Holzweiler
Forget navy suits, gold pins, and the classic hotel look. At Amerikalinjen, the staff gets a more diverse wardrobe to choose from—think denim, pink turtlenecks, checkered patterns, and track suits.
Dressing with Personality
“Clothing can be a strong expression of personality. As an independent hotel, we’re not bound by chain manuals. That has given us the freedom to think outside the box, draw inspiration from Amerikalinjen’s rich history, and work with the best people,” says former General Manager Wilhelm Hartwig.
A Perfect Match
The people he’s referring to are the Holzweiler family from Oslo, the creative minds behind the fashion brand of the same name. Susanne and her younger brother Andreas started a fashion agency 11 years ago, with their parents as key supporters. Since then, both the family and their ambitions have grown. Today, they have a team of more than 40 people, designing collections for men and women, and selling in Japan, the UK, the US, and Canada, in addition to their home market.
“We love collaborations that spark creativity and energy. With Amerikalinjen, the chemistry was instant. The concept is super cool, and we immediately knew we wanted to be part of it,” says Susanne Holzweiler.
“Hanging together” has become part of Holzweiler’s DNA.
“Our hanger logo represents who we are and what we stand for. The hanger is a product that has existed for more than 100 years—functional and timeless. We create classic, stylish clothing designed to last. At the same time, the logo is a symbol of connection—within our family, with our partners, and with our customers. ‘Hang with Holzweiler’ is more than just a slogan for us,” says Susanne.
From Ballroom to Street
In designing the hotel’s collection, Holzweiler’s designer, Duy Dinh Ngo, took an eclectic approach, drawing from Amerikalinjen’s 80-year history.
“The range of styles is broad. We didn’t limit ourselves to one era but took inspiration from 1920s New York, mixing the ballroom elegance of the upper class with denim and suspenders originally worn by the working class. We also looked at contemporary artists like Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, who incorporate elements from New York’s 1950s and ’60s jazz scene,” says Dinh Ngo.
The result? A modern collection that blends an elevated look with a casual street style.
“It should be stylish yet relaxed. The goal was to create workwear that stands out without stealing the spotlight—after all, the staff shouldn’t be competing with the guests,” says Dinh Ngo.
Designed for Movement
Functionality was a key focus for the Holzweiler team when designing the collection.
“The clothes need to be comfortable to work in. Housekeeping and restaurant staff need freedom of movement and durable fabrics, while the reception and administrative teams have a more representative role. Several pieces include sports elements, like the track suit—or what we’d call a ‘grilldress’ in Norwegian. Other outfits have side stripes, adding a sporty touch inspired by movement and Norway’s hiking traditions. The collection also considers seasonal variations, with knitwear for winter and t-shirts for summer.”
Our Oslo
Susanne Holzweiler believes Oslo’s locals have had the city to themselves for too long.
“In the past, we Norwegians traveled the world to explore. Now, the world is finally coming to us. We love that Amerikalinjen is highlighting local partners and everything urban Oslo has to offer. We’re proud of where we come from.”
“For us, it’s amazing to have a space in Oslo where we can invite guests, host events—and just hang together.”