Danish Design

Last week was fashion week in CPH and it was fun to be in a city known for its design and feel the excitement on the streets as the models strut their stuff on a giant screen in Rådhuspladsen, the city hall square in the center of the city.

I couldn't help but notice the ladies stepped it up a notch on the sidewalk in regards to what they wore on an everyday basis. The 80's is alive and well in CPH just like it is in Chicago and any major city in the US, but the theme that is different here and hasn't quite made it across the pond is the big flowy, romantic shirts that seem to be on every Danish girl in sight.

From what I've been able to gather the tunic trend started right around the time skinny jeans and leggings came back and could have been Fall/Winter 2006 in Europe. It's not a sloppy look as the shirt seen on a rack would suggest, but rather angelic when worn. I've come to conclude it represents the overall laid back attitude of Danish people in general. Their look can best be described as finely dressed with a relaxed style. The clothes are high quality and effortlessly comfortable at the same time.

I think part of their style also comes from the way they feel. We all have a certain style that's our own, partially determined on a daily basis by our mood and what the weather looks like outside. Danish people have been known (and rated twice) to be the happiest people in the world. Part of that comes from having very little to worry about financially and keeping expectations in check. They flow through their days with little concerns, and it shows.

Makes my well advised "What Not To Wear" close fitting tops and tailored jackets seem sadly outdated and restricted in an odd way. Not to fear, I've managed to add a few flowy tops into my collection while trying to be smart about the selection, wondering when the trend will end - but everything in the stores so far indicate they're alive and well, for another season at least. Maybe the carefree attitude will rub off one of these days too.