Variety is the spice of life. The well-know quotation now dates 229 years back. This week we were reminded of the rich experience variety offers, when the three Danish design and fashion schools joined forces at their common graduate show at the old stock exchange in Copenhagen. The venue added a historic perspective to the glimpse into to the world and aspirations of the graduates ready for facing the challenges of the industry and the commercial demands.
During their years at the design schools they have developed an aesthetic language of their own, and some of them now master a tongue different from the typical Nordic hallmarks of simplicity and minimalism.
Sofie Rosenkrands and Maria Sloth both surprised with their display of abundance. Abundance of colour, materials, texture, and contrasts. Maria Sloth’s design seemed like walking installations of art, whereas Sofie Rosenkrands remained on the verge of the wearable but still artistic and with a special blend of the “feminine forceful”. A desirable display of creativity.
The rendezvous of the sporty, outdoor references, and the stamina it takes to endure the Danish winter in effortless style, was also on display. Louise Egebro showed styles of technical savvy and artisan detail which melted into expressions of modern masculinity. Pernille Sax combined the sporty references with the luxury of fur in styles which formed yet another contribution to bridging between the functional and the upmarket materials. The outcome was refreshing and attractive.
The broad palette of Danish talent is a clear thumps-up to the Danish design teachers and a treat for the design industry – and for the consumers. There is clearly good times ahead.
