Oleana in Stavanger

Oleana was founded in 1992, with the aim of creating new jobs in Norway's textile industry. Most of Western Europe's production had by that time moved to countries with far cheaper labour, but we wanted to show that it is still possible to produce textiles of good quality in a high-cost country like Norway. We have always tended towards alternative thinking and going against the main-stream.

Oleana is delighted that after 20 years in the market, we continue to grow. As the world changes, we believe that a very positive future lies ahead of us.

People all over the world are becoming more aware of what they buy. By thinking more about the choices we make when we shop, we can share in taking care of our planet. Clothes made from natural fibres,- like wool and silk,- are good environmental choices.

It is becoming more important for us to buy clothing that is produced in a responsible manner. We can no longer accept the humiliating circumstances that many women and children work under in order to produce inexpensive textile products.

Oleana's collection is produced in our own factory in Norway. "Fair made" is a slogan we believe we can take pride in using.

The collaboration between Oleana and the designer Solveig Hisdal started late in the autumn of 1992. Subsequently, all Oleana's new designs have been created by her.

Solveig Hisdal also photographs all the models and is often involved in the lay-out of catalogues and posters.

Solveig Hisdal's background is in graphic design, art and fashion design. In 1995 she won the "Scheiblers Honorary Award". From the Norwegian Design Council, she and Oleana have received the award for Design Excellence six times.

In 2000 she was awarded the highly coveted Jacob Prize – Norway's most prestigious award for design, crafts and architecture.

Solveig Hisdal is regarded as one of the best textile designers in Norway, and her signature is clearly visible in the Oleana collection, through her colourful and well-developed sense of ornamentation and shape.