During our many meetings with Norwegian designers we've found ourselves asking them the same question time and time again; "With products this good, why don't more people know about you and about Norwegian design in general?" So far no one has been able to fully answer the question but at least last week someone took a small step towards rectifying the situation.
Last Thursday saw the opening of Pur Norsk, a new store dedicated to selling only Norwegian designed products. Pur Norsk is the brainchild of Marianne Lien and Lasse Altern Halvorsen who wanted to call attention to Norwegian design and increase awareness, not least amongst Norwegian’s themselves.
The founders have clearly tried to remain true to the pure Norwegian concept when setting up their new venture. From the interior design of the store to the company's fonts and logos, everything is Norwegian. Not to mention their company car, a brightly colored Buddy (a Norwegian electric car).
lifeiscarbon® particularly liked the design and layout of the bright white store space (did we mention that we love white?) and the fact that, as in a museum, Marianne and Lasse have made sure to display full information about every design they stock. Amongst others, the current store selection includes Northern Lightning, Cathrine Maske, Frost Produkt, Figgjo, Hive, Luxo, Opp & Lek, Asono, Swims, Sara Skotte and Moods of Norway.
Pur Norsk is located in the Bislett/Adamstuen area of Oslo: An area that currently seems to be undergoing something of a Bourgeoise Bohemian transformation. If Grünerløkka is the East Village equivalent of Oslo, then Adamstuen is clearly establishing itself as a new Nolita. That said, despite the fact that Pur Norsk is based in Oslo, clearly the founders have an eye to a more international market since we're told that an online store with worldwide shipping is planned for the end of the year.
Northern Lighting
Asono
Frost Produkt
Pur Norsk
Theresesgate 14
0452 Oslo
Norway
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