Husfliden Lillehammer's Heritage into the Digital Future

See the Norwegian version of the Case Study here.

What happens when cultural legacy meets data fluency—and tradition becomes a strategic asset?

Husfliden Lillehammer, a champion of Norwegian craftsmanship, specializes in the production of traditional bunads—regional folk costumes that carry deep cultural meaning. With a legacy rooted in authenticity, local knowledge, and hand-sewn quality, Husfliden Lillehammer is now taking a step into the digital world. 

In partnership with Repass, Husfliden Lillehammer has created Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for a selection of their bunads. These digital companions showcase the garment's history, materials, and makers—ensuring that tradition is not only protected but also made visible and accessible for future generations. 

Making it Visible 

Bunads are often passed down through generations, altered, repaired, and worn with pride. Yet the journey of each garment—its materials, its makers, its meaning—has remained largely undocumented to the wearer. Through this pilot, each bunad is now accompanied by a Digital Product Passport hosted on the Repass Connected Product Platform. These passports offer a transparent view of the garment’s full lifecycle: 

• Material origin and journey 
• Embroidery by home-based artisans in the Innlandet region 
• Made-to-measure tailoring at Husfliden Lillehammer 
• Washing instructions and maintenance guidance 
• The history and symbolism of each bunad 
• Contact forms for alterations and repairs 

The result is a living record of each bunad—one that honors the past while enabling smarter care and deeper connection in the present. 

Lifting Local Craftsmanship 

This project is not just about digital tools: it is about elevating the network of skilled craftspeople and suppliers who make each bunad possible. From wool producers to embroiderers and tailors, the DPPs shine a light on the value created by local hands and minds. By making these value chains visible, Husfliden Lillehammer not only strengthens its brand but also builds deeper trust and loyalty among customers who care about provenance, quality, and cultural continuity. 

Designing for Storytelling, Identity, and Use 

The DPPs are more than technical documents—they are storytelling tools. Repass worked closely with Husfliden Lillehammer to ensure the digital experience reflects the emotional and cultural weight of the garments. Each passport includes: 

• A general overview of the bunad’s design and regional roots 
• A personal page to document ownership and family history 
• A digital journey to log production steps and alterations 
• Embedded repair and alteration forms 
• Potential for future purchases, such as silver and accessories 

The interface is designed to be clear and intuitive, balancing tradition with modern expectations. This creates a more engaging customer experience—one that invites users to connect with their garment over time and explore new services and accessories as their needs evolve. 

A Model for Heritage Garments Worldwide 

While this project is deeply rooted in Norwegian culture, its implications are global. The same approach can be applied to heritage garments and artisanal production worldwide. 

By combining authentic storytelling with digital infrastructure, Husfliden Lillehammer and Repass are creating a model for how traditional craftsmanship can thrive in a connected world. 

A Digital Thread Through Time 

This collaboration shows what’s possible when heritage meets innovation. With Repass, Husfliden Lillehammer has transformed the bunad into a digital asset—one that preserves identity, supports sustainability, and builds trust with a new generation of wearers. 

The Digital Product Passport is more than a tool for transparency. It is also a platform for smarter storytelling, stronger customer engagement, and long-term brand loyalty. It opens the door to new commercial opportunities, from services to future purchases. 

What began as a pilot is now a blueprint for future bunads—demonstrating how digital tools can protect cultural heritage, empower local artisans, and create lasting value for both culture and business.