A month has passed since Design Dialogues—an evening that turned Soho House Stockholm into a space where fashion, culture, and sustainability collided in the best possible way. On September 18th, over 100 guests gathered to witness two visionary designers—Angelo da Silveira of Diemonde and Neal Dodoo of CHIIP O NEAL—share their stories, their processes, and the deeply rooted values that guide their work.

Krull Magazine and Rouge Palette set the stage for a rare and significant dialogue that reached far beyond fashion. What unfolded that evening was a deep dive into the intersection of African and Nordic design philosophies, and how these worlds can coexist, challenge, and elevate each other.

Angelo, a trailblazer in Swedish fashion, brought with him a story of cultural duality. Born in Togo, raised in Sweden, and committed to creating fashion that fosters social sustainability, his brand has become a beacon for ethical production. His micro-factory model, which offers employment opportunities for immigrants, is a powerful example of fashion as a force for social good. Angelo’s calm confidence shone through that night, as he shared how his experiences have shaped his belief in fashion as both art and activism.

Neal, on the other hand, brought a fresh perspective straight from Ghana. Flying into Sweden for the first time, Neal’s journey to Design Dialogues was symbolic of his brand’s broader vision. His label, CHIIP O NEAL, is all about repurposing and reimagining; deadstock fabrics, old materials, and discarded fashion waste find new life as gender-neutral, size-inclusive garments. On stage, Neal spoke passionately about his drive to challenge fashion’s wasteful conventions, offering a new path forward where sustainability isn’t a buzzword but a creative principle.

Moderated by Georgette Dwomoh-Appiah, founder of Rouge Palette, the conversation peeled back the layers of what it means to create with intention. Georgette skillfully bridged the two designers’ approaches, uncovering their shared philosophies and exploring how both Diemonde and CHIIP O NEAL are reshaping the global fashion landscape in their own ways. For those in attendance, it was clear that while these two designers come from different places, they are both at the forefront of a shift toward fashion that is both inclusive and transformative.

The key highlight of the evening was guests getting up close with the pieces Angelo and Neal brought to share. It’s one thing to talk about sustainability and craftsmanship, but another entirely to feel the weight of a jacket made from upcycled materials, or to touch the soft weave of ethically produced fabrics. The dialogue extended beyond words as attendees engaged directly with the garments, translating abstract ideas into tangible experiences.

Among those mingling through the room were figures like TV4 presenter Frida Zetterström and John-Jamal Gille, head of the Association of Swedish Fashion Brands. Their presence underscored the growing interest in cross-cultural collaboration, suggesting that events like Design Dialogues could mark the beginning of new partnerships between the African and Nordic fashion industries.

Looking back, it’s clear that Design Dialogues wasn’t just a one-night event. It was a pivotal moment that highlighted the impact of bringing diverse creative perspectives together. It served as a catalyst for new conversations in the fashion world and reflected Krull Magazine’s role as a cultural forecaster, consistently spotlighting key cultural moments in Sweden that deserve more attention. The event also reinforced the mission of Rouge Palette’s The Art of African Fashion initiative, which aims to elevate African designers and showcase their work on a global stage.

A month later, the echoes of that evening still resonate. The debut dialogue may have wrapped up, but the ideas shared continue to shape the narrative around the future of fashion in both regions. For those fortunate enough to have been there, Design Dialogues offered a glimpse into what’s possible when fashion is more than just a product and becomes a bridge between worlds. We can’t wait to present the next event.