...
 |
| Stefan and Simen look like a million bucks but are probably worth more as the Norwegian Kroner is stronger than the USA currency (yeah, oil flowin') and Norway is not part of the European Union-therefore not bailing out any country |
Tongue in cheek commentary everywhere---even on the Moods of Norway branded glass frames,
----requisite waffle maker (a staple in every Scandinavian home -we know-we've spent serious time there---and Grandma's waffle mix "that's Grandpa's approved"...we want!!!)
 |
| Yummy waffles in the shape of a Massey-Ferguson Agricultural Tractor |
 |
| This waffle maker will totally match up with our Hello Kitty toaster |
And requisite matchy match up kickers....in punched out suede oxfords, drive mocs, boat shoes, chukka---etc.
 |
| Pink and bright turquoise suede---and the neutrals in a classic wing-tip style oxford |
 |
| Slip-on shoes in leather are rather handsome and don't break the bank |
 |
| Nautically inspired lifestyle sneakers/boat shoes---love white rubber outsoles |
BUT---we don't doubt for a nano second the smarts of how these three young gents-turned their collection of vintage clothes sold in their homeland ---brought from the 50th state to enter the USA---into a viable business---now boasting a team of 24 designers.
 |
| Vintage print inspired a casual blazer that can be spiffed up for evening wear. |
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 Picnic Society
Part Palm Springs/Palm Beach patio/pool perfect-with hints of that vintage swagger we associate with the Rat Pack-Frank and Dean--- or George and Brad,
 |
| Comfy cotton cable knit v-neck with plaid---we wonder how well that over-sized logo will sell here in the lower 48 though |
 |
| Great v-necks in assorted colors-our top pick this terrific blue |
 |
| knit wool sweater with a take on the classic Norwegian designs fused with Moods of Norway margarita glass |
 |
| Play ball with this collegiate varsity style jacket-with authentic ribbed cuffs---though Americans would need to embrace the label before sportin' this logo instead of the home teams. IMHO...we love though---gals would. |
Part collegiate, part preppy casual wear...
 |
| Handsome blue suit -quality mixed lightweight wool year round three pieces-vest can be worn separate with jeans... |
 |
| Nice detail the tractor pin on this clean, crisp pin-stripped suit |
Part summery office appropriate (pinstripes, subtle plaids)--- as an alternative to the somber colors that dominate menswear here in the USA---a whole separate rack dedicated just to that....
 |
| Every suit has this level on detailed lining |
 |
| Lining is so fabulous it could almost be a reversible jacket |
---the very accessibly priced (really unreal given the quality!!! ---the glam lined blazers top out at $350) ---wowed the media types we spoke with.
THE FAV: this coral blazer...with details that show off the exact number of registered old Massey-Furgeson agricultural trucks--- are a signature sighting and symbol of rural Norway...and hence an emblem of the label.
 |
| jacket sleeve with the number of registered tractors as logo |
Other Dandy offerings...included 3 piece short suits...
 |
| Attitude needed to pull this 3 piece plaid short suit off---and the lean only need apply |
NOT THERE AT THE PREVIEW: Women's wear, skiwear, watches-and shoes-the full line-up, and of course the Moods of Norway ski resort...in Norway.
 |
| Solid metal watch has heft and the Moods of Norway MO inscribed |
FYI: The soundtracks were bumpin' but through our brain cells was the REM ditty-Shiny, Happy People
Norwegians by and large speak better grammatically correct, understandable (not Scottish)--the King's English-better than we do. When over there-we found all Nordic residents did---Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland---English is often how they communicate with each other.
And once again, we were reminded how good looking Norwegians are because the Vikings killed off the ugly ones.
INFO: http://www.moodsofnorway.com
 |
| Love this bleu de travail button down |
 |
| Ready for the conservative business types who has a few secrets up (or in) his sleeve. |