THE MODELS COME MARCHING IN

Copenhagen Fashion Week makes us feel all dark and stormy.

A true-blooded Dane told me today that it's cloudy and rainy about 300 days of the year here in Copenhagen. So if it's too cold where you are for you to even imagine spring coming soon, have no fear. Copenhagen Fashion Week is here to remind you that winter style can look pretty darn good, too.

Day One opened with Louise Amstrup, who studied under renowned designers like Alexander McQueen and Jonathan Saunders before starting her eponymous line in 2006. Now, after having shown at London Fashion Week ever since, she's making her return to Copenhagen as the opening Fall '09 act. Inspired by the lead femme fatale in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, her entire collection is full of dark colors, story patterns, and sharp angles. This post-apocalyptic line showcases sharp shoulders and hips with flashes of yellow--like lightning bolts striking through dresses.

Following Amstrup was fellow Dane Rützou, who had an almost identical color scheme. This show, however, seemed to be inspired more by The Birds than Aunty Entity; flowing lines and curves were matched with equally unique shredded neckpieces draped halfway down the models' bodies. It made for an interesting contrast between hipster and high fashion that just about anyone could appreciate. Even more impressive than the ornate scarves though, were the expertly-tailored and comfortable looking jackets that went with them all. I left the show wishing I didn't have to wait until next season to get my hands on that gray pocketed felt poncho...
KELLY BRUCE

See the full gallery of both shows here.



This story was published on February 5, 2009.