17.mai once again lit up Norway with exuberant National Day celebrations – and no shortage of fashion moments. Below, Vogue Scandinavia rounds up our favourite looks courtesy of the Norwegian style set with exuberant National Day celebrations
Hipp hipp hurra! Norway’s National Day, otherwise known as 17.mai, rolled around again this weekend, commemorating the signing of the country’s constitution on 17 May 1814. Norwegians embrace this historic and jubilant public holiday in full force, with the nation brimming with joyous celebrations, from parades and brass bands to Champagne brunches and time spent with loved ones, bunads and Norwegian flags aplenty.
As much pride and passion as Norwegians pour into the 17.mai festivities, they bring the same energy to dressing for it. Norway’s traditional costume, the bunad, takes centre stage in many a 17.mai ensembles, with the vibrant colours, intricate embroidery, ornate brooches and even hairstyles reflecting the wearer’s regional heritage. Passed down through generations, the bunad may well be the most cherished garment in a Norwegian wardrobe.
Naturally, the local style set led the way with National Day ensembles that blended fashion with tradition. Below, Vogue Scandinavia rounds up the best 17.mai looks.
Janka Polliani
Content creator and former Vogue Scandinavia cover star Janka Polliani is no stranger to eye-catching 17.mai looks, each year delivering a look where personal style meets heritage. For example, this year, Polliani layered floral prints and geometric patterns into a look that mirrored her personal, eclectic style.
The bunad she dons is called Fantasistakk, and unlike a typical bunad, it isn’t tied to a specific region, but a vibrant blend of several Norwegian folk traditions. As Polliani wrote, “The most important outfit in my closet didn’t come from a runway.”
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Sophie Stray
Artist Sophie Stray marked the holiday in a traditional Beltestakk bunad, complemented by Rapunzel-worthy cascading hair styled in soft waves. Her 17.mai festivities were punctuated by blooming nature, plenty of sunshine, gatherings with loved ones and, of course, a giant cake featuring the Norwegian flag fashioned from fresh berries.
Nina Sandbech
Leave it to Nina Sandbech to turn 17.mai into a sleek sartorial moment. The Oslo-based content creator and former Vogue Scandinavia cover star sported a grey bunad finished with navy details and meticulous, nature-inspired embroidery. Her National Day was a family affair, spent basking in the sun and marvelling at a brass band.
Vita and Wanda Mashadi
Skincare brand Mashh’s founders and sisters Vita Mashadi and Wanda Mashadi welcomed 17.mai in matching, black embroidered Beltestakk bunads. The duo finished their radiant looks with layers of jewellery, neatly tied scarves and woven headbands.
Petra Henriette Rufi
Champagne, fresh fruit and delectable snacks were on offer at nurse and content creator Petra Henriette Rufi’s 17.mai party. Rufi and her friends went all in with the Norwegian spirit, each clad in their own beautiful bunad. Rufi’s striking black Beltestakk, sourced from Embla Bunader, featured vivid fuchsia and crimson embroidery. She completed the ensemble with gilded jewellery and a floral headband.
Monica Flatland
“Is it even 17.mai without a pavlova?” content creator Monica Flatland wrote. Alongside the classic dessert, her National Day celebrations featured a table heaving with festive bites and beverages, crowned with ribbons in the colours of the Norwegian flag. For the occasion, she opted for a dark navy bunad with plaid detailing and floral embroidery, teamed with silver jewellery.
Tone Damli
Musician Tone Damli’s whole family embraced festive 17.mai dressing, with all four wearing bunads. Damli and her daughter twinned in matching Sognebunads, while her husband and son sported classic men’s bunads from the same region.