For more than 40 years, one of Scandinavia's most unique designers and entrepreneurs has been creating whimsical fashion collections and spreading cheerful splashes of color all over the world. Gudrun Sjödén is a renowned Swedish designer and entrepreneurial force whose boldly feminine clothing collections are inspired by nature and global folk motifs. Gudrun Sjödén — A Colourful Universe is a U.S. exhibition premiere and a collaboration with the American Swedish Institute that celebrates Gudrun's career, history and inspirations. This visually striking installation, displayed throughout ASI's Osher Gallery and the Turnblad Mansion, shares her original watercolors, samples of her clothing and textiles, historical catalog photographs and information about her inspiration. For a quick overview click here.
It continues ASI's 2018 exploration of The Handmade, which focuses on master makers, the work they create and the global movements they have inspired, opening a window to Sweden’s intimate connection to the handmade form and its international impact. Sjödén grew up on a farm where handcrafts, such as knitting or carving, were a part of life and that experience remains a part of her inspiration. Gudrun Sjödén— A Colourful Universe is a U.S. exhibition debut for Gudrun which is co-curated with acclaimed Gudrun designer Wanja Djanaieff. It is a first-time collaboration between ASI and Gudrun Sjödén Design.
Gudrun founded her company four decades ago and remains an active, hands-on leader. Her colorful, comfortable and female friendly clothing, distinctive textiles and eco-conscious, progressive philosophies have earned Gudrun a worldwide network of fans and inspired a forum for inspiration, knowledge and positive thinking. Among her many honors, Gudrun received a 2007 Litteris et Artibus Medal from the King of Sweden and the 2018 “Best International Growth” award from EY/Entrepreneur Of The Year.
“I am a watercolour artist and entrepreneur,” she writes, “whose business idea is to make colourful clothes and home textiles in natural materials with an emphasis on Scandinavian design. The fashion is designed to be functional and versatile so it can be mixed and matched in both the short and long term in looks to suit women of all ages, shapes and sizes.”
Learn More
Visit gudrunsjoden.com to preview her collections.
RELATED PROGRAMMING
Curated Cocktail Tours
Experience the exhibition with curated cocktail creations and specialty lite-bites from FIKA Café. Join us for an exclusive, after hours tour and a journey of the senses, inspired by Gudrun – her bold use of color, her eco-conscious approach, her global impact. $50 ASI members / $55 non-members. 21+ only.
2 dates available; follow links to register:
Private Exibition Tours
We encourage visitors to consider planning a private group tour of the exhibition. Click here for more information.
The exhibition runs through October 28 during regular Museum hours and is included in museum admission. The galleries will also be open during our upcoming signature events, including the Great Makers Exchange on August 18 and Cocktails at the Castle on September 14.
Ticket Info
Free for members.
Admission info for non-members.
Admission info for non-members.