For the eleventh consecutive year, Year 1 students from the Fashion programme at Beckmans College of Design have interpreted the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace, and the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Science in Memory of Alfred Nobel. In their creations, they explore the common ground of Nobel Laureates, artists and designers: daring to challenge established methods and theories, the courage to think outside the box, and fusing knowledge of different kinds to present new statements. This year’s emphasis is on three-dimensionality and overall effect, in harmony with the criterion “wearable formal attire”.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine interpreted by Olivia Henriksson and Sofus van Mierlo

The 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded to Svante Pääbo for his discoveries concerning the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution.

“Our interpretation of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is a dress that is fragmented and modified over time, just like DNA. Svante Pääbo’s methods for analysing and mapping old DNA has given us a clearer understanding of contemporary man’s physiology and how we are genetically connected to our extinct relatives. Our work is a tribute to the Nobel Laureate’s remarkable research which has succeeded in mapping the ancient, fragmented and contaminated DNA from the Neanderthals. The dress has helix-shaped elements, and the material is partially processed with heat for fragmentation.”

The Nobel Prize in Physics interpreted by Johannes Jansson and Karolin Lysén

The 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to three people, Alain Aspect, John Clauser and Anton Zeilinger, each of whom has performed ground-breaking experiments using entangled quantum states, where two particles form a single unit even when they are separated. Their results have cleared the way for new technologies based on quantum information.

“Our outfit is inspired by the communication that takes place between the particles in an entangled quantum state. The shape that encircles the piece illustrates that the particles belong together and communicate with each other. As a whole, the garment represents the illusion that two photons in an entangled state belong together, and the communication between them.”

  • Olivia Henriksson and Sofus van Mierlo

  • Johannes Jansson and Karolin Lysén

  • Olivia Henriksson and Sofus van Mierlo

  • Johannes Jansson and Karolin Lysén

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry interpreted by Lina Fujikawa and Linn Hermander

The 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded to Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless for the development of click chemistry.

“In simple terms, the process consists of snapping molecules together by adding an azide and an alkyne, with copper as a catalyst. Our gown is entirely based on hexagons, a shape that is used in chemistry to illustrate molecular constructions. We were inspired by the method’s way of building and wanted to test combinations of the shape on different levels. The colour reflects the use of copper ions as a catalyst, and the correct name of the method, copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition.”

The Nobel Prize in Literature interpreted by Gustav Flovin and Julia Wahlberg

The 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded to the author Annie Ernaux for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory.

“Annie Ernaux captivates us through her writing, inviting us into her youth, courage, infatuations and shame. She creates something that is familiar to us all, making our hearts feel and our souls think. This outfit reflects the author’s life, background and courage. The fragility is there in the shimmering dress, experiences that have shaped Ernaux. The green nuance signals colours from Normandy, where she grew up. Around her, a shell unfolds, a shell that gives her both courage and freedom, a defence she wears wherever she goes. The inside is adorned with beads all the way up to her head. Like a story, these beads reflect Ernaux’s life experiences, giving her the power to write.”

  • Lina Fujikawa and Linn Hermander

  • Gustav Flovin and Julia Wahlberg

  • Lina Fujikawa and Linn Hermander

  • Gustav Flovin and Julia Wahlberg

The Nobel Peace Prize interpreted by Elin Olsson, Kristin Svensson and Vanja Weichselbaumer

The Nobel Peace Prize 2022 is awarded to the human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, the Russian human rights organisation Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties. They have documented war crimes, human rights abuses and the abuse of power.

“Our creation reflects the fighting spirit and driving force of these three. The chains between the seams represent the links between the three Peace Laureates, all fighting for freedom and equality. The chains also illustrate the imprisonment in Belarus of Ales Bialiatski, who is prevented from receiving his peace prize in person. The back of the dress has wings, suggesting a dove of peace and the ethereal nature of freedom. The geometric patterns on the lower part alludes to the logotype of the Center for Civil Liberties, an arrow pointing to a brighter future. The train of the dress illustrates Memorial’s logotype. The flame depicts hope and a fighting spirit.”

The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel interpreted by Hanna Eriksson and Amanda Warnbo

The 2022 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel is awarded to Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond and Philip H Dybvig for research on banks and financial crises.

“This year’s laureates in Economic Sciences theorise on the impact and meaning of banks. Our piece has two sides, symbolising the two elements of banking: deposits and withdrawals. A precarious balance of two mutually dependent opposites, visualised here by two parts meeting from different directions in a balanced centre, before issuing forth into chaos on either side. Underneath it all is a controlled structure. Bright red signifies crisis, while also energising the person wearing it. We chose to reference classic features, such as the train and gloves, but with a modern, contemporary look.”

  • Elin Olsson, Kristin Svensson and Vanja Weichselbaumer

  • Hanna Eriksson and Amanda Warnbo

  • Elin Olsson, Kristin Svensson and Vanja Weichselbaumer

  • Hanna Eriksson and Amanda Warnbo

Beckmans College of Design

Elisabet Yanagisawa, head of courses in fashion

Pär Engsheden, head of programme, fashion

Lisbeth Stålborg, senior lecturer, tailoring and construction

Göran Sundberg, senior lecturer, fashion

Guest Supervisors: Martin Bergström, Ulrika Elovsson, Charlotte Svinevit

Photo: Mattias Edwall /Skarp

Thanks to

Mattias Edwall, Emanuel Koroly, Juni E /Mikas,

Mikas modellagentur, Mia Högfeldt

Nobel Prize Museum

Expertise: Carin Klaesson, Gustav Källstrand, Olof Somell

Coordinator: Elin Granberg

Light: Transpond AB