One winter morning in Copenhagen

Bloody Valentine

I’m really not a fan of the whole Valentine's Days-thing. Usually, I’m a total romance-fan - heck, give me Jane Austen, red roses and sunsets any (other!) day and a I would indulge and love it. But on Valentine's Day it just seems so artificial and not romantic at all. I want romance to be heartfelt, breathtaking, and – unexpected – and not because the local florist and supermarkets advertises.

Valentine’s Day is pretty new here in Denmark – yet this year it has totally exploded. Its everywhere in shops, on tv and in every magazine or newspaper. And maybe that’s the reason I not buying into it – it seems fake and just another excuse to spend money. So I’m going anti-valentine tonight. And here’s my idea of an anti-romance night:

Music:
My Bloody Valentine : ‘Loveless’

Food:
Chili con carne and Corona Beer for one

Film:
Darren Aronofsky: 'Requiem for a Dream'

Reading:
Brett Easton Ellis: American Psycho

Hanne G gets under your skin

Hanne G first caught my eye a few years back when she created a series of pieces called ‘Lady Weapons’ displayed at Helene Nybrog Contemporary. Her work is fascinating for its indirect attitude and I love the mix of hard objects made from soft materials.

Her latest works are a series of wall hangings called ‘You’re still in the running’ displaying pictures inspired by the competitive identity on reality-tv. They are cool and funny, and I love how she uses such an old fashion type of medium to comment on something modern.

Shades of black and grey

I don’t know if it’s the gloomy financial predictions for the future or just the Nordic winter depression slipping in, but judging by what the designers have showed us so far we’re heading for dark times next winter.

Dark and golden

Stine Goya – formally known, in my mind at least, as the queen of psychedelic prints and bold colours – has blacked out in this one.

Her collection is very rock and roll with her signature of arty sophistication. The fluttering sleeves and beautiful dresses are still there, but the experimental edge, not so much.

Icy rock from Wackerhaus

Wackerhaus’ style is also in the shadowy end of the colour pallet, but that is not such a change from the dark look of the SS09 collection.

This A/W collection has a cold and rough look with slick fabrics and very pale greys and blacks, which I think is really cool.

Stars from Ivana

One of my absolute favourite Scandinavian designers showed her collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week this week. Ivana Helsinki is famous for interesting prints and constant renewal of her look.

Her A/W09 collection continues the slightly simpler style which was also present in the last A/W collection. This one is all about the dresses and is darker and more grown up in its silhouettes.
Stars are the signature print for this fall collection adding a more rock and roll-cool to the otherwise strict clothes. The tight cut coats and dresses make me think of Victorian dress style, which I really think is a cool historical reference.

Photos: Sacha Maric

Nerd Girl, in the living room, with a cocktail

I think it’s time ignore the financial crisis and live life like the dandies. For one night let’s pretend that we are rich, successful and have no worries in the world – and what better place, than at the place of the month.

Place of the month of January is carefully chosen for its decadence and beautiful spot in the city centre. Extravagant, over the top, but still very classy, describes this place.
I can’t say that this is a nerdy place. But for some reason this nerd girl still ended up feeling totally at home amongst the rich and beautiful on her visit to Ruby.

Ruby’s cocktail bar is set in an apartment - decorated just like a living room making you feel as if you just popped in on an old friend for a drink. A dim lighting, comfy pillows and couches and the friendliest bartenders, I have ever met.

And the drinks, oh, the drinks... The selection is a fine blend of the classics and their very own delicious recipes. It is not at cheap place, drinks are about 100kr a piece - but you really only need one or two to get the night going.

Iittala espresso cups

There is nothing like a good cup of coffee and I’m a big fan of strong espressos. And what better way to enjoy one, than in one of these beautiful cups by Iittala. The illustrations are by Klaus Haapaniemi, a really interesting Finnish illustrator who has worked with, among others, Diesel, Levis and Marimekko. Looking at his other illustrative work it becomes clear to me that he usually works with much more elaborate and colourful motives and that the owls and curvy details on these espresso cups might be a bit simple for his usual style. Among other things he has created a beautiful set-design for Cacharel catwalk:
Homemade biscotti
With espresso steaming out of these beautiful cups, you need a bite of something sweet to complete the coffee experience. On that note I made my own biscotti with almonds and chocolate. I did my best to make sure they did not end up being too hard to chew and at the same time still crunchy enough to dip in the coffee without it leaving a soup of crumbs in there.