‘Tis the Season for Merging

Work, party, dinner and drinks? No need to separate casual and dressy wear in your winter wardrobe, according to current fashion trends. These trends reflect a merge between a year spent at home in comfortable attire and a new urge to dress up and have fun. Soft garments take you comfortably from work to dinner parties and home again to cosy up by the fireplace. Play with contrasts, colours and accessories and wear the same versatile pieces for numerous occasions this holiday season and beyond.

By Åsa H. Aaberge | Press photos

Trust a timeless statement coat to keep you warm. This navy wool and cashmere Thelise coat from the Swedish brand House of Dagmar has a sophisticated, masculine look. Style the boxy fit with tights and pumps for a delicate contrast. Top it off with chic, red lips. House of Dagmar, Thelise Coat, €800 www.houseofdagmar.com

Adding a touch of colour is a super quick fix for a mood booster. This wool turtleneck from Cos has a slim fit that goes well under a dress or shirt. Cos, slim-fit turtleneck top, €45 www.cosstores.com

Jewellery no doubt has the power to make you look and feel divine. These earrings, handmade in Oslo, can enhance any outfit – a perfect touch of Christmassy sparkle that will look just as pretty after the festive season too. PearlOctopuss.y, Mini Oyster earrings, €160 www.pearloctopussy.com

A silky slip-on dress is a year-round wardrobe staple. Layer this dress from Danish Rabens Saloner with a thin turtleneck or blouse underneath, and put on stacks of jewellery for the ultimate party feel. Simple yet gracefully elegant! The dress is also great with a knit pullover and bright, coloured tights for relaxing but fashionable days at home or in the office. Rabens Saloner, slip-on dress, €195 www.rabenssaloner.com

Swedish brand Louis Abel makes unisex jewellery to be worn now and treasured forever. The gold-plated Aurea twin ring offers a minimalist yet playful texture and design. Louis Abel, Aurea twin ring, €190 www.louis-abel.com

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One of this season’s most on-trend colour tones is green. With this moss-green turtleneck from Tiger of Sweden under your shirt or blazer, you’ll look dapper while keeping warm. Tiger of Sweden, Nevile Pullover, €139 www.tigerofsweden.com

The soft virgin-wool fabric of these flowy trousers from Norwegian Livid makes them very comfortable to wear. The draped silhouette adds a sense of sharp suited-up style, making the trousers a perfect example of laid-back stylishness. Livid, Hayes grey trousers, €255 www.livid.com

A black blazer never goes out of style. The Power blazer from Swedish Séfr is made in a lightweight wool material and features a wide lapel and single buttons that give a casual feel. It can be worn with a shirt, like the pictured Prince shirt, for dressy occasions, or with a jumper underneath for a more relaxed look. Séfr, Power Blazer, €220 Séfr, Prince Shirt, €400 www.sefr-online.com

Whether you “welcome the scenery of ice” like Walt Whitman, or sulk in the “desolation of winter’s dregs” à la Thomas Hardy, the darkest season has an undeniable beauty – and Scandinavians have a unique knack for appreciating it. The Scandinavian term ‘friluftsliv’, literally translated as ‘fresh-air life’, is about embracing the outdoors. Though pine forests and glassy lakes might not be on everyone’s doorstep, you can still find ‘friluftsliv’ close to home – with our five design picks to bring the outside in.

By Lena Hunter | Press photos

Iconic Finnish design company Artek began its journey with Parisian design brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in 2013. In 2017, Artek introduced Rivi, the first textile produced under the collaboration. Consisting of parallel lines from which tiny diagonal strokes grow like twigs from a branch, the hand-drawn pattern is as precise as it is irregular. The 100 per cent cotton fabric is available pre-cut (150x300cm) in six colours. Artek Rivi Fabric, €140 www.finishdesignshop.com

Award-winning Danish designer Sofie Refer took inspiration for Blossi from the unique natural light of the north. The Blossi Table Lamp, which mimics the indirect glow by reflecting light in repeating mouth-blown screens of glass and lacquered metal, was nominated for a Danish design award in 2018. Nuura Blossi Table Lamp, €708 www.nuura.com

Malmö-based Amoln is an artisan perfumery label that creates fragrances based on intimate memories. Each scented candle is crafted over a span of two weeks in sustainably sourced blue wax and hand-painted ceramic. The ‘Barr’ candle is inspired by the forest Trollskogen in Öland, with notes of “Swedish pine, fir and resin collected from coastal forests, sandalwood, cinnamon and a chorus of discrete herbs”. Amoln Barr Scented Candle, €65 www.amoln.com

The Aalto Vase, also known as the Savoy Vase, was created by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino in 1936 and remains an iconic piece of Finnish design. The undulating lip is often likened to the characteristic shapes of the Finnish landscape, to a tree-trunk, or to other organic forms – though Aalto himself said the shape was inspired by that of a puddle. The timeless glassware is available in varying sizes and colours – including the newest natural tone, linen. Alvar Aalto Vase, €160 www.nordicnest.dk Econtis consunt. Ad cula si etri se mercem impratquem sperei

Made from smooth, full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, Mismo’s elegant laptop case is the perfect sleeve to guard against winter storms or the hard knocks of a daily commute. The Danish label uses solid brass with gold coating and a durable cotton-blend lining in their travel bags, alongside quality leather that will develop a rich patina over the years. This 16-inch version, in a stately shade of tobacco, features one large inner pocket and two smaller pockets for business cards, phone and the like. Mismo Laptop Protector, €315 www.mismo.dk

Gloves for skiing were among Hestra Gloves’ first products. They’ll be supplying the Swedish Olympic team in Beijing.

Hands down – what brand comes to mind when you’re looking for a proper pair of gloves? If you’re a skier or an equestrian, there’s a big chance it’s Hestra. 85 years in the business and still going strong, they’ve certainly been doing something right – not to mention that they’ll now be the official supplier for the Swedish Olympic team in Beijing.

By John Sempill | Photos: Hestra Gloves

But don’t let the sporty edge fool you; they’re just as dedicated when it comes to quality gloves for all the other professionals out there. Whether it’s the national defence or construction workers laying the foundations for new living areas, they’ve got it covered. They even have a complete fashion range, should you need a pair of gloves for a night out, or just for looking stylish during the colder months.

Anton Magnusson, a qualified glove maker, is the company’s CEO, and the fourth generation in the family business Hestra Gloves. “The company was founded here in the town of Hestra in 1936, by my great grandfather,” says Magnusson. “My big brother, our two cousins, father and uncle are still active in the company. And we all work very hands-on.”

A brand by demand The brand started out making gloves for lumberjacks. And soon after, a ski slope was built in Hestra – Isaberg Mountain Resort – which led to them making gloves for skiing. Since then, the company has expanded and offers a wide variety of gloves in several different categories worldwide. The company name was simply a result of customers more frequently asking for ‘gloves from Hestra’; it was a natural consequence that ultimately became the brand.

To produce quality gloves that will last is the driving factor. “That is what leads to happy customers, which in the long run leads to customers that like what we do,” explains Magnusson. “We spend

a lot of time sourcing the right materials – fabrics, leather – and we even have our own production and four factories worldwide. That way, we can verify the quality from the start, which makes our work easier.”

The art of sourcing good-quality materials is something Hestra Gloves has perfected over the years. Working with carefully chosen tanneries and weaving mills means they can guarantee a high-quality product, no matter the occasion. “We’ve worked with some of them for decades,” adds Magnusson. “There’s a tannery in France that we started working with in the 1980s. Together, we developed a chrome-free leather.”

And the development is showing no sign of stopping. They are constantly thinking about ways to improve their products, or on the lookout for what to do next. “A lot of our employees are engaged in sports and other activities,” says Magnusson. “If they have an idea of something we can improve, then we’ll discuss it and try to find a solution. When we test our products, we might be out skiing or enjoying other activities. That inspires us and gets the thought process going on what we can do next, or better.”

Form from function The use of quality materials also results in products that look good. “Aesthetics aren’t the main focus,” explains Magnusson, although the use of good materials “shifts focus to function, which together often leads to a pleasant aesthetic”. In other words, the raw materials are often attractive in and of themselves.

If you’re not a fan of leather, don’t worry – Hestra Gloves provides other options. The synthetic alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. “There is still a lot of faith in natural products,” Magnusson reflects. “But we do have a lot of nice alternatives that don’t contain animal raw materials. Our aim is to be experts in gloves, which means we need to have alternatives for everyone. Those alternatives have grown in the last few years, and we are looking at alternative materials to meet the demand.” So you now already know about their gig at the Olympic Games, but that’s not all that’s in store. Continuing to expand the brand worldwide is among the prospects that excites Magnusson the most. “Our main project at the moment is to make our brand more relevant all year round,” he says. “Bicycle gloves, gloves for outdoors, equestrian gloves, fashion and professional – to have them in use all year. We want to be as relevant during the spring and summer as we are in the winter. That’s an exciting project at the moment, and we want to push internationally even further.”

Quality material and leather give functional, aesthetically pleasing gloves.

Web: www.hestragloves.com Facebook: HestraGloves Instagram: @hestragloves

Entering one unique, quirky little shop in Elsinore is literally like taking a step back in time. With a deep respect for excellent craftsmanship and style with heart and soul, at Tibberup Høkeren they do what they love and love what they do.

By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Tibberup Høkeren

It all started with a renovation project 25 years ago: Mogens Christensen and his wife Nanna bought a thatched house in the small village of Tibberup on the north coast of Zealand. They fell in love with the place and were hooked by the house itself and all the timeworn things inside it – and particularly by the chance to return it to its past glory.

“We were complete novices when it came to restoring this old house, but just knew that we wanted to live there,” Mogens explains. It was a project that would develop their joy and passion for all things vintage and well-made, and a renewed respect for outstanding craftsmanship in restoring their family home.

Not just any name The Danish word ‘høker’ dates back to the 14th century and is difficult to define in English. No one specific translation covers the meaning of this word, which used to describe what was essentially a travelling tradesman or woman. “When we were bringing our house back to life, we discovered a glass bottle with a piece of paper inside, wedged into the inner beams of the thatched roof. This turned out to be a note of permission dating back to 1860, allowing for a ‘høker’ to be at work in this place,” Mogens explains.

The note was written with quill and ink, and they were so in awe of this that they first hung it up inside their house and then, later, when the idea for the shop was taking shape, it got to inspire the branding process. Tibberup Høkeren (TH) became the obvious name, paying homage both to the village they live in and to the dedication and precision of artisan craftsmen of old.

Quality, not quantity All the items for sale in the shop and online have been sourced personally by the Christensens. They travel extensively, always collecting items along the way. They sell things produced all over western Europe, and while the nature of each item differs completely, they all have one thing in common: every producer is a small, often family-run business.

Mogens and Nanna meet with them in person and can vouch for not only the quality of the products, but also the value that these producers place on their items and on what goes into the production process. “If someone wants to buy a litre of paint, I always ask what it is for, because it matters,” Mogens says. He knows exactly what type of paint you might need for a specific job, and to him, every single item, be it a door handle, that litre of paint, or a pair of old-fashioned men’s trousers, truly matters.

More than a shop “When you come to me as a customer, you might not get what you want, but you will get what you need,” Mogens muses. He always gives advice regarding what his customers need, not merely selling them the item they came for, but giving advice along the way.

There is an element of both sharing his joy and appreciation of well-made items with a history, and teaching his customers a thing or two in the process. Half the time, he and Nanna are offering help and support to their customers, passing on and sharing their own lessons from restoration and sourcing materials. “This is not just about selling things and making a profit,” Mogens says. “Of course, this is a shop and a business too, but to us it’s also about ensuring that we give our customers not only the best products, but also the best help and advice.”

He knows everything about every single item that they sell and knows the story of both the items and the producers behind them. And this is crucial to Tibberup Høkeren: if Mogens and Nanna can get behind a product, they will sell it. “We are inspired by all sorts of things,” he says. “If there is a story behind an item, we want to sell it.”

Not just the owner of a quirky, small shop, Mogens is a genuine believer in craftsmanship and well-made things. The caption to one of their beautifully curated Instagram posts says it all: “We don’t do fashion. We do style, and style never goes out of fashion”. So, while Mogens’ own style is straight out of a hipster’s guide to classic gentlemen’s dressing, he is the genuine, real deal, as is every single item in his shop. They are not trying to be trendy influencers; they do this with passion, love and respect.

Mr and Mrs Høkeren, small-shop owners.

Web: tibberuphoekeren.dk Facebook: Tibberup Høkeren Instagram: @tibberuphoekeren Twitter: @hoekeren Pinterest: Tibberup Høkeren

Kintobe is on a mission: not only do they want to save our beautiful planet; they also want to break down the barriers that separate us. They dream of a kinder world, a world where we respect and accept one another. And how are they going to accomplish this? Through sustainable bags. about the production, materials and certifications on their website, and the tags tell you what every single element of your new bag is made from.

Kintobe designs fashionable and sustainable everyday bags created to last. Whether you need a large bag to fit your laptop, fitness gear, water bottle and a cosy jumper, or you need a smaller bag to fit all the essentials for a day out on the town, Kintobe has a bag that suits you.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Tereza Gonsiorova

We will never save the Earth if we cannot co-exist. That is the foundation on which the sustainable, Danish bag brand Kintobe is built. When the couple Anne Thorsø Sørensen and Michael Bisgaard founded Kintobe in 2019, they realised that it is not only Mother Earth that is suffering; it is also our communities.

“We walk around judging each other, holding onto our prejudices; we hate and fear one another, and we struggle to give each other space to be who we are. Kintobe is a conversation about what kind of world we want to pass on to the next generation. We wish to see a kinder and more accepting world with more human connection,” says Anne Thorsø Sørensen.

And how do bags fit into this ethos, you might ask? Very well, actually. “A bag marks the transition from home to the outside world, where we meet people and can make a real difference. It is about carrying kindness in everything you do – kindness for the planet and kindness for others,” says Sørensen.

Put on your bag and spread kindness Inside each bag is a little message that sets the intention for the day ahead.

“Inside our Street Collection, it says ‘What you do can change the world’. Positive change starts with you and I – we cannot wait for someone else to do it for us,” says Sørensen.

Kintobe also gives a voice to people they think carry kindness in extraordinary ways. On their social channels and on their website, you can meet Kindness Icons that inspire kinder living.

The bags are made from recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and algae. Kintobe is committed to being 100 per cent transparent, and therefore you can read everything

Web: www.kintobe.com Facebook: Kintobe Instagram: @kintobe_official TikTok: @kintobe_official

The Ledge:able shelf.

Anne Linde Studio was born in 2004 from one simple, but highly original, design: the Ledge:able shelf – a continuous sheet of powder-coated steel, bent six times to form a multi-dimensional ‘ledge’.

By Lena Hunter | Photos: Anne Linde

With no welding, joints or visible suspension points, Ledge:able is typical of the eponymous studio’s design language. The wider collection of sustainably sourced, wall-mounted side tables, shelves and desks are all, as Linde dubs them, “sculptural chameleons”.

The artful minimalism combines aesthetics with function. Each design serves as both an exhibition and a storage space, as the sleek metal is bent to form a plinth-like surface and an integrated hidden shelf. “Timelessness and practicality are important for me,” says Linde, who has decorated her own home with the studio’s collection. “It’s stripped back. You can style it yourself.”

Design without stereotypes Though Anne Linde Studio’s oeuvre has clear Scandinavian sensibilities, Linde’s own background is in fashion design. “We’re very grounded in tradition here in Denmark,” she explains. “I studied clothes design in England, so I’m not as bound by those stylistic conventions. Danes aren’t really used to metal homewares, but you can use it in so many ways. It’s so clean. It’s really about how you put it together.”

Ledge:able is produced in a range of classic tones: white, black, and two elegant greys, as well as rotating colours that currently include ‘dusty green’, ‘light clay’ and the new addition ‘harvest yellow’. “It’s a beautiful colour,” says Linde. “We also have matching accessories: wooden magnets and hangers, which add some warmth.”

A break with tradition The combination of modern textures with sharp lines and organic forms is a subtle diversion from Denmark’s traditions. Though famously innovative, Danish design is ‘homey’ where Linde’s shapes are bolder – a little more futuristic. “I’ve always been inspired by the ‘60s’ fascination with space,” she says. “The design in shows like Space 1999 that I saw as a child left an impression on me, as did the organic forms of Danish designer, Verner Panton. That slightly space-age, abstract style is so modern and malleable.”

17 years later, Anne Linde’s original Ledge:able shelf remains the studio’s most popular design – only now it has blossomed into a celebrated, shape -shifting collection, from sculptural workspaces to elegant display-units, tables and discreet wall-mounted storage.

Web: www.anne-linde.com Facebook: annelindedk Instagram: @annelindedk

Flying Carpet Oy is a small, eco-friendly company with big ambitions. Susanna Palomäki and Katri Virtasalo founded the company in 2019 when they set up their online shop selling custom-made rugs, BlockO meeting booths, and sofa tables made in Finland, as well as wool carpets and other handcrafts from around the world.

By John Weston | Photos: Flying Carpet Oy

spoke, custom-made design service. Customers can send in videos and pictures of their homes and other spaces, and they then benefit from a free design consultation with recommended carpets and other products to match their particular context.

“Basically, two women have combined their strengths and their desire to make a difference, and also serve customers better than anybody else – with ecological and innovative twists,” they smile.

Flying Carpet combines Virtasalo’s experience as a designer with Palomäki’s international business expertise. The two women have been friends for 20 years, and they know that Finnish design is distinctive and internationally appealing. “Finnish design is simple, timeless and respects nature,” they explain, “and the environment is very important for most Finnish companies. These values are very close to our hearts.”

Virtasalo led the design team for BlockO meeting booths, known for their eye-catching design and easy assembly, which have been popping up in airports, hotel lobbies, educational institutions and public places for a few years now. Providing a safe, automatically disinfected and virus-free workspace, which is also acoustically insulated, BlockO booths seem ideal for the ever more distributed and flexible working life of the new normal. And they line up well with Flying Carpet’s eco credentials, being made from Finnish birch and recycled plastic bottles – it’s the polyamide in the bottles, when woven into high-quality felt, that gives the booths their calming acoustic properties.

The company’s rag rugs are made from recycled cotton derived from residual pieces from the tricot industry, and their sofa tables are custom made from Finnish wood.

Sustainability and the circular economy are in the air in Finland, which has committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. Relying largely on locally sourced wood, recycled glass and cotton from the tricot industry, and with packaging made from 100 per cent recycled materials, Flying Carpet is a paradigm of eco-friendly design.

In addition to their strong emphasis on design excellence and ecological manufacture, Flying Carpet also offers a be-

Flying Carpet serves all customers through its online shop and by email.

Web: www.flyingcarpet.fi E-mail: info@flyingcarpet.fi Facebook: FlyingCarpetOy Instagram: @flyingcarpet_fi TikTok: @flyingcarpet.fi

The Finnish brand Globe Hope provides an alternative that requires no new raw materials. Globe Hope creates fashion-forward clothing without harming the environment, by reusing and repurposing already existing materials. that more consumers will understand the additional value of our designs.”

By Ester Laiho | Photos: Globe Hope

The story of Globe Hope stems all the way back to 2003, when its founder, Seija Lukkala, had grown increasingly tired and anxious of the wasteful ways of the fashion industry. “I started making clothes of repurposed materials and of excess materials from the fashion industry under the circular economy ethos,” Lukkala explains. Globe Hope now produces clothes under the same principle it started with – ecological, ethical and aesthetical.

Globe Hope’s list of repurposed and recycled materials is long: seatbelts, old army sleeping bags, tradeshow carpets and sails from boats – just to name a few. The great promise of sustainability can also be backed by numbers: in 2020, 95 per cent of the total material share of sold products was recycled or surplus.

Each new collection pays homage to nature with their names, the new collection shining a light on bogs. A delicate lavender purse made of seatbelts is called Hilla (cloudberry), and a repurposed faux-fur bum bag is named Suopursu (wild rosemary). With practical and visually appealing items, Globe Hope shows that consumers no longer have to sacrifice style to be ecological. The pioneers of repurposing have also created their own material to make clothes from. The Aura hoodie is made of yarn that consists of recycled plastic bottles, and of cotton fabric remnants from factory cutting rooms.

Lukkala believes that Globe Hope’s uncompromising ethos will gain even more traction going forward. “We continue to learn as well as evolve and envision

Hilla.

Web: globehope.com Facebook: globehope Instagram: @globehope LinkedIn: Globe Hope Oy