DANISH FASHION / NOW - A REVIEW

-An exhibition, I was looking forward to see, just opened at BRANDTS yesterday. Sorry to say, it actually turned out to be quite disappointing. . .

First of all, my good friend, Tinah and I, was really surprised to see the big crowd - people you normally don´t see or notice, that was attending this opening. Where were they coming from ?

I guess it was partly because of the royal dresses and the celebrity-style that was on display. -And because an exhibition like that, doesn´t come to town often.

The Curators selection of celebrity- and royal dresses was very conventional though, as well as the way it was presented. Of course there were nice dresses, but no surprises and no real vision.

Especially the more commercial part of the display with contemporary retail-designers was hided/ covered up in different printed/transparent textile "walls"/compartments. Because the Curators chose to let one of the known fashion designers stage the display. And again -  poorly selection of clothes for the most part, but with a few exceptions.
Some of the Brands even had staff there to tell people that it was their latest collection and it was available in stores now.

Note! - we were surprised to see how disrespectful some people were touching all the clothes. But maybe they are not used to go on exhibitions. . .

What I missed also, was the lack of information: what was special about each brand and putting the clothes into a context of today.

For that I had to look into the exhibition catalouge, where I found one interesting feature from Maria Mackinney-Valentin. Obviously she knows what she is writing about - and is able to reflect and put fashion into context. She had some good points.

Another part of the exhibition displayed 10 different "fashion-personalities" and their relation to fashion - some of which were already shown in a tv-program with Chris Petersen, one of the Curators. A bit uninteresting, I have to admit.

The exposure of himself in the exhibition was also it bit overdone, for my taste.

All in all - We were not impressed and had to poor it all down with a drink afterwards.

But, go and see and judge for yourself.

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COPENHAGEN WINDOW DISPLAYES

Hope you all had a fabulous holiday season.
This years first post, is to show you a refined, a funny and a different window display from a short trip to Copenhagen this past weekend.

All of them grapped my attention - so they clearly work in their own way. And that is what it is all about.

The first and last one from some high end shops and the funny one from a more common design shop.

Photos: John Frantsen

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ATTENTION - FOLLOWERS ONLY!

 Photo Art by John Frantsen

Pre-Sale is a special offer only for the followers here on my blog.

If you want to have a first glance before the official event, that I described in my last post.
Just sign up as a follower and book a personal appointment to get a look and try on some of the temptations.

I´ll give 10 % off on top of the discounts.

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A ROYAL FASHION PROMOTION

Photo: EPA

We were in Montreal at the same time as an official visit of the Danish Crownprince and princess, including a Danish fashion delegation were visiting Toronto and Ottawa the 17-19 of september.

The official purpose was to strenghten the relations between Denmark and Canada, as well as the partnership between companies. The fokus was on health, food, architecture / construction and fashion / design.

Photo: Martin Høien, Billed Bladet

But as we were checking the Media during the week, we were surprised that we didn´t hear anything about it at all in Montreal. Afterwards I only found something on a few blogs and Daily Mail online.

Maybe more important things were going on in Canada or the preparations were not in order. I don´t know. But at least I hope it payed off somehow.

COUTURE SALE!

Some time ago I went through the racks of dresses that have been there for a while. 

 

Since I have closed my profiles on Facebook and I need more room for new dresses, I´m going to show the first 4 "One-of-a-kind" dresses I have on offer here on my blog.

 
All dresses are quite classic in bright colors and special fabrics. But since I want to have more cohesiveness in the collection selection - they are too different.

They can be yours for half the price, if you are the right size.

Silk Brocade corset and silk organdy skirt. Size 40. Before 3000,- Now 1500,-

Dupiony silk underlined with silk organdy. A tall Size 40. Before 4800,- Now 2400,-

Red velvet evening dress. Size 38. Before 4000,- Now 2000,-

Silk Brocade cocktail dress. Size 42. Before 2000,- Now 1000,-

Notice! -This is just a part of the selection. The sizes are European and the prices are in Danish currency.

If you or somebody you know are interested, don´t hesitate to make an appointment to take a look and try them on.

DANISH AWARD DRESSES

Danish Fashion Award, the Fashion Event of the year here in Denmark, took place a few weeks ago at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen.

Danish Fashion Award was founded 5 years ago by Uffe Buchard and Kim Grenaa, to celebrate and promote Danish fashion industry, since it is the 4. biggest industry in Denmark.

They are also the founders of the fashion magazine DANSK, that just celebrated it´s 10th Anniversary with an Exhibition at Danish Design Centre.

This year they finally succeeded in making Aqua-singer, Lene Nystrøm a Co-Hostess.

Ten designers/brands were appointed to dress her up for the Event. Among them, three stod out in my opinion.
Unfortunately I only found this photo of  the very nice dress from Designers Remix, that looked contemporary.

But a black and white dress by the very talented Ann Sofie Madsen and a futuristic fairytale-dress from Trash Couture by Ann Wiberg looked stunning too.

The rest of her dresses were a little bit out of touch: some quite ordinary and not very well fitted, as was some of the attending guests. 

-An Exception was the TV-host, Signe Lindquist, who looked quite stylish and radiant in a vintage-dress from F92.

Photos: ScanPix

ROYAL EXHIBITIONS

This year we will be celebrating Queen Margrethe of Denmark, because of her 40th Jubilee as a Monarch, with two special exhibitions, that I personally look forward to.

The first one is a retrospective exhibition at The Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle, that tells the story of her role as a Monarch.

The other one "Kongelig Galla" - Eventyrlig Couture at "De Danske Kongers kronologiske Samling" at Amalienborg Castle, displays a selection of the Queen´s Gala-dresses since the 1960´es from Danish and international Couturiers as Pierre Balmain. Absolutely a must see if you like fashion-history and Haute Couture.

THE WINTER JACKET

 As promised last week, here are a few pictures of the finished Coat, that are going on a journey tomorrow. I always underestimate the time it takes to finish something like that, but I made just in time.

I will try to keep up posting here, while I´m away. Enjoy the Holidays.

FROM SKETCH TO DRESS - PART 2

-Is another project I have done. The assignment was to create a small denim-collection and present it for the class.

I was inspired by this piece, that I have done earlier on and decided to develop the idea into this collection in white denim.

Design and Copyrights: John Frantsen

-Which eventually inspired me to do the "Spiraldress", that you can see in a previous post here.

DANCING WITH THE STARS

Like almost every other country, Denmark has it´s own very popular Dance competition, called "Vild med dans".

I´m not going to comment the competition, but I have to say: - the way the Hostess, judges and dancers were dressed last night, surprised me. 

I wonder where their sense of style were? Usually the Hostess, Christiane Schaumburg-Müller looks great.

But the long t-shirt dress in a Snakeprint and rows of feathers by danish designer Benedikte Utzon, did not do her any justice at all in my humble opinion. -Of course, it is a matter of taste.

Photo: Camilla Rønde

The two male judges looked quite okay, except for the jacket of Nikolaj Hübbe. It looked too tight and bad quality.
Jens Werner looked elegant, but when you looked closer at the details, the suit looked like it was made in China. Recognizable by the way the Lapel was pressed flat.

The Show has a team of dressmakers attached. But for once six designers from Denmark were assigned to design dresses for one of the dances.

I have to say, it showed. The dresses looked more like designer-dresses than real dancing-dresses. I was not impressed. But from experience I know it's not the easiest task to do either.

A NEW STUDIO!

-That is what I want! That is what I am looking for!
I would really like a new studio, new challenges and impulses.

For several years now, I have been working and running my business from where I live, a first floor appartment. But a big change is needed on both a personal level and workwise.

I used to have a small shop, but moved the business into greater surroundings, a big apartment and presently a smaller one.
Not obvious for the public, even though I have used the internet quite a lot and got new customers by recommendation. After all, it doesn´t bring enough orders in to have your business at home.

I need to get out, to be more busy and show what I can offer. For now I have plenty of garments hanging on the racks, waiting to find new owners.

The studio/showroom doesn´t have to be big and expensive. It could be a loft, an old industrial building, as long as it´s well located. Ideally together with other creative people.

So please spread the word out there, if you know a place or someone who might be interested. Thanks.

NINA ROBENHAGEN

I didn´t attend  last weeks Fashionweek in Copenhagen, but from what I have seen on the net, one of my favourite collections was from debutant Nina Robenhagen.

She showed a small, exclusive collection in nice colors and fabrics. Take a look of  her SS 2012  Collection here and see the fashionshow live here.

It really shows that she also has a background as a tailor. The collection looked cohesive, simple, elegant, refined and structured. We don´t see that very often.

I didn´t look at all the collections, but i also liked the contemporary collection of Benedikte Utzon and the sophisticated collection of Dennis Lyngsø. Look them up and see for yourself.

2018 Update! It seems her collection was a one-off.

BRANDT AT TRAPHOLT

Today The Trapholt Museum in Kolding is opening an exhibition on  famous danish fashion-designer Margit Brandt, called "Danish fashion-design 1965-1980".

So if you missed "Walk on the wild side" at The Danish museum of Art and Design last year, as I posted back then, you have another chance now.

The exhibition is on show from the 9th of February - 7th of August 2011.

JEAN VOIGT EXHIBITION

Modebillede fra Jean Voigts Fantastic Look kollektion 1984.

Stor retrospektiv udstilling med Jean Voigts kostumer og kunst er åbnet 6. november på Textilforum  i Herning. Samtidig udgiver hans samlever og muse, Maria Sander en biografi om Jean Voigt.

Jean Voigt (1940-1996), levede et meget intenst liv. Han var uddannet skrædder i Magasin og arbejdede som ung for Balenciaga og Pierre Cardin i Paris.
Han havde egen salon i København fra 1962-67, men  arbejdede også som kostumier, modeskaber og kunstner. I 1980´erne havde han sit eget modehus en kort årrække .

De sidste år tilbragte han på Herregården Rosenlund på Lolland, hvor han havde sit atelier.
Jean Voigt døde af aids, 56 år gammel.

Udstillingen kan ses indtil den 20 marts 2011.

COUTURE SALE

Cocktail-dress and photo by John Frantsen

I have an offer that is worth considering, if you are just missing the dress for the upcoming Holiday- and New Years parties or maybe is getting married the coming year,

If you order a dress here in December, I can offer you 20% off. All you have to do is to make an appointment, be measured and pay a deposit. Then we will find out what you want, together.

Are you prepared yourself and recommend this offer, you can save 10% next time you need something for a special occasion. This offer is only valid during December.

CATWALKING

We were in Horsens this past weekend. By coincidence they were about to challenge The World's Greatest Catwalk at Copenhagen Fashion Week 2010, that took place recently during the last Fashion Week. That one was as you maybe heard 1,6 km long. But the Event in Copenhagen was met by some criticism, as you can see here.

The Catwalk Horsens ended up beeing 1,8 km all in all. Here every shop of the City contributed with things of everybody's taste. Then I haven´t said to much.

Photos: John Frantsen

FASHION CONSULTATIONS & CLASSES

Would you like to learn how to make your own dress or do you need assistance in some way ?
I can help you out in case you want to do it yourself, make your own personal pattern or need help with sewing techniques or fittings.

I offer individual sewing classes/consultations for 1-2 individuals in subjects as: Wedding dresses, Corsets, Cocktail-, Gala- and Evening gowns.
Price: 60 Cad per. hour for a personal consultation and 100 Cad per. hour by two persons or for two hours. Discounts by more consultations.

On top, I offer Design- or Evening Schools sewing-classes in subjects like: From Idea to product, Patternmaking, Sewing techniques, Dressmaking and Fittings. Other suggestions are welcome though!

Feel free to make an appointment via contact and find out what I can do for you.

Ballgown made of violet silk-taffeta, backed with silk organdy, supported by a built-in corset and a big seperate tulle-skirt. Photo: John Frantsen. Model: Ann-Charlott. 

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

-Because Denmark has been able to produce international fashion designers too.

Kunstindustri Museet in  Copenhagen, is currently showing the exhibition, Walk on the wild side, with the groundbreaking fashion design of Margit Brandt from 1965-80. From the mid-60's, her design helped create the concept of Danish fashion, also on an international level.

Margit Brandt (b. 1945) is a graduate designer from Margrethe-skolen (Fashion Design School) 1961-63, where she was judged by Holger Blom.
She subsequently took a course at Tilskærerakademiet (Patternmaking School) in 1964. Then she went to Paris, where she was hired as a House model at Balmain, for a later apprenticeship. She has among other things, also worked for Louis Feraud.

Margit Brandt is married to Erik Brandt, who is also her partner professionally.

After a several year long  period of other tasks, including abroad, the Brand was successfully re-launched in 2005, now with her daughter Julie Brandt Dam as designer.

You can read more about Margit Brandt on the brand-owners officiele website here, as well as on the website of Aok´s here. The Exhibition can be seen until the 19th September 2010.

H FOR HAUTE COUTURE

In connection with my previous post, I suddenly remembered the special exhibition, H for Haute Couture, that The Collection of Time  were organizing from September 30. 2006 until April 15. 2007.
The exhibition showed examples of the 20. century greatest and most outstanding danish Createurs, which was the master, Holger Blom and his two apprentices, Erik Mortensen and Jørgen Bender.

Holger Blom (1906-1965) created a lot of elegant creations for the Divas of danish theatre, like Liva Weel, Bodil Kjer and Helle Virkner, as the Wedding-dress for Danish Princess Anne-Marie in 1964.

Erik Mortensen (1926-1998) went to Paris after his apprenticeship at Blom and made a career in the famous fashionhouse of Pierre Balmain.

Jørgen Bender (1938-1999) took over the Salon of Blom after his dead  and created among other things, the Royale wedding gowns for Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Princess Benedikte and former Princess Alexandre.

During this exhibition I was offered to do two weekend-workshops by the request of Cæcilie Ning Hage, the Head of The Collection of Time. Because she thought it would be a good idea for the visitors to see how dresses like that are created. It turned out to be a good idea and was a great attraction.

I was very honored to sit there among all the creations of my heros and work on my own stuff. Though it was limited what I was able to do, because people were so interested, talking and asking questions. I even spoke with somebody who had known Holger Blom.

Apart from that, Jørgen Bender was one of the judges at the 1998 DM ( The Danish Championship ) for students of tailoring and clothes-craft at Holmen, Copenhagen, where I was participating on the sug-gestion from one of my teachers.

In 1988, when I together with my friend Karen went to see the special exhibition "Stars in French Fashion" at  Designmuseum Denmark, and to hear Erik Mortensen´s  talk, we were so lucky to meet him and to have his biography "Ej blot til pynt" (Not only for decoration) signed.

 

 

A few years earlier I was also asked to participate in another Exhibition at Tidens Samling. Take a look here.

KISPUS

Do you know the old danish movie, Kispus? The Movie by Erik Balling from 1956, was the first danish movie in color.
The movie, that was inspired by Holger Blom, one of the Great Danish couturiers of that time, is a sweet and subtle love comedie. A movie that I recommend, if you are into old danish movies and fashion history.

The fabulous costumes of the film were created by another danish couturier though. That was Preben Birch, who did costumes for danish movies through many years. These two were together with a third couturier, Uffe Brydegaard, named The three B´s.

The movie is about the exccentric couturier, Mr. Marcel, played by Angelo Bruun. He is giving one of his nice dresses away to the daydreaming seamstress, Eva Møller, played by Helle Virkner, when he discover how well it suits her.
He is betting with the Actress, who actually ordered the dress, that he is able to present the seamstress as a glamour-girl wearing his dress at the coming premiere-party. -And he is wright.

At the premier-party, Eva meets and falls in love with Jakob, played by Henning Moritzen, that drives around in a big limousine. They both think of each other, that the other one is rich and she fears that he is going to discover her modest background.

But Jakob himself is a poor student, that works as a chauffeur and has to sell his books to invite Eva out.
This leads to many misunderstandings and "kispus"-playes. But after many complications, love prevails over snobbery at the End.