Best foot forward

Sampled in a multitude of summer hues, these sandals from Catherine Parra are perfect for summer feet.

Philosophic Originals

I love the elegant palette of Philosophy Blues Original's SS12 collection. Collection favourites are their hot pink blazer and soft drape dress...

Tick Tock Technicolour

It's not just about colourful clothes next season – accessories in summer brights are also high on the style list, and watches in particular tell time in technicolour.

Sky high show

Not only is the recently opened Bella Sky Hotel the biggest hotel in the north, it's also the backdrop of CIFF's fashion fair and was this Saturday stage to Avia of Scandinavia fashion show. Avia is all about more is more, frills and flounces as well as more than your fair share of lace, so if luxe femme is your cup of tea, stay and put your feet up. In stark contrast to the show, the collection benefits from simple yet elegant styling combined with quality accessories, to allow each item to come into its own and place in its proper context.

On your (fashion) bike!

After more than a decade in Denmark, I have finally embraced my inner cyclist (wearing heels, natch) and have to get my hands on one of these – a bell speedometer. Get outta my way, Vikings!

Lovely Livly

I love discovering new brands, so this morning I was in my element when I stumbled upon Livly – a brand new Swedish childrenswear brand that will no doubt be a firm favourite of the yummy mummy club. The Stockholm-based brand offers a new take on classic, functional and styles, executed in deliciously soft cashmere-cotton mix and durable Pima cotton.

The People Watcher

I love Richard Haines' front row sketches...

(Ice)Cream is the new black

I’m yet to meet a person who doesn’t like ice-cream. On one of Denmark’s smallest islands, Skarø, produces ice-cream made from the sap of birch trees (don’t knock it ‘til you try it), which adds essential vitamins and minerals to the mix. You can try the organic and gourmet Skarø ice-cream at CIFFs café, as well as pick up a few nutrition tips from food prodigy Christian Bitz (who served up a delicious – and healthy – brunch at Wednesday morning’s press viewing of the Trend Show. Probably to compensate for all the ice-cream that was later consumed).

Summer Stripes

The Muus SS12 collection, designed by autodidact designer Malou Sander, stays true to the brand's simple and feminine design aesthetic. The striped big-knit cardigan is perfect for cool summer nights and the A-line pocket front dress will sit pretty all season.

Door Art

The brand Container has decorated its stand in Hall C with an installation created by their very own model. Artistic Line Bjarnø created the panelled doors as part of her final college project.

Special Exhibition

CIFF has invited a selection of design students in their final year to show their interpretation of Peclers Paris' SS12 trends. Check out the exhibition at the fair.

HIRSTUE HEAVEN

The Walrus


Why?


Beloved Magnum P.I and his hot 80s tash


Why do men seem to have all the fun? At the Barber’s Shop at CIFF men can kick back, sip whiskey and enjoy a clean shave whilst leafing through the latest fashion magazines and browsing the latest menswear trends. I guess I’ll be making a beeline for the women only floor at BellaSky…

Pop-in

Attention pop fans and celebrity stalkers: Rumour has it the Danish songstrel Medina will visit CIFF this Friday. Keep your peepers peeled in and around Hall C…

Fashion Threads

Recently, integration projects have been popping up throughout the capital. I Tråd med Verden (ITMV, English: In Line with the World) is the latest to see the light. Initiated by The Danish Red Cross, Danish Fashion & Textile and Copenhagen School of Design and Technology, ITMV is an integration project for individuals in Denmark, to unite skills and cultures in creating hand-crafted items that can be used in the Danish fashion and design industry, and to facilitate the women’s social and economic integration. Their embroidery, crochet, knitting skills can be seen at their stand at CIFF. Follow the smell of mint tea to check it out.

Summer Lovin'

CIFFs Trendshow was rolled out to the press this morning; their new team of creatives marked a shift in CIFFs development. The show is notoriously difficult show, with such a vast array of brands and styles to include, but Vilsbøl de Arce rose to the challenge with their urban nomadic interpretation of the theme New Edge, and floral whizz Annette von Einem wowed with her Masai-tribe creations - despite them taking centre stage over the clothes.


Stylist Fadi Morad's Technicolour Summer


The calm before the storm


Urban Jungle


Annette von Einem's must-have accessory

Smallfry Showmanship at CIFFKids SS12

I've just had a revelation. Have just returned from the CIFFKids Trendshow at Bella Center and have to say I am impressed. Truly impressed. The CIFFKids show should be compulsive viewing for all, with its perfect balance of showmanship, creativity and styling. The kids really look like they enjoyed themselves – well, all but one rugrat who clearly did not appreciate the melodic tones of Agnes Obel – the styling was fun and functional, and the well-choreographed Boyband tribute brought the house down. Pivot, the company behind the show, are really are passionate about what they do and it shows. The audience whooped along to the energetic and entertaining show, and even my bench-mate Monsieur Rene Dif of Aqua-fame dropped his watery guard for a second was spotted bobbing along to the soundtrack, as was celebrity songstrel Szhirley and her very edible baby Elton and the lovely Lina "from Paris to Berlin" who was looking tight.


Taking the term Boyband literally


The lovely Szhirley


Technicolour Summer


Luckily not a head injury – just putting the finishing touches to the theme New Edge


Amy Winehouse-tribute pepper-sprays one of the models


Summer themes just waiting to be worn

Cover Girls

There’s nothing like browsing old Vogue covers for inspiration. I particularly love the 1975 Jerry Hall cover (incidentally, her first of 7 Vogue covers. I wonder if she's making a booty call to Mick?)...Hard to believe the first image is over 75 years old!

Tea & Fingers

There's nothing like starting the day with a splash of fashion – quench your thirst with Pret á Portea fashion tea bags or decorate your fingers with Melanie Howard's celebrity finger puppets!

FLORAL COUTURE

Flowers and plants are fast becoming a major part of fashion. From ditsy florals and oversize blooms on fabrics to decorative floral headpieces and leafy backdrops on the catwalk. Floral artist Annette von Einem interprets – appropriately – the theme Urban Jungle for CIFFs Trendshow this season. Judging by her work, it’s sure to be an orgy of summer blooms.

Dirty Art

London-based bus driver Robert Burden has recently been turning dirt into art with his striking images drawn into the grime of the city’s vehicles. Another reason to not wash the car…

DESIGNER STYLE

CIFF have had a shake up this season and replaced Femmes Regionales, who styled the trend show for a whopping 7 seasons in a row, with a new team of creative individuals who will each interpret one of the four themes that form the basis of SS12’s trends as predicted by Peclers Paris.

I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Vilsbøl de Arce’s contribution to this season’s CIFF show. The designer duo have chosen not to hold a show during next week’s Copenhagen Fashion Week but to instead concentrate on their interpretation of the New Edge trend theme.

New Edge represents a move towards contemporary forms that are both pure and sensual. The trend's modern outlook is simple and references classical and timeless aesthetics, that once again are in focus. The boarderless expanse of the desert, weathered denim and earthy fabrics are key.


Vilsbøl de Arce AW11



New Edge



New Edge



New Edge colour palette