Astrid Olsson

Place: Stockholm

Born: 1948

Biography:

Astrid Olsson is a Swedish fashion designer born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1948. She is known for her expertise in clothing design, tailoring, and sewing. Olsson attended the Textile School of Fashion in Boras, Sweden, where she honed her skills before embarking on her fashion career. In 2003, she won the prestigious KappAhl Design Award for her collection titled 'To Be a Dandy'. Her talent and creativity were further recognized when she was nominated for the 'Newcomer of the Year' award by Elle magazine in the same year. In 2004, Olsson founded the fashion brand Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair with Lee Cotter. The brand initially focused on experimenting with knitwear, particularly jersey fabric, to cater to the demand of women's clothing. Over time, the brand expanded to include clothing for men as well. Olsson became known for her innovative garment construction and dramatic draping style, often using a palette of black, white, and gray colors. The products of Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair can be found in prestigious stores such as Selfridges in London, Barney's in the USA, and Galeries la Fayette in Berlin. The brand filed for bankruptcy in April 2014, but Olsson's work and legacy continue to inspire fashion designers and enthusiasts around the world.