The Scandinavian Fashion Brands To Have On Your Radar
Here's how to tap into that famous Scandi style
Cecilie Bahnsen's feminine, frilly designs might not automatically match up with the minimalism stereotypically associated with Scandi designs, but they imbue a modernity that's difficult to resist. The Danish designer herself - a former assistant of Erdem and a previous LVMH Design Prize finalist - prefers to wear her pieces with T-shirts and trainers to give them a dress-down appeal. Familiarise yourself with Bahnsen's name now - she's destined for the fashion mainstage.
Visit Ceciliebahnsen.com
Laid back yet polished; minimal yet feminine, Gestuz strikes the perfect balance between Scandi chic and subtle ladylike influences. Founded in 2008 by Sanne Sehested Nielsen - a Danish designer who embodies the Gestuz woman - the label is known for exquisite separates that are easily imbued into any stylish wardrobe, each piece striking a balance between edgy and elegant and crafted from notably luxe fabrics.
Visit gestuz.com
Headed by creative director Lene Borggaard, Bruuns Bazaar sets the precedent for Scandinavian cool. The first Danish company to show in Paris in 1999, it has come a long way since brothers Teis and Bjorn Bruun started their brand of pared-back luxury. Luxe yet understated basics are their strength.
Visit bruunsbazaar.dk
Cecilie was started after the brand's creative director Cecilie Jørgensen often found herself in a familiar clothing crisis we find ourselves in time after time- getting ready for a night out but having nothing to wear. This sparked the idea of the brand, now today it's signature pieces are scarves, a Cecilie print and a certain silhouette. After their winter collection back in 2011, a demand for Cecilie grew across the globe, leading to the brand being stocked all over from Browns in London to Parlous X in Sydney.
Visit ceciliecopenhagen.com
A mixture of sharp, utilitarian silhouettes and softer, feminine pieces, Danish brand Designers Remix is one for the effortlessly stylish among us. These are easy, elegant basics that you'll wear for seasons to come.
Visit designersremix.com
Launched in Stockholm in spring 2005 by three sisters, Karin Söderlind, Kristina Tjäder and Sofia Wallenstam, House of Dagmar has become a cult brand thanks to its sporty, vaguely eccentric feel. Expect relaxed tailoring and plenty of prints.
Visit houseofdagmar.se
Established in Stockholm in 1993 by Filippa Knutsson and Patrik Kihlborg, Filippa K is the go-to brand for uncomplicated yet modern clothes. Think slouchy trousers and midi skirts designed to be worn with leather boots and a cross-body bag. Easy, effortless, ageless; what more could we want?
Visit filippa-k.com
Based in Copenhagen and founded by Barbara Potts and Cathrine Saks, Saks Potts is a brand inspired by contemporary arts and a hint of the unusual. Their strength is eye-catching outerwear to see you through winters to come.
Visit sakspotts.com
Mads Nørgaard holds some similarity to our high street favourites, such as Cos, H&M or Uniqlo. Although likened to other brands, they offer something a little different as their fashion mantra is "What you wear should support you in your ways and beliefs."
Visit madsnorgaard.dk
Hailing from Oslo, Norway, Holzweiler began as a scarf brand and instantly became a cult among the Oslo fashion savvy. A family-run business, it is Andreas Holzweiler, his sister Susanne and his wife Maria Skappel who are the brains behind the brand. Their trademark is easy, elegant pieces with a hint of print and feminine fabrics.
Visit holzweiler.no
Their collections offer a range from out there pieces to versatile wardrobe staples that can be transferred from look to look. Its founder and creative director Nikolaj Nielsen’s vision was to create a brand that never loses its relevance. Won Hundred are also ethically conscious, as they keep in mind everything from pollution levels to the well-being of the models when running the label. Their latest initiative is the 'Green Cross' label, which informs the buyer that the garment is made from organic material.
Visit wonhundred.com
A historic company of Danish origin, jewellery and home accessories brand Georg Jensen was established in Copenhagen in 1904. A testament to the sleek and uncomplicated nature of Scandinavian design, it is as relevant today as it was decades ago.
Visit georgjensen.com
Danish company By Malene Birger is going from strength to strength. Eternally inspired by men's tailoring, the label stays true to its relaxed and modern aesthetic. Workmanship and attention to detail are key: embroidery, fringing and incredible prints are all commonplace within their collections.
Visit bymalenebirger.com
Rarely has a jeweller burst onto the scene in the manner of Sophie Bille Brahe. Having studied at the Royal College of Art in London, the designer started her brand after a childhood of dreaming about being a goldsmith. Her delicate yet fashion-forward designs quickly captured the imagination of those in the know, followed by shoppers and celebrities alike. She counts Madonna as a fan.
Visit sophiebillebrahe.com
Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Heste have founded their brand in Copenhagen in 1999 with a view to creating something based on quality and design but with a hint of quirk. Their brand is just that: strong, structured silhouettes, exquisite fabrics and playful prints. You can find them stocked at Asos and Farfetch.
Visit baumundpferdgarten.com
Samsøe & Samsøe dates back to 1993, when two brothers opened a small namesake shop in Copenhagen. The brand originally only stocked jewellery, but progressively moved on in 2000 when the label was taken over by new ownership and turned into an international fashion house that focused on contemporary clothes, footwear and accessories. With a nod to its Scandinavian heritage, the label is minimalist, affordable and accessible.
Visit samsoe.com