The emergence of Swedish design in the 19th century
It was in Stockholm in 1845 that the world's first designers' association was founded, named Svenska Slöjdföreningen (Swedish Society of Art and Industrial Design). Initially influenced by the German Biedermeier style of the 1830s, Sweden found its own way in the 1850s, characterized by a blend of different influences, from Gothic to Baroque to Rococo. Against this backdrop, the Svenska Slöjdföreningen helped to improve handcrafted products by encouraging cooperation between different artistic movements. Design was seen as a catalyst for social change, a mindset that has remained with Sweden to this day.
The two key figures of Swedish design in the second half of the 19th century were artists and decorators Carl (1853-1919) and Karin Larsson (1859-1928). Blending peasant culture with the sweet dream of a country home, their creations were characterized by a rejection of industrial society, reflecting a more general trend at work in the country. Carl Larsson's series of watercolors depicting the couple's home helped spread this new aesthetic. These images inspired the Swedish feminist writer Ellen Key (1849-1926) to write the pamphlet Skönhet för alla (Beauty for All, 1899). In it, she put forward the idea that an environment that is both simple and beautiful can contribute to well-being and social harmony, hence the importance of raising consumer awareness and developing their aesthetic perception.
An art that reflects Swedish social changes and values
It wasn't until the inter-war years that Swedish design really took off and made a name for itself abroad, with Stockholm at its epicenter. Modernism and classicism blended for two decades. The influence of the Social Democrats in the 1940s changed things somewhat, as prosperity and the distribution of goods became central concerns. The aesthetics of this period were therefore entirely dominated by utility and practicality, with metal furniture taking pride of place. This fashion was dubbed "Funkis", or functionalism. In 1930, the Stockholm Exhibition had a major influence on the world, reflecting a utopian socialist vision of society. Its co-director, architect Erik Gunnar Asplund (1885-1940), played an important role in this movement. In Stockholm, we can admire his public library, richly decorated inside and out, with original custom-made furniture still present today.
After the Second World War, Swedish design returned to a warmer aesthetic, but still marked by the egalitarian ideal. Swedish design emerged as an alternative to the fascist design of the Nazi era, embodying democracy, the importance of nature and minimalism. With its focus on intimacy, the home and family harmony, this peaceful model appealed to a world in search of peace. A fabulous boom in Swedish design followed, and many iconic creations were born. Sobriety, simplicity and functionality combine with organic forms that follow the shape of the body to create a universe where human warmth and the elements of nature blend harmoniously. It was in this spirit that the IKEA company was born in 1943. Combining aesthetics, accessibility and simplicity, it has become a symbol of the country abroad.
Stockholm, capital of Scandinavian fashion
Swedish fashion combines a sense of utility with simplicity, going against the grain of impractical luxury. Clothes are made to work, and tend to be rather neutral, with discreet, subtle details. Houses such as Acne Studios, based in Stockholm, are typical of this style: casual yet upscale clothing, combining beige, white and black with neon green or pastel pink. Since 2005, Stockholm has hosted its own twice-yearly Fashion Week. Fashion Week 2019 was cancelled to explore more sustainable approaches. Swedish designers don't shy away from questioning the fashion industry, and so have gone ahead to confront its environmental impact. In 2021, the question of second-hand and the traceability of each piece was at the forefront. The first edition of Fashion X, created by the Swedish Fashion Council (SFC), took place in Stockholm in November 2022, marking a stance in favor of change in this industry. To find out more about fashion in Stockholm, visit the Fashion X website (www.swedishfashioncouncil.se).
A multitude of options to discover Swedish design
The capital is full of opportunities to learn more about Swedish design. The best way is to visit the Swedish Center for Architecture and Design (known as ArkDes) on Stockholm's Skeppsholmen Island. It boasts a permanent collection giving a comprehensive overview of Swedish architecture through the ages, in the form of drawings, photographs and historical objects, as well as several temporary thematic exhibitions.
You can also visit Designtorget, which showcases new Swedish designers and their creations, and Nordiska Galleriet (on Nybrogatan Avenue), which sells furniture and lighting by Nordic and international designers. For more stylish and daring interior decorations, visit the legendary Svenskt Tenn home furnishings store.
Finally, wherever you are, you can visit the Swedish Design Museum, an online museum whose mission is to make Swedish design accessible and visible throughout the world. The site offers various exhibitions and virtual guided tours, not to be missed(https://fr.swedishdesignmuseum.com/)!
