Flushed cheeks, sunkissed skin, pared back hair, the beauty mood at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24 was on top form.
The city's love for all things happy and healthy is well-documented; Denmark not only ranks second in 2023’s World Happiness Index, but its capital city is also known for being one of the greenest, most cycle-friendly locations in the world. Forbes even crowned Copenhagen the best place for work-life balance, no doubt thanks to their world-famous hygge lifestyle that prioritises time with loved ones along with flexible working hours and an enviable amount of annual leave; a five week minimum to be exact.
It's no wonder then that the models strutting down the CHPFW runways looked as though they’d spent the morning jogging around Frederiksberg Gardens before cycling to shows, the clean air breezing through their mane on the way backstage.
Wide, stretchy headbands in neutral shades of white, black and grey were the unsung hero of fashion week as seen at Baum Und Pferdgarten, Stine Goya, Kernemilk and Filippa K. The nineties staple proved indispensable for instantly keeping flyaways at bay – no matter your hair length or texture - without messing around with little pins and barrettes.
It mirrors the vibe of the city perfectly. 'There is often a practical element in the style of Copenhagen girls, says ELLE Denmark's contributing editor, Sidsel Alling, who namechecks no-make-up make-up and headbands as a go-to for locals, along with pedal pushers and ballet flats. 'You don’t see a lot of high heels on the cobblestone streets.'
It's also possible that the sportier feel was a nod to the FIFA Women's World Cup which is currently underway.
Cim Mahony, lead hairstylist at Stine Goya, used the hairband as a finishing touch to sleek, low ponytails (achieved using the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer and a round brush to prep and smooth), while at Baum und Pferdgarten, hairstylist Nicci Welsh went down a more nonchalant route with a textured updo.
‘We kept the hair as natural as possible, either by using the slicked back bun or using the model’s natural hair - and let the wind do the rest to create a spontaneous expression,’ shared the brand on Instagram. It’s a practical (and accessible) accessory to have IRL too, especially in our unpredictable English weather. Just slip on and you’re set for a walk round the block (or a session of spin) – the gust of wind’s got nothing on you.
Complexions took a similar outdoorsy approach with a healthy, post-run flush. At TG Botanical, make-up artist Vilde Feste added extra faux freckles before placing blush in the centre of the face upwards toward the cheekbones to mimic the appearance of skin that’s been out in sunshine. Feste used a warm combination of MAC Extra Dimension Blush in Faux Sure! and Hushed Tone, while lips were kept glossy with either MAC Stripdown Lip Pencil on paler models and Cork on deeper skin topped with MAC Squirt Lip Balm in Lower Cut.
Feste was also behind the au natural base make-up at Baum und Pferdgarten, where freckles lived their best lives and colour served to simply add extra oomph to a lived-in complexion. According to the brand’s Instagram post, the vibe was ‘fresh and playful’ with ‘flashes of green and blue on the eyes and statement red lips’.
Because, as any devoted gym bunny knows, there's nothing quite as easy as a slick of lipstick to take you from barre to drinks at the bar.
