CIFF Blog

Best foot forward

2011-08-08T12:13:00.003+02:00

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

Philosophic Originals

2011-08-08T12:09:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-08T12:03:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-08T11:51:00.003+02:00

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!

2011-08-07T22:04:00.002+02:00

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

2011-08-07T21:54:00.002+02:00

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

2011-08-07T21:50:00.002+02:00

I love Richard Haines' front row sketches...

(Ice)Cream is the new black

2011-08-07T21:47:00.001+02:00

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

2011-08-05T21:39:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-05T17:37:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-05T08:54:00.001+02:00

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

2011-08-05T08:50:00.002+02:00

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

2011-08-04T23:06:00.001+02:00

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

2011-08-04T16:53:00.003+02:00

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'

2011-08-03T14:21:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-03T13:30:00.009+02:00

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

2011-08-03T00:35:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-02T17:11:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-02T10:01:00.002+02:00

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

2011-08-01T14:07:00.001+02:00

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

2011-08-01T11:50:00.003+02:00

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

SS12

2011-07-31T11:50:00.001+02:00

I’m not sure whether it’s this summer’s incessant wind and rain or the past months’ hectic schedule, but this season’s fashion week seems to have come around quickly. Next week another season kicks off, and CIFF and CIFFKids continue to prepare and tune to bring another fashion fair filled with new and exciting brands, old favourites as well as a host of new initiatives to inspire and educate. This season’s blog presents just a fraction of what CIFF and CIFFKids have to offer, as well as a little food for thought, inspiration and adoration from life in general.

Over & Out. See you next season at CIFF!

2011-02-06T17:43:00.003+01:00

Essentials

2011-02-06T09:41:00.001+01:00

Soft scarves are perfect for all seasons...

Scarves by AMUST

And now, time for a jazz break.

2011-02-06T09:30:00.003+01:00

It started with a kiss…

2011-02-06T09:26:00.001+01:00

Well, actually a silk shirt and a sweater, but what the heck, I'm a sucker for love. Womenswear brand San Antonio has a longstanding love affair with fashion (and founders and owners Bernhard and Kirsten Schultzer are quite passionate about each other, too). But schmooze aside, San Antonio have been fast inventory at Bella Center since 1967, making them the oldest exhibitor brand at CIFF!

Wild Thing

2011-02-05T22:50:00.004+01:00

Despite the incongruous name that seems more at home in a bordello rather than at a fashion fair, Finnish brand Titi Madam (!?) produces kitschy animal jewellery made from acrylic and plywood and walnut veneer. The collection of critters fits perfectly with the current animal motif jewellery trend.

Furry Feet

2011-02-05T19:58:00.003+01:00

Petit Nord make delightful footwear for little feet - in particular, cute fur slippers.

Picks of the Day

2011-02-05T16:03:00.007+01:00

Sandals by AMUST

Goddess dress in nude peach from Minus

Antique-style blouse with lace details from Fransa

Load up on bracelets from bijou-brand Tokyo Jane

Cute take on the classic bowler - in delicious milk chocolate brown.

Selective Femininity

2011-02-04T22:55:00.004+01:00

Selected Femme are showing at CIFF this season, and their AW11 collection is filled with highly wearable on-trend separates such as a chic black jumpsuit, a wrap drop-waist dress with elasticated side detail, a wool cape and delicate sequined blazer.

Mixed Motives

2011-02-04T22:31:00.003+01:00

CIFF Trendshow: AW11 trends, Pattern.

An eclectic mix of prints and patterns comprising houndstooth, zebra, stripes, graphics and flowers. Wear alone or mix at your peril.

Showstopper

2011-02-04T22:26:00.003+01:00

The CIFF Trendshow show scene is scenographic eye candy... though I'm wondering why there's a Pilates ball in the middle of the runway.

The Freshman

2011-02-04T08:22:00.004+01:00

You don't need a Harvard degree, a yacht or a millionaire daddy to follow fashion next season (but hey, every little helps). The preppy look remains big news for AW11 menswear, with crisp single-breasted blazers, pressed (corduroy) trousers, button down shirts or bright polos, Ivy League cardigans and narrow ties - heated up for the cold with chunky knit scarves and tailored waistcoats. For full-on geek chic, tweak the look with a coloured handkerchief in your blazer pocket and plaid prints. Hoo-rah!

Furry Tale

2011-02-03T09:25:00.005+01:00

CIFF’s Trendshow. Seasonal trend: FUR.

PETA lovers look away, as fur is big news for autumn. Mink, Mongolian lamb, sheepskin fur lined the runway, proving the staying power of our little furry friends.

Run-a-way Man

2011-02-02T15:40:00.009+01:00

Earlier today, a thoughtful and even more diminutive than normal Uffe Buchard rocked the catwalk at the CIFF Kids Trendshow. Denmark's answer to Domenico Dolce (yup, the little bald one) is seldom seen without his partner in crime, Stefano Grenaa, (ok that's not his real name, but Kim is hardly de rigueur in fashion circles). But this grey Wednesday morning, a solo Uffe was lauded in a tongue-in-cheek entry down the runway thanks to those cheeky chops at Pivot Performance.

Showgirls

2011-02-01T12:50:00.005+01:00

Tomorrow, the two lovely ladies also known as Femmes Regionales (arguably Denmark's most creative showmakers) and their talented team will pull off their eighth consecutive season producing and directing CIFF's Trendshow. With the season's themes Gold Medallist, Eco Optimistic, World Remix and Far Off Lands, I'm really looking forward to seeing what visual treat the fashion femmes have in store this time.

Water Babies

2011-01-31T16:18:00.006+01:00

The brand name Right Bank Babies conjures up images of lil' bad ass babies from the 313 with doo-rags, door knocker bling and gangster fashion – but it couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, the name is inspired by the area to the east of the Seine, which holds special importance for the brand's founder and owner, and the brand designs and produces nostalgic kidswear with interchangeable and reversible styles and a hint of countryside. Now all you need is a labrador, Land Rover and manor house...

A Bag is Born

2011-01-26T22:53:00.003+01:00

If there’s something the Danes master, it’s design. Their cool demeanour is represented in clean lines and simple silhouettes, and bag brand Adax is doing a pretty good job of designing understated bags that are feminine, sophisticated and fast becoming favourite accessories on the arms of many a fashionista. Being a sucker for seeing how things are made, I got my hands on some behind-the-scenes pics of Adax's bags in the making – from skins at the Italian tannery to production in Poland. The brand has existed since the 80s, and has come a long way since its humble beginnings – not only design-wise, but also image related.

Pick a bag, any bag...

Sewing

One big washing machine

Bagmaking

Old school Adax sketch

Adax Cremona

A very wooden Adax, anno 2001

and Adax today.

CIFF trend images

2011-01-17T10:57:00.006+01:00

This season, the multi-discplinary Swedish artist Tobias Toyberg has photographed CIFF's trend images (styled by the creative hand of CIFF's resident trend magnet Ms Ulla Skjødt). Toyberg creates artsy aesthetics, experimenting with different media from films to photography, graphics to sounds...

A New Season Approaches

2011-01-14T09:39:00.005+01:00

The new Bella Sky hotel

and the lovely Bella!

35 years ago this year the then newly-built Bella Center played host to the Scandinavian Fashion Fair for the first time. Things have come a long way since then - including the name, for one, Later this year the brand spanking new Bella Sky hotel opens, adding yet another exciting dimension and a wealth of new possibilities to the biannual fair. I vote for Skybar cocktails at sundown, with amazing vistas of the city. Today, Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) is the largest event of its kind in Europe and this season sees the culmination of many months of hard work from the CIFF team to make the fair bigger and better than ever.

Watch this space...

Treading New Paths

2010-08-14T10:51:00.001+02:00

And while we're on shoes... Following the trend for all things organic, Bundgaard launch organic children’s footwear this season. Designer Penny Leese has created her first collection within a collection that builds upon the brand’s philosophy of creating comfortable footwear that works with the natural development of children’s feet. The organic collection offers two styles of sandal, three styles of shoe and one style of slippers, all available in red, brown and blue and in stores from spring 2011.

Best Foot Forward

2010-08-12T21:59:00.001+02:00

The family run Spanish leatherwear company Menbur exhibit at CIFF this season. Creating elegant and feminine accessories and footwear for special occasions it’s not hard to find a pair of zapatos to grace your party feet.

Bags of Style

2010-08-12T21:47:00.002+02:00

Integrating the latest trends from international fashion, Danish leatherwear company ADAX has produced a deliciously (and suprisingly) sophisticated collection of bags for SS11 that build upon Scandinavian values yet has widespread appeal. This fresh little number is guaranteed to sit extremely well on my arm next season.

CIFF Kids Trend Show

2010-08-12T21:17:00.002+02:00

Always guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, the SS11 CIFFKIDS trend show was no exception. with a myriad of bright and cheerful colours, the show profiled different trends for children; Garden with flowers and fauna; Preppy with whimsical and nostalgic references to old-world childhood; Little Pioneers with ethnic and folklore references, dip-dye and denim; and Small Dockers referencing the maritime with navy and white stipes and uniform-inspired style.

Norwegian Lice are Nice

2010-08-12T21:03:00.004+02:00

I've finally found lice that are good. Lice by Ugly (another line from aforementioned Norwegian company Ugly Children's Clothing) make the coolest cotton mix knit baby bodies, hats, dresses and leggings for babies and kids. And next season we can look forward urban camouflage for kids (0-6) in the form of grass, floorboard and newspaper suits! Using live HD photography the pictures are transferred to fabric so your lil' baby can go incognito!

Statement Tees

2010-08-12T20:58:00.003+02:00

I LOVE these baby statement t-shirts from cool Norwegian brand Ugly Children's Clothing. It's really refreshing to break with convention - and pink! With slogans like 'Will Work for Food' and 'Blah Blah Blah, Shut the Fuck Up', it won't be long before my third born is sporting one!

CIFFKIDS & The Real Doll

2010-08-12T20:50:00.004+02:00

Whilst browsing the stands at CIFFKIDS today, this petite papoose stopped me dead in my tracks. It took a few seconds for me to register that it wasn't actually real, by which time I was already on my knees, ready to save the little escapee.

Fake Mary & The Real Deal

2010-08-12T19:43:00.003+02:00

HRH Crown Princess Mary, CIFF patron, officially opened the fashion fair today. Prior to her arrival, a fake, but equally dark haired, Mary helped the CIFFKIDS models rehearse their royal debut (which comprised shouting congratulations to the pregnant princess). The Crown Princess attended the CIFF and CIFFKIDS trend shows as well as visiting several exhibitors at the fair, starting with Danish brand Carla du Nord, where she with great interest viewed styles from the forthcoming Spring/Summer 11 collection. Mary’s interest in fashion has recently earned her recognition on Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List 2010.

Will You Mary Me?

2010-08-11T21:43:00.004+02:00

Tomorrow the delightful HRH Crown Princess Mary will visit CIFF in her capacity as protector to officially open the fair... and I bet the press will be falling over themselves to get a shot of her twin tummy following her recent pregnancy announcement. Hopefully she'll be sporting Danish design (with an elasticated waist, perhaps?) and she will no doubt make a mental note of next season's trends, ready to slip into summer styles after the arrival of her royal rugrats.

Candy Coloured Clothing

2010-08-11T21:13:00.006+02:00

The first trends for next season were aired to the press this morning at Bella Center. And hats off to Femmes Regionales and their team who pulled off another successful show for CIFF. The CIFF Trend Show featured a lush leaf-covered backdrop that rotated to reveal bold stripes, north-African inspired doorways and kaleidoscopic polka dots and flying cupcakes!

It's always difficult to style such a variety of clothing from different designers, but the SS11 trend show (which profiled flimsy summer dresses with organic prints, graphic prints and stripes on jumpsuits and trousers, varsity jackets, ruffles, lace and soft draping, preppy menswear with roll-up trousers, knitted cardigans and polo shirts) was homogenous and well put together.

CIFF SS11 ... Almost there.

2010-08-11T21:04:00.002+02:00

Last minute preparations are underway for this season’s CIFF at Bella Center, and judging by the looks of things, it will prove to be a great season. The exhibitors are spending today finishing their stands ready for opening day tomorrow. It's exciting to see how such a huge empty space turns into a hive of activity, as well as the creative spaces brands create. I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished result tomorrow!