Awa Malina Stelter and Stephanie Gundelach, the co-founders of OpéraSport, describe their business as a natural extension of their friendship. The pair had been close for two years before their partners encouraged them to collaborate. ‘Awa and I were having lunch and talking about our dreams,’ says Gundelach. ‘We quickly realised we shared the same ones.’
In 2019, just three months after that initial conversation, OpéraSport was born, and its refined DNA and sustainable edge have since fulfilled the needs of minimalists seeking a timeless wardrobe packed with ample personality. High-profile admirers range from Kourtney Kardashian and the model Jordan Daniels to fashion-world stalwarts including Pernille Teisbaek.
Their previous experiences in the industry have helped boost the profile of the brand: Gundelach was a Paris-based stylist and consultant, and Stelter has spent decades working for retailers in Copenhagen. Speaking to both founders’ backgrounds, the ‘Opéra’ in the name nods to the chic Parisian neighbourhood, while the second half references the sporty edge of the Danish capital. Going against the grain by releasing collections via editions and remaining conscious of excess waste is a vital part of the business model. ‘We’re constantly looking to find new fabrics and sustainable options. Our stock is minimal, so we never overproduce,’ says Gundelach.
A focus on motherhood is also at the heart of the brand. ‘We were sitting by the pool together while on holiday in Majorca last year and thinking about what was missing from our wardrobes as mothers,’ says Stelter. ‘We both have young children, and we wanted to create garments you could wear to chase your kids around in,’ Gundelach adds.
Hard work by the pair (they only hired their first additional member of staff last February, and are now a team of nine) culminated in the brand’s debut show at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2021. Their AW23 presentation at Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art saw them unite with the Bath-born, Berlin-based artist Tom Anholt. ‘The colours we used for this season were based around his paintings, and we included pieces made from past collections,’ Gundelach explains. Growing a creative community is important to the pair, who cite the stylist Veneda Carter and model Alva Claire as part of their trusted network of collaborators.
Appropriately for a label based on a foundation of female friendship, providing clothes that will make women feel good remains the mission. ‘Building up this brand has made us very close,’ says Stelter. ‘We’re always striving to find the right balance between parenthood and work, plus we both value good energy and positive thinking. Strong women everywhere are our inspiration; we want our customers to feel sexy and confident.’
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