How the Designers Behind ROTATE Prepped for Their Copenhagen Fashion Week Show
Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir, the designer duo behind cult Scandinavian label ROTATE, just might be the busiest women at Copenhagen Fashion Week—and that’s saying a lot. As influencers and stylists, they not only frequent runway shows, but also assemble them. Case in point: last week, the duo unveiled their brand’s spring/summer 2024 collection at the historic Hotel D’Angleterre in the heart of the Danish capital.
Set to a remix of “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou, the elegant, daring range took its aesthetic inspiration from ’90s London and, collectively, appeared equal parts rebellious, sophisticated, and proudly feminist. Think: ripped denim, T-shirts sewn into sequin dresses, and bright yellow nipple tassels paired with matching pants. Keeping in line with CPHFW’s sustainability efforts, the pieces are part eco-friendly: ROTATE declares 92 percent certified material usage and the incorporation of circulose, a natural material made from discarded textiles.
“Fashion week is our favorite time to see people in our community from all around the world,” Madsen, dressed in a fresh-off-the-runway look from the collection, told ELLE.com. “We are so grateful that they come out to support us again and again.”
Here, Madsen and Valdimarsdottir took ELLE.com along for their prep process, from their classic Danish breakfast to ROTATE’s raucous after-party at Søpavillonen.
Thora Valdimarsdottir: It’s show day! Bringing coffee to the team.
Jeanette Madsen: Today will be a busy day, so we have to get a good breakfast in. Andersen & Maillard is one of our go-to spots in the city to grab a bread roll and cheese—a classic Danish breakfast.
TV: Into the office for some final fittings—where we decide which models will wear each look, and make sure the pieces are perfectly fitted for them. It’s amazing to see our designs come to life during this process.
JM: We love our show cast, it’s like our extended ROTATE family. Here is a sneak peek at this season’s faces.
TV: A quick break for some interviews before we head to the show location.
JM: We’ve arrived on-site. This season’s show takes place at the iconic Copenhagen landmark, Hotel D’Angleterre.
TV: Straight to backstage, where our models are getting their hair and makeup done. We went for a cool, natural look this season to really let the clothes and the location shine through.
JM: Next up is the run-through, where our models practice the choreography for the show and we get a first glimpse at how the looks will appear on the runway.
TV: Putting the final touches on the set before we open the doors.
JM: Showtime! The beautiful Mona Tougaard closed the runway this season rocking our lace sequin and tulle dress.
TV: Nothing but smiles here! After we take our bow, it’s time to relax and celebrate with our incredible team.
JM: Cheers!
TV: Now, time for dinner, where we celebrated the collection with our closest friends—and a special champagne tower surprise.
JM: Fashion week is our favorite time to see people in our community from all around the world; we are so grateful that they come out to support us again and again.
TV: Taking some time to reflect and refuel at Hotel D’Angleterre...before we party until our feet hurt.
JM: Wrapping things up at our after-party, where we dance to our favorite songs until the sun comes up. Good night, and good morning!
You Might Also Like
