This Thursday I was invited to the official launch party for Norwegian Rain's California debut, sponsored by a team from LA Fashion Week. LAFW welcomed international designers Alexander Halle and T. Michael. The party was held at the exclusive LA boutique H. Lorenzo on Sunset Boulevard. Voices from the crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk on the unusually warm November night and a friendly hostess greeted me straightaway as I walked into the party. Antique Norweigen furniture decorated the modern space and the beat of techno fashion music played in the background.
I was greeted by the designer himself, Alexander. It was clear the quiet wellspoken Norweigan was excited to be in L.A. The tall designer sported a Norweigan look with his blue suit and hat, punctuated with a red feather.
The Norwegian Rain brand was founded in 2009. Alexander and T. Michael partnered to make outwear with a Japanese influence; their brand was inspired by living in Bergen, the rainiest city in Europe. Thursday night they brought their designs to LA with the help of LAFW to, according to T. Michael see what would happen when they put all the best things they knew of together. The raincoat design incorporates the newest waterproof technology and traditional men's tailoring. In my exclusive interview with Alexander, I learned how the brand was born. Alexander told his story of perseverance. When he first pitched the idea to T. Michael, Alexander said, "Of course he said 'No.'" But he continued to visit each time it rained, and with the frequency he finally got his chance. T. Michael acquiesced saying, "Let's talk, because you're just going to keep coming back." Alexander had a less traditional route to his career as a fashion designer starting out studying business, but with this project he got to live his creative dream by launching his raincoat designs. In the collection he described how they use Japanese material to incorporate the latest in sportswear technology. They tailored the coat with the idea of hidden functionality; the smooth designs with perfect symmetry hide interior magnetic clasps and adjustable fit. He pointed out the unisex black raincoat on display at the front of the room as one that can be adjusted for personal preference.
He also hopes to set a trend of sustainability and always designs consciously. He gestured to a chic gray plaid cape that is made with recycled materials.
As I walked around the room I noticed the interesting accessories including scarves, satchels, and shoes placed throughoput.
I interviewed designer and tailor T. Michael about his brand new release of eyewear.
The bold curvy design of the glasses was very unique. T. Michael explained that they were made from buffalo horn from Asia which allows them flexibility to form to your face. He also chose this material because it is very durable and can last for years. According to T. Michael,"The glasses are a bold look for a bold person so that you can walk into a room and say, Noted, it's me."
The collection was a hit with the L.A. fashion crowd that attended the party. Many guests tried on the raincoats and glasses and some bought scarves and accessories. As the team from LAFW said, "There is plenty of room for international designers in L.A." This collection is especially timely with the approaching El Nino. This collection might turn out to be for more than staying in fashion after all in our usually sunny city.
