World Catwalk: Destination Copenhagen

I confess that I didn’t do my research before I set off for Copenhagen (nothing new there then). I had a rough plan to visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park (apparently), and, quite frankly, that was about it.

To be honest, sometimes it’s nice to enter a city with no preconceptions, no expectations and then be pleasantly surprised (I had a similar experience in Hong Kong – read about it here…). Copenhagen achieves the impossible in its ability to be beautiful, even in the rain. The falling drops simply bring out a moody, almost magical atmosphere in this calm Scandinavian haven.

As far as my World Catwalk is concerned, I was intrigued by the street fashion in Copenhagen because it seemed to be a little different from most other cities. Like the odd wacky-fashion kid in class, or that one in the office (face it, you know who I'm talking about), she’s the one who shocks you by stepping in with interesting combinations that are unexpected and a tad weird, but on the whole, enviably cool.

On my first walk around the city, I took in the sights of the Tivoli Gardens, and for the most part I didn’t spot too many stylistas amongst all the touristas. What I did notice though, was a recurring theme of very yummy mummies! I’m sorry, but I draw the line at tearing Mother away from Baby whilst I snap their style but I will report that the streets of Copenhagen were full of svelte, stylish, poised mums, pushing prams in heeled boots and swishing big bouncy blonde hair around – making me feel a bit frumpy yet simultaneously inspired. Hats off to glam mums everywhere – I’m sure it’s not as easy as you all make it look!

I stopped for dinner in the superb Nimb Brasserie, a restaurant on the border of Tivoli Gardens. It was there I spied Seul Ki, from Korea, who was looking perfectly quirky in her printed tea dress with dainty collar and plimsolls. I’m not sure how anyone achieves skin as luminous and perfectly porcelain as Seul Ki’s, but regardless of the mechanics as to how, this amazing combination of flawless skin and floral print, is refreshingly simple yet stylish.

On my second day, I took a boat trip to Nyhavn, a canal lined with beautifully quaint houses, coloured like cupcakes and sugary icing. I had a fabulous time that sunny morning, learning snippets of the city’s history from a little boat touring the cities canals, and then I took a walk into the shopping district. Along Østergade and Læderstræde and past so many girls who looked like they’d just stepped out of Vogue. The only problem for The Trolley Dolly’s World Catwalk? I’d say 80% were riding bikes. Yes. Riding bikes dammit.

And 10% were getting on to their bikes (headphones in – social sign language for ‘Do Not Disturb’) – so I snapped the non-bike-riders. And tried to catch a few of said cyclistas in the passing (tricky). It really was an unspoken rule – ‘Fashionable Girls Ride Bikes’. Simple as that. I hope one day I can ride a bike and look just one percent as fashionable as some of these Danish girls.

As I was approaching the shopping district, I noticed a little art fair where several outdoor stalls were set up showcasing what appeared to be local talent in the art and design world. Then I caught sight of Nina and Maria Bruun, two friends who specialise in architecture and interior design (check them out www.stateofform.com). I loved their casual outfits with fluid, flowing silhouettes and feminine designs.

Nina’s dress in this delightfully uplifting shade of tropical peach really stood out amongst the grey cobbled streets and city stone. For me, it’s the perfect simple set up for those detailed stud-embellished shoes and ultra-chic, ultra-black Rayban glasses. Not that I like a cliché but I do find that less is more and Nina shows exactly how it’s done!

Friend and business partner, Maria, has an outfit with a different feel to it. I love the mix of many trends, resulting in sophisticated, trés ladylike style. I think if I tried to combine block colour, sequins, collar necklaces, maxi skirts and floaty chiffon, I’d end up looking like an explosion in a Paris Hilton clothing factory. But Maria manages to make it all come together in that unexpected way I was banging on about earlier!

And even with a jumper slung on top, she still pulled off the totally-not-trying-but-totally-rocking-the-outfit look. Admirable!

And so I departed Copenhagen, having enjoyed its beautiful architecture, gorgeous gardens and some very lovely, friendly people. I hope to go back another time and maybe on my next trip, I’ll have come up with of a way of snapping the street styles of the cycling fashion squad…

Until then, let me know what you think of the ones above!

Love from Danish Dolly x