12 Stockholm-based fashion brands you need on your radar

Stockholm’s fashion scene has its own distinct personality. One that goes far beyond the tried-and-tested staples you’ll find at globally recognised Swedish retailers of the likes of H&M, Arket and & Other Stories. The city’s style persona – shaped by established fashion houses such as Acne Studios, as well as newer talents like stylist-turned-designer Selam Fessahaye – is one that embraces quality, longevity and sustainability.   

Beyond brands, the Swedes also have a deserved reputation for their effortlessly chic approach to stylish, relaxed minimalism, with a love of neutral colours and classic-with-an-unexpected-twist silhouettes. Stockholm, in particular, is known for its innovative approach, whether it’s the Swedish Fashion Council’s embrace of digital-first fashion platforms or the commitment to gender-fluid designs and ethical production methods by many local labels. 

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Stockholm-based fashion brands and designers to have on your radar to shop online or next time you visit the city. It’s not long before you’ll also be able to stop-off for a cheeky Picante while you’re there – our brand new Soho House Stockholm opens later this month. Shopping lists at the ready: here are our picks. 

1. Acne Studios 

Co-founded by creative director Jonny Johansson in 1996, the Swedish apparel company has gone on to become a household name, with a celebrity fan club that includes Rihanna and the Kardashians (to name just two). Both trend-defying and viral – Acne’s mohair checked rainbow scarf is the cult item of the season, with #acnescarf garnering 2.6 million-plus views on TikTok – be sure to also stock up on discounted men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories lines from past seasons at Acne’s archive store. 

2. EYTYS

Stockholm’s Gen Z designer go-to, EYTYS – pronounced ‘eighties’ – was founded as a sneaker label by Max Schiller and Jonathan Hirschfeld in 2013. While still known for its epic footwear (the coveted Vertigo block-heeled boots are a case in point), today EYTYS is also a favourite for those seeking androgynous silhouettes, denim, of which acid-washed, wide-leg, baggy 1990s-style Benz is this season’s top pick. See also party pieces, such as the ribbed cotton-blend mini dresses in electro-bright shades. Keep your street cred intact by pronouncing it correctly.  

3. Axel Arigato 

Combining Swedish and Japanese minimalist principles, this footwear and apparel brand, founded in 2014 by Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson, is especially coveted for its sneakers, which combine retro silhouettes with sustainable materials, such as by-product leather (from the meat industry). All created with a commitment to craftsmanship and comfort.

4. BITE Studios

BITE – an acronym for By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress – is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo William Lundgren and Veronika Kant. Their designs prioritise organic materials and sustainable manufacturing to create quality clothes without compromise. Think impeccably cut wool coats, sumptuous silk blouses, raw denim and organic cotton tees.

5. Teurn Studios 

Designer Anna Teurnell’s Teurn Studios creates beautifully-made wardrobe staples – the shearling coat, the cashmere crewneck, the tailored trouser – that are built to last. She adds a playful twist with unexpected colours and accessories: a leather pencil skirt in baby pink, say, or pointy-toed boots in silver glitter that are anything but minimal.

6. Filippa K

When you envisage Stockholm style, the Filippa K ethos – mindful consumption, a minimalist colour palette and classic pieces you’ll want to wear again and again (and again) – probably springs to mind. Not surprising, when you consider the brand founded by Filippa Knutsson and Patrik Kihlborg has been influencing Swedish fashion since 1993.

7. Our Legacy 

Known for its classic tailoring, minimalist shapes and fabric innovation, the label founded in 2005 by Jockum Hallin, Cristopher Nying and Richardos Klarén focused exclusively on menswear until 2019, when it branched out into womenswear. Our Legacy has been innovating on the fashion waste front since 2016 too, when its atelier-slash-shop, Work Shop, opened in Stockholm as an upcycling and creative hub.

8. Mini Rodini 

In a sea of pale pinks and baby blues, Mini Rodini is a refreshing, energising antidote to kids’ clothing with playful prints, quirky silhouettes and bold colours. Its pieces are beautifully made and crafted consciously from GOTS-certified organic and recycled materials. There’s just one problem: you’ll wish everything came in your size, not just your mini’s.  

9. Remake Sthlm

Since 2002, Remake’s vibrantly patchworked, upcycled collections have been locally produced in Farsta, from materials donated to Stockholm’s Stadsmission charity shops. Another Swedish upcycling brand to know is Rave Review, created by design duo Josephine Bergqvist and Livia Schück, who turn deadstock textiles into ‘high-end remakes’.

10. Selam Fessahaye

The Swedish-Eritrean stylist and costume designer fashion label has been one of Stockholm’s most exciting exports since its launch in 2018. Her bold prints, neon colours, sheer fabrics and volume-tastic silhouettes have been turning heads ever since – she even captured the attention of Queen Bey, who wore one of Fessahaye’s designs in her musical film, Black is King. 

11. Asket

There are wardrobe basics and then there’s Asket (translation: ‘ascetic’). They’re not kidding. This one-permanent-collection-only brand is founded on the premise of less (less waste, less consumption, less clutter) but better quality and craftsmanship. Great for essentials, every item, from tees to knits in organic and recycled materials, is made to last. Repair and resale initiatives also ensure a garment is looked after for its entire lifespan.

12. Tiger of Sweden

Overseen by British designer Bryan Conway, Tiger of Sweden is Stockholm's most established tailoring brand. A specialist in lean cuts and unexpected designs, under Conways' aegis the label has transformed into a globally recognised fashion megalith to reckon with. They do a mean line in coats, too.