ROTATE’s Founders Share How To Explore Copenhagan Like A True Fashion Local  

Thora Valdimars and Jeanette Madsen, the duo behind Danish womenswear brand ROTATE Birger Christensen, are the ultimate ambassadors of Scandi chic. Through their brand, they’ve not only redefined partywear but celebrated what it truly means to dress like a Danish woman: playful yet understated, with comfort at the forefront. “As a city, Copenhagen is super important to our work,” says Thora. “It just has such a cosy vibe – the homes, the way of life, it’s always a source of inspiration for us,” adds Jeanette, as the pair sit in their studio in the heart of Copenhagen, looking (as always) effortlessly cool wearing ROTATE oversized knits. 

“Sometimes we’ll go to a ‘proper’ fashion party in the city, and someone will arrive on their bike in a big coat, a beanie and comfortable shoes,” says Thora. “We’re both aware that not everyone wants to show skin here, and observing how people actually dress is more useful than staying in a [trend] bubble,” says Jeanette. “It’s easy to get caught up in thinking everything needs to be more fashionable; bigger, brighter, or covered in sequins, but we always ask: Do people really wear this kind of thing again? Bringing it down a notch feels very Scandinavian. It’s about being realistic.” 

Their talents don’t stop at designing; they’re also renowned for throwing the best parties during Copenhagen Fashion Week. Case in point: when Lisa Rinna, the iconic actor and Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star, walked fiercely down their AW23 runway in nothing but a black bodysuit and an open faux fur coat, before belting out karaoke tunes at the show’s afterparty.

As the city welcomes another Copenhagen Fashion Week, Thora and Jeanette share their favourite spots around their hometown, from trendy neighbourhoods with the best vintage stores to the places that inspire them most – plus where they’ll be grabbing a coffee (or wine) between shows this week. Here’s their route to experiencing the Danish capital like a true fashion local...

THE ONE PLACE THAT ALWAYS INSPIRES US IS...  the fashionable library at the Danish Design Museum. They have magazines dating back to the ’30s, including Vogue, Dazed, ID and loads more. It’s really nice to just sit and look through the archives and see what has been, what is ‘now’ and where we could move towards. They also have an amazing courtyard, which is beautiful in the summer. We always leave feeling inspired.  

WE LOVE VINTAGE SHOPPING IN... the Pisserenden [district], which sounds really bad as it actually translates to the ‘[eeing gutter’. But there are five or six stores in the area in close proximity to each other, such as Wasteland, Episode and Copenhagen K, which are all beautifully curated, from really high-end vintage to more modern, lowkey pieces.

THE BEST COFFE SPOT IS... a really cool cafe called La Cabra on Møntergade, which is attached to the clothing shop Another Aspect. 

WE’LL ALWAYS DO LUNCH AT... a great Italian restaurant called Locale 21, on Østergade. It’s got that cool, cosy Copenhagan vibe. Or, for a quick bite, you’ll find us at Andersen & Maillard (there are multiple locations across the city) for our BMO (a Danish bun with cheese). The best in the city, in our opinion!

AT WINE’O CLOCK, YOU’LL FIND US AT... Bar Vitrine, on Møntergade. It has a great vibe and is just down the street from our studio. It’s owned by the same people as Propaganda – another great bar and restaurant on Vester Farimagsgade, where we hosted the afterparty for our SS25 show. Then there’s Beau Marché on Østergade – a beautiful furniture store made even better by having great wine as you shop.  

ONE HOTEL WORTH BOOKING IS... Hotel Sanders, which is just a 10-minute walk from our ROTATE HQ. We always recommend it. It’s one of those places that, even though you may have heard about it many times, when you go there, the vibe is actually as good as described. Villa is another great one because the location is super central, right by the main train station. Plus, it has a beautiful pool and is not too expensive!

FOR A SPECIAL DINNER, CHECK OUT... Esmée, on Kongens Nytorv – a super pretty restaurant. The food is really simple but so delicious. Most people will find something that they like there. Another one we love is Bar Amore on Gl. Kongevej, which is less high-end but still great.  

Discover more about life behind-the-scenes at ROTATE as Thora Valdimars and Jeanette Madsen share the process of prepping for a runway show