Heroes Aren’t Born, They’re Raised: Kaya Wilkins and Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel

Their hero status is not just a phase of the moment, these bold dreamers are forever heroes in our eyes - creative minds who transcend time and seasons. Not just here by chance, they earned their place, harnessing their unique, authentic voices to tell their own story with clarity and courage. We're kindred spirits. They draw inspiration from Norway, as do we - these voices and pieces are made for everywhere, from urban cityscapes to wild natural terrains. 

Our heroes move to their own unique, fearless rhythms, carving out their own paths

Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel has film running through his DNA. The award-winning Director was raised for the international stage, always destined for great things. He's not just a hero in our eyes, but on the globally-revered cinematic stage also; celebrated for his craft and renowned for his bold imaginative storytelling, which revolutionises the way we perceive things and challenges us to see differently. In his own words, he chases “intensity, uneasiness, humor, and quirkiness” in his work.

In May 2024, the young filmmaker’s debut, ‘Armand’, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the coveted Caméra d’Or prize for Best First Feature Film. His unwavering drive and courageous, boundary-pushing outlook on life has raised him to where he is today. The best advice he ever ignored? “Cut down the laughing scene,” he explains. “There’s a ten-minute laughing scene in Armand, and a lot of people thought it should be cut down drastically during editing. We kept it long - and that’s the scene everyone talked about after.”

Halfdan's birthplace, Oslo makes the perfect backdrop for our hero pieces of the season, where the lines between nature and city blur. Reflecting the importance of outerwear (especially in Scandinavia), Halfdan wears our hero pieces of the season, Narvik Brushed Down Jacket, Lou Shearling Jacket and Rover Trousers; a combination which combines form and function, resulting in an elevated take on a classic everyday look. From inside cosy spaces, to the great outdoors, Scandinavian fashion needs to be equal parts sleek, functional and comfortable; moving with you and your own storyline, and keeping you warm while you’re exploring wild spaces and ideas.

Lauded as a "certified triple threat,” Kaya Wilkins has risen to heroic status across the music, fashion and film industries - seamlessly shapeshifting between innovative songwriter, to high-profile catwalk model and critically-acclaimed actress with ease. The multifaceted Norwegian-American artist was born in New Jersey but raised just outside Oslo. The multi-hypenate musician, songwriter and composer is celebrated for her enigmatic way of quietly commanding a crowd whilst on stage. As if under a trance, everyone stops and listens when she’s on the mic. 

Recording and performing as Okay Kaya, she developed her achingly-soulful sound during Norway's harsh winters, drawing inspiration from her time spent in solitude in Nesoddtangen. Introspection is her signature, born and shaped through isolation, allowing her to explore her fascination with loneliness. Revered for finding humour in her vulnerable side, an authentic and independent voice of vulnerability and strength, she takes the listener on a whimsical yet melancholic journey through light and dark. But don’t mistake this hero's tenderness for weakness, it’s her strength. 

As well as a good sense of humour, you need a protective outerwear wardrobe to survive the harsh climates. The constant closeness to nature in Norway highlights the importance of an autumn/winter repertoire that will beat the elements in effortless style. Soft to the touch, yet strong, our warming heroes Besseggen Down Jacket, Steilia Brushed Down Jacket, Glittertind Down Jacket and Steilia Faux Fur Down Jacket - as seen on Kaya - deliver a masterclass in how to serve maximum protection, comfort and elegance all at the same time. Because functionality doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Inspired by nature, made for everywhere, all of our hero pieces will take you seamlessly from the city to mountains, keeping you covered whatever life throws at you.

It’s important to champion your heroes, the ones who make your world a better place. Who’s a hero in your eyes?