The Rules For Scandi Fashion You Never Knew

Copenhagen Fashion Week not only shone the spotlight on the Danish capital’s designer collections, but on its all-encompassing cultural scene. As the Danes’ aesthetic – along with their Swedish and Norwegian neighbours – increasingly influences the rest of the world on the style front, we asked Christina Exsteen – creative director at Denmark’s prominent fashion house By Malene Birger – to help us dissect the differences between, and the enduring appeal of, Scandi fashion. Here are some insightful snippets of conversation taken from an interview with Vogue creative director Christina Exsteen and interviewer, Malene Birger:

1. How would you define Scandi fashion now?

I think it’s very laid-back but at the same time sophisticated. It’s uncomplicated and easy to wear. Scandinavians are very good at lending their own twist to their look, like with layers.

2. What are the foundation pieces of a Scandinavian wardrobe?

A great coat, a great pair of jeans, a great selection of knitwear, and lots of basics to wear them with. It’s a great foundation to have, to then layer seasonal pieces on top.

3. What is intrinsic to Danish fashion and what sets it apart from Swedish and Norwegian style?

If you ask a Swede, a Dane and a Norwegian, we would all say that we’re not the same. I think the Danish are more playful in putting our looks together; the Swedes are really good at minimalism; and the Norwegians are a little more glamourous and like more embellishment. The differences are subtle, but they are there.

4. What is your design ethos as a Danish designer?

I like to give women the opportunity to be comfortable and stylish. I work with everyday pieces that make women feel beautiful, but also work with a 16-hour day. With kids, a career, and social gatherings all a part of women’s lives here, clothes have to help us out, while always being elegant and within a reasonable price point. For me, it’s all about mixing things up too – trying to introduce a playful element to luxury and not always being too serious. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

5. Who would you count as Scandi fashion icons and trendsetters now?

Pernille Teisbaek is doing a great job. She’s really great at mixing high and low in a personal way. But since style here transcends through every industry and influences others, I also think of our great chefs as modern style icons; Danish-born chef Rasmus Kofoed is doing amazing things at Geranium. The artist Thomas Poulsen – known as FOS – is such an exciting artist and is collaborating with many fashion brands on their collections.

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6. What does a Danish creative director, like yourself, cite as her staples?

I always have a lot of classic pieces. I have a lot of suits, and I like them because they work in every way for me. I can wear one piece with jeans or another with a sweatshirt, or both together depending on my mood and where I am going.

7. Complete this sentence: Scandinavian style now is…

…about being comfortable and cool women. It gives us space to experiment as we have a lot of demands and demand a lot back from our clothes. I like the idea that it is possible for us to do everything we need to do, without losing our sense of style or self.

I decided to add photographic evidence Moss and Hadid’s verging Scandi style for good measure- it’s always appreciated. The intention of this article was to inform you of the Scandi essentials, the elements of a rare style that is strongly making its way back into the flow of fashion. The Scandi rules you never knew are now within your reach now. Take advantage!

Do you have an Scandi fashion tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below!

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