Celine Aagaard's Envelope1976 gave us 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' during Oslo Runway, putting on a sartorial service that had show-goers captivated
Last year, creative director and founder Celine Aagaard ran barefoot over the uncovered floors of an Oslo car park when taking her bows after Envelope1976's fashion show. This year, she did the same, but in more suitable surroundings. "It was a bit more comfortable this time," she jokes as we chat after the show in her church-turned-runway venue – more specifically, in the apse of Jakob Church of Culture. "We always pick spaces that already exist and reuse elements we have," she adds. "I have always been a huge fan of the traditional runway format – and with the right concept, theme, music, models, and walk, it's a magical way for a brand to show a collection and at the same time create a visual identity."
Designed by Andreas Bull in 1880, the space was as mesmerising as Aagaard's collection named 'The Ceremony'. Considering the show space's longstanding history working for inclusivity and diversity, the collection itself is also dedicated to the relationships we form through life. "For me, getting married has never been a goal. I have seen so many relationships falling apart just because of a wedding," says Aagaard. The designer, unmarried herself, has never has a plan to design wedding dresses for Envelope1976 – but that hasn't stopped more than a thousand brides-to-be from buying Aagard's 'Cannes' fluid white dress for their big day. "And with two team members currently engaged, we started to talk more about dresses for this upcoming season."
As per usual, Aagaard also found inspiration in iconic films. "This summer, on a rainy evening at our summer house, my family and I rewatched Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Experiencing it again was even more brilliant this time around – the wedding scene is truly unparalleled, not to mention the unforgettable soundtrack," says Aagaard. And of course, it's star Uma Thurman. "The one and only bride," the designer adds. "Both her character and her performance have been a major inspiration for me during the casting process for Oslo Runway, even down to her hairstyle."
The result? Aagaard's singular design ethos – in all its rock'n'roll glory – tailored not just for the runway, but the aisle. Aagaard's tongue-in-cheek description of the collection is 'four weddings and a funeral', with 'The Ceremony' encompassing every occasion – a wedding, a funeral, a runaway bride, and everything in between. The tulle creations (dubbed "swan" dresses) took centre stage, floating down the runway in wispy tiered silhouettes alongside delicate lace bodysuits.
Explore all of Envelope1976's looks from the brand's Oslo Runway 2024 fashion show:
