Logbook, February, Laura here.
February is a short month, and from March onwards everything changes. The days are already getting longer, even though we've had weeks of wet and cold weather, which is not very conducive to light.
Lately, we've been devoting a lot of time to research, which is vital to any creative process because it lays the foundations on which to build and develop new ideas. In my work, research comes before design, moving between experimentation and creative investigation, always focused on a particular theme or product. It is the initial process of gathering ideas, which provides the information and creative, as well as narrative, direction for an entire collection. Of course, it is also a very personal activity, an expression of one's own thoughts, reflecting aspirations, interests, and creative vision.
For me, research is a journey of discovery that can last a long time or perhaps never end; it becomes a real way of life. It means feeling open and actively receptive to everything. Inspiration can be found everywhere: in everyday life, in nature, in dreams. Then there is travel, when you decide to set off to immerse yourself in a new reality, culture, language, everything is amplified, everything is new and stimulating.
Postcard from Copenhagen
How I dreamed of Copenhagen. In general, I have always been fascinated by the Nordic countries, mainly because of their lifestyle, which is also reflected in the way they dress and furnish their homes. For years, I have kept a guide to the design places to visit in this city and finally, at the end of January, Paolo and I went there.
Danish culture can be summed up with the concept of hygge: a philosophy of life that celebrates the essentials and values the present. It is found in the little things: cozy atmospheres, soft lighting, warm blankets, and good food. It becomes a refuge for the soul, to be enjoyed alone or shared. Hygge is a way of being, but also the feeling of always being at home.
It seems incredible, but this thought, so powerful in its simplicity, can be perceived even just walking through the streets of Copenhagen. You can breathe it in when you enter any café, looking at the soft lighting and the lights in the windows of the houses from outside, smelling the fragrant scent of cardamom buns and rye bread.
Hygge: the path to well-being
According to anthropologist Judith Friedman Hansen , "hygge implies comfort, ease, a sense of well-being, a relaxed state of mind."
I find much of this concept in the design of our garments, in terms of intent and how I want people to feel when wearing them: they should be a cozy refuge, where you feel almost pampered. In fact, refuge and care will be a central theme of the next collection.
Obviously, this feeling is strongly linked to the use of materials both in Denmark and in our collections. Think of the use of natural materials such as wood in homes or wool for warm traditional sweaters. The same applies to the hemp and recycled cotton used in our garments.
What we saw in Copenhagen
We can say that Copenhagen is the center of design.
Among the stops, we visited the Designmuseum, where you see not only objects, but also the Nordic way of thinking. The first section is dedicated to patterns and their composition, with examples on fabrics from various eras, while another section focuses entirely on three everyday objects: the chair, the lamp, and the cup. You may not notice it, but design is everywhere and influences everyday life.
A must-see was the HAY brand store-showroom, where you really realize the significance of design in everyday life. It is striking for its simple but unique shapes, its research into colors and materials, and its beauty skillfully combined with functionality. The expressive power of a simple object is incredible.
Functionality linked to design has been at the heart of our creations since we started making aprons, and even now that we have expanded our range, this concept remains key to our production. We have never seen ourselves as a "fashion" brand that creates garments following transient trends or aimed at creating stunning, complex, and sparkling clothes that are ultimately worn once and then remain at the back of the closet. Our clothes are made to last.
Not just museums
We also visited department stores and concept stores, from the most impressive ones such as Illum and Normann Copenhagen, to the smaller ones in Nørrebro, a lively and multicultural neighborhood in Copenhagen, currently considered one of the most fashionable and creative in the world.
Vintage stores are also worth a visit, there are many of them with a well-curated selection, including Res-Res, Episode, and Prag.
Search, discover, and be inspired
We looked for small emerging Danish brands that reflect people's tastes: a refined aesthetic, classic but not predictable, and certainly very contemporary. But above all, we observed the people walking down the street: why are they all so beautiful? :)
We know that trends are announcing a return to tight pants, but there you see loose and baggy pants everywhere, especially jeans in light washes and warm tones. But don't imagine loose street-style pants with sneakers and a sweatshirt. Wide-leg pants are often paired with slim, pointed ankle boots with low heels and tailored coats in classic colors such as dark blue, gray, or beige mélange.
Right now, we are also testing washes to offer a new pair of jeans with an over-dye that will take on shades of beige.
With accessories such as bags, scarves, and beanies (which are a must there!), you can play with contrasting colors in brighter tones, an accent that makes all the difference. A very characteristic detail is hair worn up or half up in a claw clip (those by the SUI AVA brand are very beautiful).
The green spirit of the Danes
Finally, we noticed a great deal of attention to green issues in everyday life. The main means of transport is the bicycle, or rather the cargo bike, which is used to transport objects, children, and adults. Even young children are accustomed to riding their bikes to school, developing a great sense of responsibility. And the cold is no excuse; people go running along the river.
In short, the story of this trip could go on forever. We came back with our heads full of ideas and inspiration for both our work and our everyday lives.
Laura
Racconti dalla Filanda is our logbook, a column that keeps you up to date with the latest news from the atelier, allowing you to get to know us a little better each month.
