Fashion has always had the power to evoke memories, and in their latest collection, Sweet Nostalgia, ethical fashion brand HØST & VÅR takes this sentiment to heart. The brand, co-founded by mother-daughter duo Elsa Fredrikke Nedrebø and Gunn Auglend Nedrebø, has once again captured the essence of timeless elegance while remaining true to their sustainability mission. The new AW24 collection is perfect for the upcoming party season, offering glamorous, eco-friendly pieces that blend vintage inspiration with modern sensibilities.
“We wanted to bring back some of our most-loved styles from past collections, but with a fresh, modern twist,” explains Elsa Fredrikke Nedrebø, co-founder and lead designer of the brand. “The Sweet Nostalgia collection is a nod to our roots, especially when we launched our first collection in 2015 with the iconic Tutu-skirt. Watching women all over the world have their Carrie Bradshaw moments in our designs has been a real joy for us. This season, we’ve given the collection a moody glamour, with darker colours and luxurious cuts that are perfect for the winter festivities.”
The signature Tutu-skirt makes a return in the Sweet Nostalgia collection, alongside new interpretations of HØST & VÅR’s best-selling designs. Rich jewel tones, glittering fabrics, and burnout textures have been added to breathe new life into classic silhouettes, making each piece feel both familiar and refreshingly new. Gunn Auglend Nedrebø, Elsa’s mother and co-founder, points out that the collection is about more than just aesthetic appeal; it’s a reflection of the bond she shares with her daughter.
“We’re the best of friends,” says Nedrebø with a smile. “Designing together as a mother-daughter team has always felt like a natural extension of our relationship. We spend our days working closely, discussing ideas, and ultimately creating pieces that reflect both of our personalities. The collaboration is so special because we balance each other’s perspectives and bring something unique to each collection.”
The Sweet Nostalgia collection draws from years of customer feedback and a deep understanding of what women want in their wardrobes. The Nedrebøs carefully curated which styles to revisit by paying attention to their customers’ preferences and how certain designs resonated with them over the years. “We dug deep into what was selling the most and why,” shares Nedrebø. “This collection is really the result of what women want from us. We always aim to create wardrobe essentials with a fun feminine twist—think elegant finishes and playful details that make each piece stand out.”
But beneath the allure of shimmering fabrics and impeccable tailoring lies a core commitment to sustainability—a value that HØST & VÅR has championed since its inception. The brand has made a bold decision to eliminate materials such as silk, leather, and conventional cotton from their collections, in favour of more environmentally friendly alternatives like biodegradable vegan cupro, organic cotton, and modal.
“We believe in doing our part to minimise our environmental impact,” explains Nedrebø. “Our goal was to make our materials as clean and natural as possible. We’ve eliminated fabrics that are harmful to the environment, and that’s a choice we’re very proud of. Fabrics like silk and leather are luxurious, yes, but they come with a significant environmental cost. We’ve opted for materials that not only feel luxurious but are also sustainable, and that’s something we’ll continue to prioritise.”
The collection’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond fabric choices. HØST & VÅR is also dedicated to working with manufacturers who uphold ethical labour practices, ensuring that the people involved in making their garments are treated fairly. “Everyone in the fashion industry must take responsibility for their impact on the environment and on people,” says Nedrebø. “It’s crucial to work with manufacturers who care about quality over quantity and who can document that their workers are treated well. This is a long process, but it’s essential for the future of our brand and the planet.”
While sustainability is at the forefront of the brand’s ethos, the Sweet Nostalgia collection doesn’t compromise on style. Party-ready pieces, such as sleek velvet dresses, sparkling tops, and elegant jumpsuits, are designed to make an impact at any pre-Christmas event. The Nedrebøs have masterfully balanced the need for festive glamour with their commitment to ethical fashion.
“We don’t believe that sustainable fashion has to be boring or limited in design,” says Nedrebø. “For this collection, we’ve used the same high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics that we do for our everyday collections, but we’ve elevated them with details like glitter and intricate patterns. The result is a collection that feels luxurious and special, but is also conscious of its impact on the environment.”
The process of designing this collection wasn’t without its challenges, particularly when it came to maintaining the luxurious feel that customers expect while adhering to sustainable practices. “It’s all about simplifying the fabric selection without sacrificing quality,” explains Nedrebø. “We’ve learned that clarity and impact often go hand-in-hand. When we streamline our fabric choices and focus on the best possible materials, it allows us to create pieces that not only look beautiful but feel good to wear and are better for the planet.”
As the fashion industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, HØST & VÅR is a shining example of how brands can evolve without losing their identity. For other fashion brands looking to make a similar shift, Nedrebø offers this advice: “Find manufacturers who are just as concerned about sustainability as you are. It’s about quality over quantity—both in the materials you use and the way the garments are produced. It might take time, but it’s worth it.”
Looking to the future, HØST & VÅR is eager to continue exploring new fabric innovations that align with their sustainable goals. “We’re constantly on the lookout for new types of sustainable materials that meet our standards,” says Nedrebø. “It’s important for us to evolve not only in our design but also in how we can reduce our environmental footprint even further. Our goal is to create small collections that last, both in terms of style and durability. We want to make clothes that bring joy and energy to those who wear them, and that can be enjoyed for many years.”
As the party season approaches, the Sweet Nostalgia collection offers the perfect wardrobe solution for those looking to celebrate in style, while staying mindful of their environmental impact. With each piece, the Nedrebøs have achieved the delicate balance of glamour and sustainability, offering fashion lovers the chance to indulge in the magic of the season without compromise.
The Sweet Nostalgia collection is available within the coming weeks, just in time for the flurry of pre-Christmas events. Whether you're revisiting beloved styles or discovering new favourites, HØST & VÅR’s latest offering promises to add a touch of moody elegance to your winter wardrobe, while keeping the future of fashion—and the planet—in mind.
