Overlooking tranquil waters, Astrid Andersen took to the stage in BIG HQ, architect Bjarke Ingels’s, which overlooks tranquil waters through its expansive windows and warm wood interiors, revealing her sophomore Stel collection. The result perfectly fits the setting, sound, and style to form a deeply immersive and integral experience.
A Wardrobe That Evolves With Time
The concept behind Stel is refreshingly distinct: making “forever” things that come together to create a wardrobe constantly in flux. Every collection still fingers back to those before it, a modular and modern approach to fashion. “We want to move away from the epitome of fleeting trends or runway spectacle and into something more poignant, more wearable, something relevant for everyday life.”
I want to sell something that goes towards the aesthetic of the brand, like the runway dream that is not, because I am not selling a runway dream.’’ That is what Stel’s about: fostering connection and shared experience between a ‘mini-community’ of people inspired and engaged by a designer’s work. Andersen prioritizes collective moments over marketing-driven narratives, a poignant reminder of what the world could use more of: solidarity and human connection.
A Musical and Visual Symphony
It showed in a cozy, almost hypnotic environment. Acapella, they were performed by Norwegian-Filipino artist Hillari, who blew the audience away and created the atmosphere for the night. Andersen’s designs were poetic in their understatedness and emotionally resonant.
Standout pieces included:
- Andersen’s signature pinnae-style construction on a shirtdress layered Scandi style over trousers.
- Slouchy comfort became a refined luxury in gray marl sweater separates.
- Wrapped sweaters, including a standout persimmon embellished with avocado green and Asym v t-shirts.
- Casual but on-point denim with a washed feel to it.
Fashion as an Everyday Art
At the show’s end, models carried their styled looks on hangers, including individual pieces and styling cards. That gesture turned clothes into more than a heap of bits, but a garment-driven philosophy that would last and endure something hairy: Andersen’s ‘garment’ delivered.
The Stel collection celebrates the time-resistant, everyday clothes over chasing ‘momentary excitement.’ A practical approach based on humanity and solidarity.
A More Meaningful Fashion Future
Stel is an antidote to the transient nature of contemporary fashion. She teaches us that style can be personal and enduring if you focus on timeless design and a sense of community. There is a profound lesson in enduring it together as you learn to dress and live a lifestyle, not a wardrobe, with shared connections and conscious choices.
With all of the spectacle overtaking substance, Stel is refreshing and needs humanism in a modern world where fashion skews heavily toward the more sensational ends.
Sophia Walker is a fashion journalist who reports on the latest trends, events, and industry news, keeping readers informed about the dynamic world of fashion.
