Behind The Scenes: Copenhagen with Deryane & Charley

Buying Trip in Copenhagen - August 2023.

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that my buying diary at this time of year is pretty full on, whizzing all over to visit different showrooms to view all of the brands for next season before I make my final selection and edit for The Dressing Room. Following a few challenging years I decided that now was the right time to re-introduce my overseas buying trips and I returned to Copenhagen Fashion Week this August for 3 days of fashion, buying appointments and above all some much needed inspiration.

Myself and Charley kicked off the trip with an early start with the 7am flight from Heathrow. I should mention that there is always a drama on my overseas trips and this one was no exception with our bags being momentarily lost – but calm was resumed when they showed up an hour later!

Our first stop was the huge Danish Trade show, Ciff and Revolver, showcasing over 800 brands. We soon found our feet and started scouting out newness and catching up with suppliers and other retailers as we made our way around the show. We quickly found some gorgeous newness for next season!

Next stop was to drop off our cases at our hotel, Axel Guldsmeden,  with just enough time for me to change into my new shoe the bear Valetine Laser cut boots in the foyer, we jumped back in the taxi and made our way to the Stine Goya show. On arrival we soon realised the show was outside and it was bucketing it down with rain – marvellous! The crowd outside the show were completely fashion fabulous, with colour and print and fab outfits to be seen everywhere we turned, all bumping umbrellas as we did so!

The show was called ‘the homecoming’ and was an incredible setting on Stine’s home street outside of her house, her family and friends were out on all of the balconies overlooking the show. The street was set with tables with huge Jellies and wine glasses and the speakers played out sounds of birds and motorbikes. After a while of people watching and celebrity spotting, the rain stopped, the music started and the show began with the most beautifully colourful collection in key tones of shocking pink and baby blue. The show was closed by Supermodel extraordinaire Helena Christensen which has to go down as one of the highlights of my fashion life. You can see the show here: WATCH THE STINE GOYA SHOW

Next stop was on to the ‘Postcards of Copenhagen’ Baum Und Pferdgarten Show which had a more industrial setting. A fantastic opportunity for more street style inspo, the look at this show was more of a fashionably neutral crowd. Oversized trench coats and blazers, loose denim and sunglasses were order of the evening.

You can check out the show here: WATCH THE BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN SHOW

Time for some fuel, we took a wander around the meatpacking district and settled at Mother Pizza for some Pizza and a drink to end the evening.

Day Two started with a lovely fresh breakfast at our eco-friendly hotel in the heart of Copenhagen. We spotted that the majority of the other guests had been at the shows, so time for some more street style spotting before heading off to the Munthe Fashion Show located in the Kuglegarten courtyard in central Copenhagen where the show inspiration was drawn from Art Galleries. Huge hand painted backdrops were set underneath the trees in the historic courtyard, the models looking stunning in sparkle, leather and understated luxury. The fashion crowd were looking gorgeous, Fashion but more muted with lots of texture and elegantly wearable looks. The people at the shows were generally the same faces, described by Charley as Chameleons as they changed their look entirely for each different show. Editors of magazines like Harpers Bazzaar, Tatler, Vogue and Grazia sat alongside celebrities, influencers and buyers alike.

A quick tour of the design studios in the courtyard, a wander along the picturesque canal followed by a buying appointment for an exciting new addition to The Dressing Room brand mix which will be unveiled in November, watch this space….

Next stop, over to the new Dea Kudibal HQ to celebrate the 20 year anniversary with Dea Kudibal and her team. We had a fab time catching up and meeting other retailers from around the world, all looking effortlessly elegant in Dea Kudibal. Drinks by the water and Dinner in the super chic Bistro Central Copenhagen topped off with delicious Gin sour’s. Unfortunately we then got lost and ended up walking for an hour (me in heels, Charley in trainers!) to get back to our hotel, I have a terrible sense of direction and should never be trusted to lead the way!!!!

Day three and we had a window of a couple of hours before our flight to hunt our some retail inspiration and spent some time in department store illums bolighus looking at all the beautiful interiors and then on to Stine Goya, Munthe and some Independent stores.

The trip gave us some much needed inspiration and gave me some time to think about what we need for the Dressing Room for next season and beyond. The Scandinavians are way ahead in terms of sustainability, all elements of the trade show and fashion shows had been thought through in terms of environmental impact. To show at CPFW, a brand has to adhere to the fashion council’s sustainability Minimum 18 requirements. 

I really do think there is something about the Scandinavians that is inherently stylish and beautiful, from the way they style themselves to their interiors – its all so effortless and is always topped off come rain or shine with a pair of acetate sunglasses! 

Deryane and Charley xx