In its runway debut, Norwegian brand ella&il transports the world of Scandinavian minimalism to the French seaside with a "wardrobe that travels lightly"
Making its debut at Oslo Runway, Norwegian label ella&il transports us to the coast with a spring/summer '26 show that captures the gentle rhythm of seaside living. In a show titled Serenity, the brand invites us into a world where Scandinavian minimalism meets the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera and the earthy spirit of a modern safari. It's a tribute to the freedom of summer - light, effortless and quietly adventurous.
The colour palette is drawn directly from nature's own brushstrokes: hues of sand, sea, sun, and wind are rendered in sophisticated tones of beige, soft khaki, and airy sky blues. These subtle yet evocative colours ground the collection in a calm, elemental beauty. This lightness carries through the choice of fabrics. Gauzy linens, breezy cottons, and soft-washed denims evoke a tactile softness, whilst fringed edges and textured surfaces suggest movement: sails fluttering in a sea breeze, or waves brushing against the shore. It's an aesthetic of quiet dynamism – pieces that feel alive, but never loud.
Designed with long sun-drenched days and golden-hour evenings in mind, the silhouettes are thoughtful and fluid. Corseted linen dresses are cinched with rope belts, marrying structure with ease. Boxy trousers and crisp shirt co-ord sets are updated with cropped cuts and playful layering – think crocheted bandeaus peeking out beneath oversized collars.
"It is a wardrobe that travels lightly, balancing comfort and refinement wherever summer takes you," says designer and creative director Rikke Holmen-Jensen. "For me, fashion is about how clothes make you feel. With SS26, I wanted to design pieces that embody serenity, movement, and joy – garments that let you breathe, wander, and dream, while still carrying an understated elegance."
This season also marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Not only is Serenity their runway debut, but it also commemorates ella&il's tenth anniversary – a celebration of a decade of quiet growth, Scandinavian craftsmanship, and a signature aesthetic rooted in simplicity.
"This is a milestone for us," says Lene Holmen-Jensen, one of ella&il's co-founders. "Being part of Oslo Runway is not only important for us as a brand, but also personally – it's a confirmation of the journey we've been on since we started with a simple T-shirt."
See Ella&il's SS26 collection in full below.
