ARTICLE
By Sara Flaaen Licius, 11.05.26 21:30.
Photos by Rita Busa and Stephanie Sikkes
Curious about our talent program Oslo Runway NEXT? It’s a support program giving Norwegian brands unique opportunities and support while in the establishment phase. Oslo Runway is committed to uplifting new brands, and this is how we work to do it:
This is NEXT in 8 points:
1. Since 2023, we’ve been excited to announce our supportive 1-year program called Oslo Runway NEXT. It’s a program meant for emerging fashion and lifestyle brands we believe have got a chance to make it in this challenging industry – brands we’d love to help achieve exactly that.
2. To join NEXT, you have to apply through the application portal for all brands wishing to participate in the upcoming season of the Oslo Runway Fashion Week in August each year. Applications usually open 8-9 months prior to the season.
3. The Program Committee evaluates all applications. The committee is assembled anew each year, and consists of a selection of fashion experts and industry professionals who contribute to Oslo Runway by evaluating both NEXT brands and established brands applying. They also give advice on how to set up the program for the upcoming Oslo Runway Fashion Week.
4. Each year, 1-3 brands will be chosen and announced as NEXT brands of the year. There are no fees to be paid.
5. NEXT brands automatically get on the Official Schedule of Oslo Runway and are granted 50 000 NOK to set up their own show or presentation during which all press and international guests will be present. You can choose for yourself if your event should be by invitation only, or open to the public.
*The Official Schedule is what our press program covers. It’s featured and promoted on our website, in press releases and throughout our social media platforms. We communicate our annual program to both national and international press, as well as hosting approx. 60 top-line international and Norwegian guests (press, agents and industry profiles).
6. The NEXT program is not just about the Fashion Week events. The NEXT brands also get invaluable mentorship sessions with design and circularity experts at Manufacture Oslo, who will gladly share advice, guidance and experience. Being included in the industry can be a make-it-or-break-it thing for a new brand.
7. Finally, the NEXT brands also get a 1-year membership at the industry organization Norwegian Fashion Hub – granting access to loads of learning material as well as invitations to industry events.
8. Prior to the Oslo Runway Fashion Week, the NEXT brands will get guidance on their collection, show plans, sustainability efforts and more. We will also make sure that the NEXT brand’s material and stories are shared broadly with national and international press and happily give advice prior to any press feature, if needed.
*Our communications team will pitch press coverage during the event and in anticipation of Oslo Runway Fashion Week. Our Image Bank is communicated to the press and will be used as the media’s main source for brand imagery.
ARE YOU NEXT?
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A golden ticket for the next generation
Elin O. Carlsen, CEO of Oslo Runway, underlines the value of the opportunities that the NEXT program provides.
– When establishing a fashion and lifestyle brand today you need knowledge about sustainability, sourcing and production, running a webshop, logistics, economics, brand building and positioning. Few, if any, can fill all of these roles alone, which is why it’s so important to be surrounded by a good network - and mentors who want to share their expertise, says Carlsen.
The 8 terms that apply for you to be eligible for NEXT:
1. All NEXT candidates must apply through our Application Portal. Brands will be screened and selected based on several criteria, such as business potential, vision, creativity, innovation, sustainability, and other.
2. You must be a Norwegian apparel brand to be considered. Your collection may be upcycled or newly produced, and can feature one-of-a-kind designs or ready-to-wear production pieces.
3. You must have a minimum of 2 collections which have been sold via wholesale (minimum of 2 stockists), and/or sell direct-to-consumer.
4. You must demonstrate innovative design with a strong identity and a sustainable approach.
5. You must be able to set up a runway show or presentation with at least 11 looks (guests: minimum 100).
6. All runway and presentation applicants for the Official Schedule must submit the Minimum Requirements Survey by mid March (*date adjusted and announced for every season). The survey will be sent to your e-mail after you have submitted your application. Brands part of Oslo Runway NEXT must live up to the requirements by the end of their participation (maximum 2 seasons/years).
7. As part of our collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week, all brands must sign and agree to align with the Danish Fashion Ethical Charter to be found here – except the part about Health Checks as we don't have an established system for that in Norway yet.
8. When being a part of Oslo Runway, you agree to consider diversity and inclusion for models as well as staff. You can read the industry guide we’ve developed together with Balansekunst here.
*We strongly emphasize that brands should not only focus on the model cast, but make sure to hire backstage staff with expertise on for example treating different skin and/or hair types and to brief these thoroughly with all information needed to style the models.
