The Northern Hemisphere has once again set the fashion week wheels turning, although it’s difficult to discern where one cycle stops and the next begins- or if it ever really stops at all. Today, Stockholm’s Fashion Week By Berns S/S 10 came to a reluctant close as yet again the event offered up some inspiring, innovative ideas and collections from lesser known cult labels and fledgling designers. Unfortunately, tough economic times led to many designers opting to exhibit at offsite events, however the runway highlights proved that Sweden’s design talent is as formidable as ever.
 
Cheap Monday, the global favourite with the style set, took a new direction with their famous denim. Steering away from their laidback urban preppy look, Cheap Monday looked to the apocalypse with revolutionary style and guerilla aesthetics. Deconstructed denim and savage slashing characterized the collection. Where once stood clean lines and sharp checks, tie-dyed tunics and shredded jeans prevailed. Denim on denim was a strong look, especially where the combinations were offset by juxtaposing colours and textures.
 
The Local Firm took a similar direction with a brave leap into the future. The stand out piece of the collection was a shiny, plastic, structural jacket in sky blue. With a Blade Runner aesthetic, The Local Firm also faced the apocalypse, but confronted the grisly aftermath rather than the romantic, hopeful fight that Cheap Monday’s collection embodied. Leather harnesses told of a futuristic wasteland where the toughest survived while ruthlessly spider-like tights and leg-warmers gave the collection an anime edge.
 
In glaring contrast to Cheap Monday’s ruthless jungle style and The Local Firm’s futurism, Ida Sjöstedt opted for saccharine girlie elegance with a hint of Blair Waldorf sex appeal. From a mini, body con dress featuring lady-like lace embellishments down to the Melissa shoes, Ida Sjöstedt’s collection showed dollhouse whimsy and soft femininity. My favourites included ruffle lace collars in bold shades, metallic ruffle shoulders and silky, floral printed ensembles perfect for tea and scones in the sunny European countryside.
 
My favourite collection by far came from cult favourite Minimarket. Bringing colour back, Minimarket flirted somewhere between the propriety of croquet sessions and urban glamour. Bold use of colour and sculptural shapes gave the collection a clean, polished aesthetic, while soft turquoise matched with melon set my heart racing. Sealing the deal indefinitely was the immensity of fruity coloured wedges that had me craving both joyous vertiginous heights and a slice of cool, juicy watermelon.