Fjords, stave churches, Northern Lights and ‘the little mermaid‘ have for a long time drawn many foreigners to the north. But in recent years, the Nordic region has been highlighted by more than nature and tourist attractions. Crime books, TV shows, fashion and food from the Nordic countries have had a solid foothold internationally. The book 100 Icons of Nordic Cool & Scandinavian Style celebrates popular Scandinavian objects.
Recently it’s fair to say there is a general love-in with everything related to the northern countries. Over the last decade, the Nordic nations have quietly and unassumingly come to hold the world in their thrall; but what is it, exactly, that people covet about their culture?
100 Icons of Nordic Cool & Scandinavian Style
In her book Nordicana Swedish born, Ireland based Kajsa Kinsella, presents “100 Icons of Nordic Cool & Scandinavian Style”. Here you’ll find herring and unusual-tasting salted liquorice delicacy, Arne Jacobsen’s Syveren chair, sauna and national costumes. But also, sections about Acne ancle boots, the top restaurants Fåviken and Noma, crime authors Stieg Larsson and Jo Nessbø. Sarah Lund and Saga Norén, investigators in the “The Killing”” and “The Bridge” respectively are also devoted space. That includes the Øresund Bridge.
Not to forget the ubiquitous Swedish Dala horse; the concept of ‘hygge‘ (a feeling evoked by being in candlelit warmth with friends during winter); Midsomer seasonal celebrations; practical but breathtakingly stylish interiors; or an enduring love of noir literature and dramas, you’ll find the key to attaining the Nordic way of life in these pages.
Nordicana – also a festival
Nordicana celebrates the objects, aesthetics and traditions that have inspired our obsession, with a quick introduction to 100 icons of Scandi style and Nordic cool, accompanied by beautiful illustrations.
The idea of the book originated in the wake of Nordicana, a Scandic Noir Festival in London. The Nordicana brand celebrates all aspects of Scandinavian and Nordic culture with its magazine and a bi-annual festival in London, established in 2013. An offshoot of Arrow Films, Nordicana showcases the best TV and film dramas coming from those regions, and offers a platform for writers, clothing brands and food companies too.
Clean and minimalistic
“The clean and minimalist Nordic design style, and the idea that everything produced must be beautiful, are probably what the rest of the world considers the most impressive and inspiring,” says Kinsella.
100 Icons of Nordic Cool & Scandinavian Style, written by Tor Kjolberg