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DAY BIRGER & MIKKELSEN

Fashion & Homewares | Copenhagen

AS DENMARK'S LEADING FASHION LABEL, DAY BIRGER & MIKKELSEN is KNOWN FOR ITS mix of modern classics, embellished details, exquisite craftsmanship and inventive elements. WE CATCH UP WITH THE COMPANY'S FOUNDER, KELD MIKKELSEN, WHO BRINGS BEAUTIFUL, ETHNIC INFLUENCES FROM HIS WORLD TRAVELS AND MERGES THEM WITH SCANDINAVIAN SIMPLICITY, MASCULINE TAILORING AND VINTAGE INSPIRED STYLES.

What inspired you to launch DAY Birger et Mikkelsen and when was the company originally conceived?
KM: In 1997 the idea of DAY came to light, a desire of opening the wardrobes and designing what was not there. A wish of creating the transition from day to night but based on the everyday, for which reason DAY. We add the ethnic and original to the modern in all that we do.

What are some of the main inspirations behind your collections? What are some of the brand’s most emblematic creations? What is your creative process when developing new products?
KM: We have always been and still are very inspired by the East, in particular by India but we always seek that the tight scandinavian line keeps the “peace and order”.

As your company is based in Copenhagen, how does the city influence your creativity? What are some of your favourite local places to eat/ drink/ hang out in Copenhagen?
KM: We are not only based in Copenhagen. The creative design team of Day Birger et Mikkelsen is based in Lugano in Switzerland. Copenhagen is inspiring in many ways. Especially there are inspiring places to eat like The Union Kitchen, Noma, Le Beaumarche which are all great places in their own characteristically way.

Where can we find DAY Birger et Mikkelsen collections around the world?
KM: We are represented, both with our own retail and wholesale in Scandinavia, South Africa and UK. Wholesale only in Germany, Holland Belgium, France and the US. We have a few in the East and we are going to start online in China.

What are some of your favourite destinations in the world, and why?
KM: Right now I am in my favourite place, St Barth in the Caribbean, where we have had a property for many years and almost feel like we are locals. We feel the same way in Tremezzo by the Como lake in Italy, where we live but have the feeling that we are on vacation. India is and will always be a favorite spot. I started working there when I was 20 years old and my passion about it has never disappeared

What are some of your proudest achievements to date as a brand/ company?
KM: Our fashion show when we celebrated DAY's 10 year’s anniversary, our prices, best lining brand in Germany, the design prize in Denmark and of course the response when we open new stores. It is great that so many people turn op and celebrate. Furthermore 300.000 DAY et bags sold last year is definitely something I am proud of. There are many achievements that I am proud of, also on an international level.