Copenhagen Photo Journal

Hanging out in Copenhagen was like hanging with an older, cooler big sister. The one with more life experience who you can count on to impart some wisdom when it comes to the latest music, where the best hangouts are and of course, styling advice.

Fashionably speaking, Copenhagen was a breath of fresh air. To start with, it was a relief to not be bombarded with the super-sized advertisements of the fast fashion and mass luxury brands common to other European cities. And a special mention must go to the beautifully designed system of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists where each has its own lane and the bigger, faster and most pollutant gives way to the smallest, slowest and lightest footprint. This set the perfect environment for exploring this historic city and its surrounding neighbourhoods each with its own distinct flavour. A fashion city where the climate dictates the dress and while utilitarian is the overarching message, it is without a doubt utilitarian chic. The shopping was fun with lots of all my favourite things; vintage, handmade, luxury and pre-loved. Here are my highlights…

genuine, proper, actual vintage…

That is, vintage as in more than 40 years old. But what struck me most was the quality and dedication that these curators have in delivering unique pieces in absolute mint condition (a sure sign of someone who surely loves vintage). Mochi Copenhagen was a real stand out. Upon entering the brightly lit store in Nørrenbro I say hello to a rainbow of of pristine knits with a fresh colour for everyday of the month. There is also an extensive range of silk Japanese kimonos, wool jackets and coats and a wall of leather handbags fit for a Mad Men dame. All gracefully arranged in a quaint basement store with a labyrinth of tiny spaces ever uncovering a new room of precious treasures.

Luxury in craftmanship

And I’m not talking about the type of luxury that is replicated umpteenth times in a factory and sold at a premium for the name. But rather, luxury because of the nature and quality and skill in the craftsmanship. I happened upon Holly Golightly as I was riding my bike along the street in the city centre and it’s sublime window displays made me do a double take. Imagine, Italian cashmere berets with candy coloured pom poms, cotton kaleidoscope dresses with hand-worked scalloped edges to seriously serious winter jackets standard to European winters but likely never to be worn in our sub-tropical corner of the world. Nevertheless, imagine! Holly Golightly has all this, plus an array of art objects and vintage pieces from around the world.

next level pre-loved

Copenhagen and it’s surrounding neighbourhoods are dotted with second hand re-sellers, consignment stores and clothing ex-changes. And as much as I love my Aussie op-shops, here they are truly serious about their pre-loved. There is a pre-loved store for every fashion taste and every budget. Some honing in to the seemingly typical light-toned garments of white, cream and natural tones. A colour palette that would never cross my mind (I love colour too much!), but a look that the locals pull off so effortlessly. While other stores will trade in in party frocks and wedding dresses and others still in more contemporary local and international designers. Circularity in fashion is good design and as we know the Danes know good design.