Keld Mikkelsen
Text Bethan Ryder
Images DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, Alamy
Style visionary Keld Mikkelsen established his fashion company DAY Birger et Mikkelsen in 1997 at the age of 39. Today the label, which includes homewares and is inspired by ethnic textiles, modern classics and vintage finds from cosmopolitan flea markets, is sold in 35 countries. The Danish businessman tells
b.there! what makes him tick
01 Where do you live and what do you love
about it?
In the centre of Copenhagen. The apartment
was built when there weren’t any constraints
on space and the neighbourhood is quiet and
beautiful. Amalienborg, home to the Danish
royal family, is just next door. Our
apartment is only a three-minute walk from
our office, which is just off the most
central square in Copenhagen. The city is
noisy and full of life and I enjoy the walk
home every day. We also own a house in the
countryside, close to woods and the sea. The
combination of the two is fantastic.
02 Your company is just over 10 years old.
What were your initial intentions with DAY
Birger et Mikkelsen?
My intention when I started was to fill an
empty space in the costumer’s wardrobe. DAY
is designed to reach the creative consumer
and the aim was to create a lifestyle brand
that would make everyday life feel like a
party.
03 Your turnover last year was £23m. So
what’s the single most extravagant thing
you’ve ever done?
I believe I’ve done quite a few things that,
without a thorough explanation, might seem
extravagant. But to me, personally, inviting
24 of my closest friends to celebrate my
birthday in our house in the Caribbean is a
real luxury. Having the opportunity to spend
five whole days without interruptions with
people you love is, to my mind, very
extravagant.
04 In which European country does your label
sell best?
We’re doing well on the UK market and I think
our characteristic DAY designs suit the
English consumers who, like the
Scandinavians, seem to make an effort to
dress well in their daily life.
05 Did you always want to work in fashion?
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for 32
years now and still enjoy it very much,
although it was actually never a business I
chose to get involved in - it just kind of
happened. I have the utmost respect for this
business and the opportunities it holds.
06 Describe the DAY Birger et Mikkelsen style
in three words.
Modern, classic and ethnic.
07 Do you feel the brand is particularly
Danish?
I don’t feel that DAY is Danish, to me its
DAY-ish. It’s inevitable and natural that our
Scandinavian roots play a role in our
business, but we don’t force our designs to
look Danish.
08 Which other fashion designers do you
admire?
I love a lot of designers for the different
ways they become inspired by people, but if I had to single one out, it would be Dries Van Noten. I really like his way of making everything look amazing.
09 Which celebrity would be the ideal woman to wear DAY Birger et Mikkelsen?
We are fortunate enough to have India Hicks as one of our ambassadors. She’s a very vibrant woman who knows how to dress for the occasion, whether it’s in the Bahamas, New York or London.
10 Which is your favourite restaurant in Copenhagen?
A friend of mine, Rud Christiansen, has just opened a place in the centre called The Royal Café (6 Amager Torv, theroyalcafe.dk). The modern interior clashes with the traditional café look and the menu has succeeded in merging traditional Danish smørrebrød [open sandwiches] with sushi. Smushi, as it’s called, is one of the main reasons for this café being worth a visit.
11 Do you have a favourite bar in Copenhagen?
There aren’t that many bars in Copenhagen and
I seldom go to them. But, given the choice,
I’d prefer a cosy classic bar over a noisy
hip bar any time.
12 What will the must-have DAY item of clothing
be in 2008?
Our fantastic evening dresses are must-haves
for womenswear. In the DAY men’s collection
you’ll see a very positive development on
shirts.
13 Where do you hope the brand will be in 10
years’ time?
We don’t normally set goals like that, I
believe in natural growth and development.
But I would hope that in 10 years we will
have about 50-60 DAY shops around the world
and that all facets of the brand will be well
known and well respected. The DAY brand is
for amazing people, not fashion victims.
14 Is there an object you can’t live without?
I would be truly sad if all my scarves were
taken away from me.
15 Which six people would you invite to a dream
dinner party?
Hemingway and Peggy Guggenheim to take care
of the historical and alcoholic aspects. Joni
Mitchell and Mick Jagger because of their
ability to entertain and their poetic use of
words. Tom Hanks is sure to secure the
party’s fun levels. And the Danish sceptical
environmentalist Bjørn Lomborg, as we need
one person among us who isn’t afraid to swim
against the current and enjoys a good
discussion.
16 How do you relax?
I try to relax as much as my schedule allows.
When you’re with people who really know you,
what you are doing becomes less important.
That’s relaxation to me.
17
What’s your favourite journey?
St Bart’s in the Caribbean, where we have our
holiday home, has been my favourite place to
go ever since we bought the place in 1993.
The island is small, yet it holds so many
opportunities that you never seem to run out
of new things to experience.
18
What’s your motto for life?
Appreciate the small things in everything
you do and try to make a big difference.
DAY Birger et
Mikkelsen is sold
in Belgium at:
Step By Step, 18 Lombardenvest, Antwerp; Pand
13 BVBA, 13 Henegouwenstraat, Ghent; Villa
Maria, 18-28 Gistelsesteenweg, Bruges; Gusto,
67-69 Kustlaan, Knokke; Mason’s, 11A
Kustlaan, Knokke; Pied De Poule, 62
Rogierlaan, Oostende; Cacharel Boutique Louis
XVI, 18 Mechelsestraat, Leuven; La Botega,
7-11 Paardsdemerstraat, Hasselt
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