It’s been a pretty epic decade for Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup. Ten years ago, they joined the struggling Danish label Ganni and, after strategizing a new formula and a new look, created a brand that is now largely credited with putting Copenhagen fashion on the map. Today, the Reffstrups are preparing to open their first retail locations in the U.S., after receiving a major investment from L Catterton, a private equity firm that counts LVMH and Group Arnault as shareholders.
To celebrate, Ditte went back in time a bit and referenced a few of the Ganni girl’s longtime favorites, including pretty floral dresses, tops, and skirts in a light lavender shade. Bib dresses styled over T-shirts looked cool, as did the leopard print on a crop top, a balloon-sleeved frock, and a long-sleeved turtleneck shirt styled with belted dad jeans. Still, this wasn’t a greatest-hits collection. Ganni 2.0 is about better fabrics, better construction, and tailoring. See: the sophisticated suiting in silk and pleather, as well as beautiful draping techniques on a few of the dressier numbers.
Just as the last model circled the outdoor playing field where the show was staged, the same venue where the first Ganni collection was presented 10 years ago, it started to storm. Rain came pouring down on the guests standing in the balconies. Luckily, there was tent for the show’s performer: Copenhagen’s coolest pop star and Justin Bieber collaborator MØ. As she began to sing her raver hit “Lean On,” the cast came stampeding back out, dancing and swinging their arms in the air. Then the crowd joined in, creating a wet, wild mosh pit. It was a major moment this week. As we cheered and bounced along to the music, one thought came to mind: It’s the Ganni family that should really be jumping for joy.
