You started the brand in 2016 after working for names such as Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Erdem. What made you want to start your own brand and what drew you to live in London?
I learned so much working for other brands and with brilliant creative directors, I felt it was time to apply my experience and skills to my own visual context.
I love the grittiness of London and how much contrast there is to my native Denmark. I find the diversity very inspiring.
How would you describeBrøgger?
Bold, colourful and with a touch of Scandi sensibilities
Can you describe a typical day?
I always start with a coffee and walk with my dog, Preben, to the studio. I normally have an hour by myself before everyone else comes in. I gather my thoughts and ideas in that hour. During the day I get pulled in so many directions, so the hour of focus is always very productive. I spend my day working very hands-on with my small team. There are constantly so many balls in the air, with overlapping seasons as well as both production and designing, and sampling new collections.
What is your bestselling collection?
We keep growing at the moment, so the latest one, at present.
Who is the Brøgger woman?
She likes to stand out and appreciates quality. She’ll keep favourite items in her wardrobe, not for months but for years.
Which Brøgger piece should every woman should have in her wardrobe?
Our Gurli blazer is so versatile, it works for day or night, work and formal. Paired with a dress it adds a masculine element to a feminine evening look, and with jeans it’s perfect workwear.
Where are your favourite places to shop in London?
I go to Portobello Road Market almost every Friday morning. I find great inspiration there. I also like a walk through Kensington Gardens, followed by a stop at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, which is one of our London-based stockists. There is a nice friendly atmosphere there that is not like most department stores.
What’s your most treasured Brøgger creation?
The SS19 show collection is very special to me, as it was inspired by my late mother and the Queen of Denmark. The show during Copenhagen Fashion Week was only a few months after my mother passed, so it was very special and emotional for me and my family.
The Brøgger spring/summer collection took inspiration from Queen Margrethe of Denmark. What is it about her that inspired you?
I’m slightly obsessed with her. She is this bold woman in a very unusual role. She is like no other European royal in her bold fashion choices, she loves colour and dramatic shapes and works closely with the dressmakers and couturiers who create her ball gowns. She designs theatre costumes herself so she has a keen eye for how her appearance can be part of orchestrating momentum and a story around her personally, her role as a queen and her family’s history as a monarchy.
What makes Brøgger stand out from other fashion brands?
It is always difficult to look at your own work in that way but I think the dualistic approach and influences result in collections that offer a different take on modern dressing.
Who would you like to see wearing your designs?
I’m always really grateful when celebrities and stylists choose Brøgger, and it can change a lot for a brand, but, not to sound cheesy, I actually get more excited when I see people on the street that I don’t know in Brøgger. That woman didn’t just choose the piece, she spent money on it. Cardi B falls into both categories, she just wore a Brøgger suit and she bought it from one of our US stockists – Barneys.
What is the inspiration behind the Brøgger spring/summer 2020 collection?
I continue a nostalgic view of the fashion of my childhood, this time without the royal inspiration but still with my mum in mind. It’s a bit like a collection that, if I squint my eyes, I can picture on my mum and all her loud and powerful girlfriends. Career women in suits but with glamour and boldness.
What’s next for Brøgger?
We are nominated for the Magasin du Nord Fashion Prize which takes place in November, and are very excited and honoured to be part of it. And we have also started designing the next collection.
