Copenagen Fashion Week

What was your inspiration for your AW12 collection?
I am inspired by The Peacock Revolution, which was first rising in the 1960s in London and sparked a major change in the way that men dressed, creating an emergence of bright colour and flamboyant style. Thus, this womenswear collection is a mixture of masculinity and femininity.

How did your interest in working with fur begin?
As for me, the most interesting thing about fur is the rich texture. Compared with woven and knitted materials, fur can provide much more possibilities for designers to create their art work. I prefer to look into mixing different materials of different textures together, and to look for some interesting results.

How is fur different from other materials to work with?
Fur is like any other materials, it has its own characteristics. There is no grain line on fur, instead, the hairs have orientations and are uneven in length. You should always think about the texture of fur and work with it.

What are you looking the most forward to at Copenhagen Fashion Week?
It is so exciting that I am invited to attend Copenhagen Fashion Week and I am sure that it is one of the most important things taking place in my fashion life. Copenhagen is famous for fur design and I believe I can find a large number of designs here which can inspire me. Also, I get the opportunity to visit this amazing city.

What is your first fashion memory?
There has been a traditional sewing machine in my home since I was a child and I had a great interest in playing with it - I think God knew that I would be a fashion designer. I completed a couple of outfits four years ago for the first time when I was doing my BA degree. I hardly slept in two weeks because I was hand stitching all the garments. It was so exciting when I saw the garments on the runway worn perfectly. And then it didn't matter that I almost fell asleep when I rode my bike back home after the show ended. And what I learned from then is - fashion is tough, but exciting!

The hair trends for spring/summer 2012 are?
We see two very different directions when it comes to hair.
The first trend is a very groomed, styled and controlled look, where we use a lot of hair gel and shine spray. This can be seen in both up-dos like the look from Anne Sofie Madsen's SS12 show with the long, sleek braids and it can be seen in simple street styles like at the Haaning and Htoon SS12 show with the sleek-back New Yorker-look.
The second trend is all about bringing out the luxury of nature with soft colors and mixed structures - wavy, curly and straight. Veronica B. Vallenes brought this luxurious trend to live in a very simple version at her SS12 show.

What are you looking forward to during Copenhagen Fashion Week?
Seeing the looks come together with hair, makeup and clothes when the models walk down the catwalk and of course the hectic yet fantastic atmosphere backstage.

What is your best beauty trick?
To make the hair look smashing you need to keep it in a good condition. Heat protection is a necessity when styling the models backstage. And a hydrating and repairing mask is a must for home use.

What is your favourite accessory?
A classic hair donut is a must have. It can be cut into different shapes to fill out all types of updos and it is perfect for thin Scandinavian hair.

Three must-haves for this season?
Multicolored woven jacket from Carven. Striped shorts and shirt from Nué Notes - definitely used as a set! Delicate gold chain bracelet with two sets of diamonds from Sophie Bille Brahe.

Favourite accessory this spring season?
A pair of high heel sandals with gold glitter all over from Givenchy.

What is your best beauty trick?
Cream Blush from Kjær Weis, because it gives you a fresh and healthy look - also on a bad day.

Who in your opinion is the ultimate Scandinavian fashion icon?
We have always loved the Danish singer Pernille Rosendahl for her all time cool yet feminine stylish look. She has always managed to be true to her own personal style and yet use the trends.

What are you looking forward to during Fashion Week?
I am mainly looking forward to seeing former and present colleagues, suppliers and friends within the industry. Also, I am of course looking forward to seeing all the new AW12 collections.
Fashion week is a nice break from the daily routines as store manager. It is always a busy week full of strategy meetings, shows and parties.

Mention three must-haves for the upcoming season?
1. Tulle skirts.
Personally, I am looking forward to a fantastic version we are going to have in the store from the Japanese/French brand, Comuun. A lovely 50ies inspired skirt, which of course is high-waisted, short and with lots of width. I believe we will see a lot of pencil skirts too this coming season.

2. Chunky footwear
I am thinking of the more elegant models with solid heels and platform in front - not the "retardo-wedges", which I believe, we all are a bit tired of.
I am still into reptile effects and a pair of chunky, snakeskin sandals is definitely on my wish list.
However, I do believe there will still be focus on men's shoes and loafers opposite the chunky stilettos.

3. Classics - Blazers, shirt, men's trousers etc.
Over the last years, the debate of sustainability and economic crisis has caused people to think more of buying styles, which last more than one season both quality- and fashion-wise. We are moving away from buying seasonal garments that show off brands and only last one season. However, there will still be focus on single, strong seasonal colours, which can be mixed with the classics.

Who is the biggest Scandinavian style icon?
I would say fashion bloggers, such as Maria van Nguyen, Erin Kling and Elise Born, are making themselves noticed. I know it is a cliché, but damn I envy their closets and personal style.

What do you consider the biggest fashion-no-goes right now?
It is hard to say. Lately, I have moved away from oversized circus-wear and "retardo-wedges". However, I do not think it can be considered as no-goes. I believe it is very risky to talk of fashion-no-goes, because you never know when it comes back to bite you. Things you cannot stand now might come back in style, and you might change your mind.

Where do you find inspiration for your collections?
To me, inspiration is an ongoing process. I collect anything I find interesting and store it in archives, drawers, boxes or in my head. When I am about to start working on a collection, everything is brought out. The ideas I still find inspiring become the basis for the new collection. Several threads are gathered and make up the collection as whole. For the first time, the next collection is developed in Italy. I am looking forward to testing my ideas along side skilled craftsmen before the decisions are made.

What are the three essentials in your bag?
My favourite Lip Tint from Kjær Weis, some snacks, and a pair of stilettos in case the night offers surprises.

Favourite item from your wardrobe?
My knits from Future Classics and Margiela.

Finish the sentence? I cannot live without..?
Food and sleep.

Favourite Danish/Scandinavian designers?
There are many.. But Carin Wester, Veronica B. Vallenes and Kokoon are definitely amongst them.

Favourite item this season?
Definitely a beautiful white cape from Veronica B. Vallenes, Carin Wester platform sneaks and an oversized coat in black and white from Moonspoon Saloon.

How do you get the most out of your shopping?
By keeping the option of reselling your garments in mind. That way you do not have to worry about impulse shopping and missing a potential favourite style.

Best place to go out in Copenhagen?
I do not have a favourite place to go out. It depends on the company and my mood. However, my favourite places to begin an evening out are definitely wine bars, Malbeck in Birkegade and Bibendum in Nansensgade.

Favourite Danish/Scandinavian designers?
Acne.

What should we go for this season?
Coloured jeans, as well as shoes in red, blue, turquoise, orange and pink.

Favourite item for the home this season?
The Tablo table and Sumo puff from Normann Copenhagen.

What are you looking forward to during Fashion Week?
Soulland's show and the collections from Rika and Tabernacle Twins.