Move over, les Parisiennes, the ‘Copenhagen Girl’ is fast becoming the fashion world’s symbol for international chic and understated cool.
Copenhagen Girls are most apparent during the Danish capital’s fashion weeks (Aug and Jan/Feb), when they roam the streets like a wildly coloured wolf pack on bicycles, exuding a laid-back vibe and insouciant attitude.
Danish fashion design is attracting a global following with the rise and rise of its local designers. And this is good news for anyone who likes a healthy dose of shopping while visiting this ridiculously hip city. A lot of the Danish brands are not widely available overseas (yet!), giving you the edge when it comes to envy-inducing fashion finds to flaunt back home.
Copenhagen city centre is where it’s at shopping-wise. Within the bounds of a few streets leading off and around the central square of Amagertorv you’ll find sartorial happiness to suit every budget. Here I lay out my top picks for you to mix it up from high street to high end (and everything in between) on your next visit to the emerging epicentre of style.
THEY’LL NEVER KNOW (AKA BANG FOR YOUR BUCK)
Moss Copenhagen is casual, cool, accessible but with an edge. Kronprinsensgade 5, 1114 Copenhagen. mosscopenhagen.com
Gina Tricot. Okay, it’s a Swedish chain store, but search and ye shall find hidden Scandi-gems. Købmagergade 19, 1150 Copenhagen. ginatricot.com
Gestuz is more directional, with a fresh take on Scandinavian simplicity (although prices are nudging up into the next category). Stocked at Companys, Østergade 27, 1100 Copenhagen. gestuz.com
TOTALLY WORTH IT
Ganni. The epitome of Danish effortless cool, Ditte Reffstrup’s brand is on every fashion girl’s (and editor’s) radar. Store Regnegade 12, 1110 Copenhagen. Also available at Net-a-Porter
Julie Fagerholt Heartmade. Romantic, natural and just a teensy bit eclectic. The boutique is hidden away at the back of the most charming courtyard. Pilestræde 45, 1112 Copenhagen. heartmade.dk
Custom Made. Classic, urban, refined – basically how to look sophisticated without trying….“What? This old thing?” Christian IX’s Gade 5, 1111 Copenhagen. custommade.dk
SCANDI-LUXE
Baum und Pferdgarten. Intelligent design, directional tailoring with a sense of fun. Worth a visit if only for the spectacular interior of its flagship store. Vognmagergade 2, 1120 Copenhagen. baumundpferdgarten.com
By Malene Birger. What’s not to love? Uber sophistication, luxe fabrics, classic design. Antonigade 10, 1106 Copenhagen. bymalenebirger.com
Stine Goya. Whimsical Ophelia-esque dresses, soft tailoring, dreamy colour palettes. If I could fill my wardrobe with Stine Goya, I would be one happy, multi-coloured wolf on a bike. Gothersgade 58, 1123 Copenhagen. stinegoya.com
Most of these designers and so many more Scandi delights (Filippa K, Acne Studios, Designers Remix… the list goes on) are housed in the decadently divine Illum department store. Shop to your heart’s content, then head upstairs to the fabulous bars and restaurants on the rooftop. It’s the perfect spot for post-retail show-and-tell over champagne refreshment.
For more of Suzanne’s fashion and travel adventures, visit secondsister.com
