Autumn is most definitely here in Copenhagen: a season of hygge, warm clothes and the glimmer of winter just over the horizon. The timing is right then for brands to launch Christmas list tempting products to get those early shoppers reaching for their credit cards. In this week’s news, we look at a couple of things to cosy up the home, a good excuse to buy more champagne and a fragrance brand’s first go at ready-to-wear. Sadly, we also see the return of ugly shoes…
Hermès X Apple watch series 11 collection
For a brand so steeped in classic style, Hermès have often surprised with an eagerness to explore innovation (let’s not forget one of their first ready-to-wear designers was king of the avant-garde – Martin Margiela). Ten years ago, they were the first luxury house to work with Apple on the then-new Apple Watch and now, to celebrate a decade of collaboration, they are releasing a new series of designs featuring jacquard, rubber or metal straps. Cute as they are, we’d still prefer a proper watch or an Hermes bracelet, though.
Byredo’s first ready-to-wear pieces
Well known for their wonderful fragrances, Byredo have for the past few years had a side gig with their Byredo Byproduct collection of offbeat, artisan-created pieces such as bags, jewellery and candle holders. This month sees their first foray into clothing with the release of a leather jacket and vest. Made from super soft calf skin, they are relatively low-key from the outside but are lined with patterned Indian Kantha blankets – hand sewn from vintage saris – making them a pretty on-brand mix of sophistication and quirkiness. Sadly, they come with a pretty steep price tag…
Dom Pérignon X Takashi Murakami
Every year, Dom Pérignon release a special edition bottle of their legendary champagne designed by someone in the art/fashion/music world. In all truth, some of these in the past have been a little underwhelming (Lenny Kravitz should stick to playing the guitar), but this year sees a great version under the creative eye of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. No stranger to lending his talents to the luxury world (his Louis Vuitton collaboration was amazing), he has decorated the label and bottle with his trademark cartoon flowers. Our advice? Drink it and save the bottle and box – these will be very collectible in years to come.
IKEA x Gustaf Westman VINTERFINT collection
Not all collaborations need to be in the luxury sector. Highly acclaimed Swedish product designer Gustaf Westman – he of the blue wavy mirror fame – has teamed up with IKEA to bring his distinct pop-art-influenced take on a small collection of homeware. In funky shades of pink, green, pale blue and red, the bowls, plates, cups and candle holders have a sort of cartoonish, retro school dinner charm and of course come at very affordable price points. Not quite as classy as Royal Copenhagen, but a cool way to add some Scandi design to your table.
Tekla scented candles
Considering that Tekla, with their pyjamas, blankets and bedding, are pretty much the embodiment of hygge, it’s quite surprising that it’s taken so long for them to launch a collection of scented candles. But finally, you can add that finishing touch to a cosy evening in – and just in time for the dark winter months. Housed in ceramic vessels designed by Irish ceramicist Sara Flynn, the three scents evoke, in turn, breezy meadows, temple incense or a smoky sauna. The only downside is the eye-watering price tag of €250, though refills come at a less spicy €75.
Rimowa backpacks
Personally, backpacks drive us crazy. They are usually ugly, personal space invaders that are annoying to use and even more annoying to other people. But even we had to admit that the new version by Rimowa have a certain urban classiness. To be honest, it’s more of a small case in the brand’s distinctive aluminium ridged design with added straps, but it is beautifully made and padded enough on the back to render it comfortable enough on a bike. Needless to say, it costs a fortune, so it probably won’t be seen on your average American tourist on the metro.
Telfar x Timberland
It’s been a while since we have featured any ugly footwear on this site, and perhaps you thought the concept had run its course and disappeared. Sadly not. This week saw the launch of a collab between NYC-based streetwear brand Telfar and Timberland, and my oh my, they are hideous. Clumpy boots in two lengths can be pulled up or scrunched down to make the wearer look like a road worker dressing up as a pirate, or – even worse – there is a loafer that has granny slipper vibes. Please stop this nonsense now.
