Founders of cool-girl fashion label Rotate, Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars, have a lot to celebrate this summer.
Jeanette and Thora had a dreamy SS25 runway show during Copenhagen Fashion Week held at Royal’s Library Garden where the new collection showcases their free-spirited Scandinavian sensibilities merged with touches inspired from the 1920’s art deco era.
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Plus, the opening of it’s first-ever flagship store located in the heart of the brand’s home city.
Designed by renowned interior architect Thibaut Allgayer, the space – adorned with touches of burgundy, wood, and chrome – offers Rotate’s community an impeccably chic and immersive environment where feminism meets blunt minimalism. These major milestones cement Rotate’s fashion credentials and puts Copenhagen on everyone’s radar.
That said, if you’re already planning a trip to the Danish capital, Jeanette and Thora share their go-to hangouts to include in your itinerary, from cool neighbourhoods to chic hot spots.
The thing you like most about living in Copenhagen:
Jeanette & Thora (J&T): Copenhagen is a unique city because it feels energetic and cosmopolitan, but it is also small and approachable. It is a city that let’s you be yourself, it’s casual but also fun! And you can bike everywhere, which is a bonus.
Where to check-in for a stylish and authentic stay:
J&T: We adore the Sanders Hotel in central Copenhagen. It is a small boutique hotel, that even though it is very popular is never too crowded. It’s the perfect escape within the city!
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When someone visits the city, where do you take them first:
J&T: There are so many places to visit in Copenhagen, and each borough of the city is different and full of interesting new things to do. But Copenhagen is really a city for foodies, it has some of the most incredible restaurants, so we would probably take a guest out for food first. The newly opened Bar Amore is a great spot to introduce someone to Copenhagen, it’s got a relaxed ambiance, great food and drinks and in a vibrant part of the city.
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The ultimate place to be during weekends:
J&T: We recommend spending time on the weekend around the Vesterbro neighbourhood. On a sleepy weekend, we would stop by Pauseriet or Ipsen & Co. for pastries and coffee, before heading out to see the variety of independent shops that Vesterbro has to offer. We suggest making a stop at Værnedamsvej, to see the eclectic design shop, Dora, the beautifully curated bookshop Thiemers Magasin, the quirky vintage store Tootsie and picking up seasonal flowers from Blomster Bjarne.
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We love to spend our time sourcing unique vintage pieces, and one of the best vintage stores in the city has to be Jerome Vintage on Vesterbrogade. If you want to escape the city bustle, you can take a walk up to the picturesque Frederiksberg Have (gardens), where there is lovely lake and a viewing point of the entire city.
Your favourite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you would recommend to try:
Thora: Esmee is always a favourite for special occasions (or just a little treat!) – the lobster pasta and the green vegetable salad are amazing.
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Jeanette: I love Locale 21, which is a relatively new restaurant that has a lovely street facing terrace so you can people-watch whilst you have dinner. They have a set menu where you get to try all the dishes, so you don’t have to pick just one!
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If vegan, a favourite vegan eatery in Copenhagen plus, dishes you need to order:
J&T: Neither of us are vegan but there are definitely some great options in the city, most restaurants have a huge range of dishes that allow for vegan or vegetarian needs – 42Raw is a good option for quick lunch choices, whilst Baka D’Busk is a fully vegetarian option that is a lot of fun for dinner!
What’s your go-to place for coffee/tea/matcha:
Jeanette: I love the coffee at Beau Marche Cafe og Vins – it always comes served in a nice cup and it’s not too strong.
Thora: I prefer to go to my local spot, Københavns Bageri, in Carsberg Byen.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience to try:
J&T: Copenhagen is a very special city, there are many experiences you can have here that are not available in other cities – especially in the summer. Copenhagen summer days are long, the sun rises early and sets late into the night, which is a beautiful thing to witness. The city is also located on the sea, which means that you can swim in the water throughout the city. And just being able to cycle anywhere and everywhere in a major city is pretty amazing!
A go-to wellness spot:
Thora: Amazing Space is a heavenly escape in the city, located in the stately D’Angleterre hotel, it is the perfect spot for all wellness needs.
Jeanette: I recommend One Thirty Labs, their treatments are one of a kind, you can go there for Cryo, Compression Therapy, MMS, Infrared Sauna – the list goes on!
A must-see for culture mavens:
Thora: I think Copenhagen Contemporary is a must visit for people looking for culture. There is a modern art gallery in a giant warehouse located at Refshaleøen. They always have unique and exciting exhibitions.
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Jeanette: I recommend taking a trip outside of the city to visit Louisiana Museum, which is in Humlebæk (about 30 minutes out of Copenhagen on the train). It is a beautiful modern art gallery on the coast, and the views from the gallery are just as good as the art itself!
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Copenhagen’s best-kept secret that only locals know (and love!):
J&T: Copenhagen has some of the best flea-markets we know! Throughout the summer, each weekend there are a huge number of markets throughout the city, where locals can buy and sell incredible secondhand clothing, interior design and furniture. It might not be very well known with tourists, but it is a staple for all Copenhageners!
A favourite place to see style on the street:
J&T: You can go pretty much anywhere in Copenhagen and people will be very well dressed! Each of the central Copenhagen boroughs has a different style though, Nørrebro style tends to be a little bit more casual and vintage-inspired, whilst Østerbro is more preppy and Copenhagen K is a melting pot of everything!
The essentials you need to take with you:
J&T: Copenhagen summer weather is known for being very unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared – always carry both an umbrella and SPF!
Copenhagen style tends to be about mixing casual and dressy pieces, so we recommend bringing the fun pieces from your wardrobe that you have always wanted to wear. And a true Copenhagen summer look is not complete without a pair of Havaianas!
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Images: Supplied and Instagram @_jeanettemadsen_
