A guide to Copenhagen Fashion Week with Danish designer Julie Brøgger

In the past few years, Scandinavia has changed its image from a country of edgy minimalism to a Mecca for whimsical fashion, teaching the wold a thing or two about coziness. Everyone seems to be searching for the hygge life, but why have we become so obsessed with replicating the northern style? Danish born and London-based designer Julie Brøgger has an idea. “I think there is a certain coolness or unattainable feel to Scandinavia… We come across as a region that does very well on [our] own, with [our] welfare states, great design, crime series and so on,” she muses to SLEEK, evidently referring to hit TV shows such as The Bridge. “But the truth is of course that we are and always have been deeply dependant on our relations with the rest of the world. Many Scandinavian creatives look to Europe and America for improving their skills…”

Brøgger is one such creative. Moving to London after completing an MA at the Danish Royal Academy of Arts, she set up her eponymous fashion brand Brøgger with co-founder and fellow Dane, Linn Norström Weile, that fuses her Scandinavian roots with influences from her new British home. “For Brøgger as a brand it means [juxtaposing] elements of utility and functionality” — which she cites as hallmarks of Danish fashion — “with the bold influences of London. It has become an ethos of the brand, to merge influences of something truly un-Scandinavian like bold florals and strong colours with the relatability of a functional suit for example.”

Although she’s based in the English capital, Brøgger states that her first show at Copenhagen Fashion Week was a pivotal moment for her brand. “Denmark is and always will be home ground. We’re returning to Copenhagen Fashion Week for SS20, and are incredibly excited about further connecting to the Danish roots of the brand,” she tells us, highlighting the unique differences of CFW to the bigger Fashion Weeks in Paris, London and Milan. “Copenhagen is a small city, the best and quickest way is to get around by bike – not many other fashion weeks can claim that… There is [also] a very warm and approachable feel about Copenhagen Fashion Week… it feels like the whole city takes part in welcoming an international fashion crowd.”

So, aside from hiring a bike to pedal from show to show, what other advice does Julie Brøgger have for making the most of Copenhagen Fashion Week? We mined the Denmark-native’s wealth of knowledge to find out the best places to eat, shop, stay and relax in order to do CFW like a true Scandi.

What to wear…

Fashion and style aren’t often associated with practicality, but due to Copenhagen’s sub-zero temperatures in February, the CFW crowd has to worry about keeping warm. “A good coat is absolutely vital! One large enough to fit a good chunky sweater – or my favourite wool blazer! – underneath,” exclaims Brøgger. “A good blazer in a bold colour will take you far, and will pair up with everything from jeans to full skirts.” And on the shoe front? “Flat, probably trainers… but if it is snowing I bring out the lace-up leather boots!”

What to see…

Brøgger’s AW19 show is obviously not to be missed, but what else does the Danish native recommend seeing at her capital’s upcoming fashion week? “My good friend Cecilie Bahnsen, who I met at university, always does my favourite show of Copenhagen Fashion Week,” Brøgger divulges. “Cecilie takes great pride in craftsmanship. She sticks to what she likes and the result is beautiful. I am so proud of her and what she has achieved in such a short time.”

Where to grab a bite between shows…

“Uh! Sanders Hotel for sure. The designers of the interior – Pernile Lind and Richy Almond – are good London friends of mine,” recommends the designer. “It has been such a pleasure to follow the process and see how beautiful the space has become,” she continues,  referencing the hotel’s minimalist yet luxurious aesthetics. “It’s become a place where not only international guests want to stay. Locals use it as their favourite hangout – for lunch during the day and cocktails at night. It just has this perfect mix of homely and lux!”

Where to shop…

“I love Time’s Up Vintage, Krystalgade 4 in central Copenhagen,” reveals Brøgger. “It’s a must go, always amazing finds.” She also mentions the luxury fashion retailer Holly Golightly as a safe bet. “[They have] a great selection of curated collections from international and Scandinavian brands. And their new store is beautiful, so worth a visit.”

Where to take a break from the Fashion Week madness…

Whilst Brøgger recommends enjoying the fashion week madness to the full – “go out have fun!” – she also advises to find some peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle. Within the city, Brøgger recommends visiting Rosenborg Castle in the King’s Gardens (Kongens Have). “It’s a small renaissance castle located in the heart of Copenhagen. This is where you’ll find the crown jewels, but even if you only have time for a walk in the walled garden, it is a quick and easy escape from the madness of the city on the other side of the walls.”

Or if you have a bit more time and want to get a bit further away from the city, “take a train north of Copenhagen to Humlebaek – the train ride is beautiful – and pay a visit to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. It’s my absolute favourite,” she enthuses. “I’ve been visiting regularly with my parents since I was a child and it just get better and better… The Asger Jorn room is fantastic. Asger Jorn was a Danish neo-Dada artist [whose] works make any Scandi winter day brighter.” She also cites the sculpture park in the museum gardens as a standout place to visit, but says that the site is worth a visit even just for the building itself. “Composed of an older part and a mid-century extension that showcases Danish architecture and craftsmanship very well, every time I go, I find new details to add to my future dream home.”

Where to do some Danish drinking…

If you’re looking for great cocktails and stylish interiors, Brogger suggests Curfew, a charmingly decorated with handcrafted blue tiles from Portugal, and shaking up cocktails from Eucalyptus Martinis to “Doctor’s Orders” – because all prescriptions should be gin based, right? Especially during fashion week. For wine, “I like the atmosphere of Beau Marché Café au Vins.” But if you want a more authentic Danish experience, Brøgger advises you head to the old classic bars, or Værsthus. “[They’re] also great. Not for their cocktails, it’s mostly beer that you’ll find here, but it is they are the original Danish bars, most of them dating a few hundred years back! At some of them the smoking ban is exempt, so beware the thick smoke…”

Where to go celebrity hunting…

Whilst Brøgger doesn’t “think Copenhagen Fashion Week is really about the glitterati” she says that if you want to sneak a peak of someone famous, Sanders Hotel’s bar is a good bet. “Naomi Campbell drank there with Helena Christensen last season.”

Where to rest your head in style…

Let’s face it, when staying in Copenhagen, you’re going to want your room to live up to Denmark’s reputation for minimalist, oh-so-Instagramable interior design. As Scandinavians take great pride in their homes, Brøgger recommends trying to rent a private flat. “It’s the perfect way to authentically experience it! The exclusive version of this is staying at The Apartment, which started as a gallery/shop in someone’s home. Now it offers accommodation as well. Airbnb would be the more approachable solution.”