Helle Mardahl launched her first fashion collection in 2002, only a year after graduating from London’s Central St Martins. In 2004 she was awarded the prestigious three year working grant from the Danish Art Council and has since had exhibitions of her work in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Berlin.
How did you get to where you are now professionally?
First of all, St. Martins accepted me as a creative freak. I have ever always followed my heart and believed in myself but without my fashion background and my obsession for pop culture, and humans need for staging themselves and the outrageous and abnormal dispositions, I could not be an ‘artistic character’ creator.
Do you rank Copenhagen among the world's creative capitals? Why/why not?
Well, things are moving here, for sure. It's an aesthetic capital full of good energy, but it can lack in originality there could be a need for more self-criticism. But nevertheless, the city has a power and we a rich foundation from which to create from.
The W* shoot is all about Copenhagen shopping – what are your favourite Copenhagen stores?
I don't really have a favourite store here in Copenhagen
What object/piece of furniture in your home could you not live without?
My Bed
Who/what is inspiring you most right now?
The neglected person and the superficial versus the wicked within.
What advice do you wish you'd been given 10 years ago?
Life is unpredictable. No one could have advised me
What's your secret/favourite indulgence?
Outrageousness
What's the one thing you'd never change?
My outlook on the world and my need to create.
How do you relax?
When I have the time!
Fashion designer Henrik Vibskov is the only Scandinavian designer to show on the official schedule at Paris Fashion Week. His conceptual collections are sold in boutiques across the globe including his own stores in Copenhagen and Oslo.
How did you get to where you are now professionally?
In a zig-zag kind of way
Do you rank Copenhagen among the world's creative capitals? Why/why not?
We have a lot of freedom in Copenhagen but the cosyness of the city can also sometimes kill creativty.
The W* shoot is all about Copenhagen shopping – what are your favourite Copenhagen stores?
The animal shop at Nørrebrogade
What object/piece of furniture in your home could you not live without?
A fireplace
Who/what is inspiring you most right now?
Dust
What advice do you wish you'd been given 10 years ago?
Get as far out as you can in 20's, you can always go back in your 30'sWhat's your secret/favourite indulgence?
Staying in my bed
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Maybe that I could be not so tall and not so piggy - but I’m not that bothered really.
What's the one thing you'd never change?
My mind
How do you relax?
On the sea, on the snow, on the air
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