The Cope #6

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IN TH IS ISSUE S I L A S A D L E R // A I A I A I // N I C O L O D O N AT O

“At få folk til at spise godt, at leve godt. At være fælles om noget, der gør en forskel.

Det er derfor, vi er her.”

DON’T MISS

1 0// A I A I A I 3 4 // N I C O L O D O N A T O 4 8 // S I L A S A D L E R

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Outside Copenhagen

Østerbro

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Nørrebro

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Indre By

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Frederiksberg

ChristiansHavn

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Islands Brygge

Vesterbro

At the top corner of each review you will find a marker, referring to the borough of Copenhagen.

EDITOR’S LETTER

RESPECT. Welcome to the sixth edition of The Cope – the only magazine to show you the real, the local, the authentic side of our unique capital. If I were to describe this issue in one word I’d probably choose ‘respect’.

Because the people we feature in this issue just deserve tremendous respect, every single last one of them.

Take the boys from AiAiAi for example: Four friends who chose to make a career out of revolutionizing headphones – a product in a saturated market with so many inspiring players and ground-breaking designs from giants like Bang & Olufsen, Sennheiser, JBL and then younger blockbusters like Beats, Skull Candy – the list just goes on and on.

But that didn’t scare the (then) young boys from Copenhagen off back in 2004 – and boy did they get worldwide recognition.

We met two of the founders for a quick heads up on headphones – read more about that on page 10.

Then there’s our cover star. Nicolo Donato – not known by every Dane – by name at least. And certainly not one who stops traffic when biking round Copenhagen.

Yet this former chef slash dishwasher now turned screenwriter and director already picked up his first Cannes award as well as several other awards and now he is up for another premiere – the much anticipated Fuglene Over Sundet which will open in Danish theatres mid-October. Now Nicolo has been deemed least likely to succeed

Editor in Chief Thomas Ørum Cover Nicolo Donato

Co-editor Rebecca Thandi Norman

Writers Thomas Ørum John Conaty Jules Vince Thomas Bøss

Opposite ”We are your pets”, Petra Kleis

Art Direction Louise Dupont Jules Vince

Contributors Thomas Bøss Rasmus Sass-Nielsen

Photography Philip Ørneborg Petra Kleis Buster Jønsson Thank you Kevin MacKenzie Svetlana Frantseva

more times than you’ll ever know and his life story both shocking, sad but more than anything inspiring. We couldn’t cover all of Nicolo’s story but we did manage to get a pretty great interview out of him. Go to page 34 to learn more about this rising star.

Bonus info: When Nicolo’s Fuglene Over Sundet premieres in less than a month we’ll make sure to write one of the first reviews and publish it on thecope.dk so make sure to check in accordingly.

Finally, our friend and long-time supporter Petra Kleis who also shot the fashion series in The Cope issue five this time shot a series of, well, let’s call them one-of-a-kind cool cats. She basically went out to the owner of God knows how many of these rare breads and shot them on location.

We all thought they’d been retouched and that Petra Photoshop’ed the living daylights out of them but Petra insists these nocturnal predators look exactly like this and that you can spot them in a tree somewhere in Herlev …

We hope you enjoy this issue of The Cope and remember Autumn is upon us so don’t forget to dust-off your Wellingtons and your brolly – it’s going to get wet out there.

Sincerely, Your Editor.

Creative Direction & Pre-production freedomagency.dk The Cope is published by Gone to Print Aps, Grønningen 5, 1270 Copenhagen K, Denmark.

All editorial content is published under copyright and cannot be copied or reprinted without written approval from Gone to Print Aps. Points and opinions made in The Cope are those of Gone to Print and are not intended to insult nor meant to be provocative in any way.

We’d love to hear from you! Please email any feedback to to@thecope.dk.

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REVIEW

RAVNSBORG KITCHEN & BAR

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A FUSION OF NEW YORKER RAWNESS AND PARISIAN ELEGANCE.

Ravnsborg Kitchen & Bar Ravnsborggade 1, 2200 Copenhagen N +45 32 15 30 30 caferavnsborg.dk Mon–Thurs: 11.30–24.00 (The kitchen closes at 22.00) Fri: 11.30–02.00 (The kitchen closes at 23.00) Sat: 10.00–02.00 (The kitchen closes at 23.00) Sun: 10.00–22.00 (The kitchen closes at 21.00)

The newly opened Ravnsborg Kitchen and Bar is located at Ravnsborggade 1, on the corner of Nørrebrogade and next door to Nørrebro Theatre.

Since opening, Ravnsborg Kitchen and Bar has morphed from a traditional café into a bistro with a fine dining ambience. It is a fusion of New Yorker rawness and Parisian elegance. Its dark, discreet interior provides a welcome contrast to its bright outdoor setting. The outdoor seating has a modern heating system allowing customers to enjoy the great Scandinavian outdoors without enduring its sometimes indecently low temperatures.

The interior of Ravnsborg is truly stunning and the building’s past life as a bank has been incorporated into its interior design, with two huge safes cleverly used to maximum effect as a wine cellar for special functions. The safe/cellar has room for 12 guests for private dining and wine tasting. For three hours, you will be wined and dined by Ravnsborgs top chefs and sommeliers.

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Ravnsborg opened its doors on the 8th of June this year. Owner Baris tells me that customers are split 50/50 between locals and tourists. He has a close relationship with Nørrebro Theatre and the restaurant is very popular with theatregoers. Baris, who grew up in Nørrebro, has been in the restaurant business most of his life and is currently Chairman of the board of Copenhagen’s contemporary food-stall extravaganza, Papirøen (Paper Island).

Ravnsborg offers a lunch and evening menu each day as well as entertainment, so it is well worth keeping an eye on the event calendar. Thursdays are live jazz evenings and there is a DJ every Friday and Saturday after 10pm.

Baris has a unique vision for Ravnsborg: to challenge Nørrebro to raise its gastronomic level. To do so, he has hired award-winning chefs. He takes the needs and comments of his customers very seriously and he is more than ready to be the owner of the best restaurant in Nørrebro.

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Gourmandiet Rosenvængets Allé 7A, 2100 Copenhagen Ø +45 39 27 10 00 gourmandiet.dk Mon–Thurs: 11.00–18.00 Fri: 11.00–19.00 Sat: 10.00–15.00 Sun: Closed

GOURMANDIET

HOME OF GREAT TASTE Rosenvængets Alle 7, just off Østerbro’s main street Østerbrogade, is the home of a Copenhagen gastronomic triumph Gourmandiet butcher shop. It is easily recognised by its stylish shop front and slogan “Home of great taste.”

The interior is stunning; everything in the store has been custom-made even down to the light fuses that are designed to emit no heat. Inside the shop, cuts of meat are displayed like precious jewels.

On the walls of the shop is a remarkable 1910 mural depicting cattle being driven from the countryside, through the streets of Copenhagen to the meatpacking district and finally ending as cuts on the shelves of Gourmandiet. According to owner Peter Steen, the antique mural was the reason Rosenvængets Alle was chosen as the location for the store.

Service is second-to-none and the quality of the meat is amazing. I was served by Mads who was taught by Peter in his own butchery school and it has to be said service is second to none.

Gourmandiet is much more than just a butcher’s store.

The shop has its own dining area with seating for 24 and a private room, available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, further down the street that can cater private events for up to 60 people. The dining area is both chic and cosy.

Everything on Gourmandiets menu is unique to the store; from the cuts of rich and mouth-watering meat to the grass-fed cattle nurtured on Jersey milk. All the classic cuts are on the Gourmandiet By Night’s menu: T-bone. Cote de boeuf, rib eye, entrecote and tournedos. What makes these cuts different is their back story.

Next year Gourmandiet will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Peter, who has been in the butchery trade since childhood and has twice been named “Butcher of the Year” in Denmark, is well-aware of the importance of being the first-mover. A cut created at Gourmandiet will usually be copied by every other butcher in town within six months.

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By Night: Thurs–Sat: 17.30–24.00 (The kitchen closes at 22.00)

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SERVICE IS SECOND -TO -NONE AND THE QUALITY OF THE MEAT IS AMAZING.

ME, MYSELF AND AiAiAi

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FEATURE

Headphones are a personal choice and they say more about you than you’d think. For a long time, top quality meant looking like a computer nerd or a wannabe DJ. But not anymore. If you want to keep your look somewhat subtle whilst still enjoying top sound quality, well, is there more than one choice?

In 2005, four childhood friends made a bold move: they gained access to a vacant building under development at the far end of Islands Brygge (and mind you, this was way before Islands Brygge was an established cool part of town) and the owner agreed to let them host a concept they called A-Huset. Now, to most of us, A-Huset was a fantastic weekend destination – a type of club Copenhagen hadn’t seen for a long time. A-Huset was raw concrete, hot DJs and beautiful people getting down in what reminded most of 1980s Berlin. The vibe was friendly, the drinks were good and the women look more like models than anarchist groupies. Heaven.

But A-Huset was more than that. During the week A-Huset was a creative space ahead of its time. FJ, Lo, Mix and Moesgaard (who also go by the more common names Frederik, Christian, Peter and Jacob) invited creative people from different backgrounds and shared ideas, much like more established shared offices do today around the globe. Unfortunately, in 2006 the building was renovated as high-end apartments so the boys were out on the street. But instead of dusting off their CVs,

they guys found common ground with the industrial designers and DJs they had worked with over the past years and the blueprint for AiAiAi headphones was ready.

“The market back then was totally different” co-founder Frederik explains. “Headphones was something either so-called audiophiles cared about or merely something that was included when you purchased a device”, Frederik continues. Coming from Scandinavia, where we are brought up with aesthetic design but also that design has to have a purchase, the team found it odd that no one had produced headphones before that were both beautiful and functional.

The journey hasn’t been a walk in the park for the boys, who all come across as light-hearted, positive go-getters. In a market dominated by massive corporations, AiAiAi is the underdog, with a marketing budget way below the competition. But there are also advantages in being a smaller player: “we’re more agile and we have the freedom to do more creative projects than some of the bigger competitors from time to time”, Frederik explains.

“HEADPHONES WAS SOMETHING EITHER SO -CALLED AUDIOPHILES CARED ABOUT OR MERELY SOMETHING THAT WAS INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASED A DEVICE” FREDERIK

FEATURE

So how does a tiny Danish brand achieve worldwide recognition, let alone survive at least one financial crisis, you might ask? “I think our audience can see that we approach the market differently and that we rarely compromise throughout our organisation, from design and product development to marketing”, Frederik says. “When we developed our TMA-1 it was a very open process in which we invited more than 30 international DJs to help us design a better product – for them.”

Another recent example is the launch of TMA-2, a modular pair of high-performance headphones that are a reinvention of the original product. The buyer can customise and assemble his or her headphones from more than 700 combinations to their specific preferences and get a product which is partly upgradable at new releases, making it cheaper for the consumer and less waste for the environment.

“Did you revolutionise the industry?” I ask. “I don’t think so.

But I do see some of the features we introduce popping up here and there from the competition”, Frederik smiles.

When I ask Frederik about what the future holds, he is positive: “I think the next couple of years will hold a lot of technical and smart-functions which will allow us to invent interesting and innovative products. New overall developments always opens the opportunity to challenge the big guys”, Frederik concludes.

AiAiAi has their HQ and a small store Studio A in Copenhagen on Studistræde 31. Make sure you stop by next time you’re touring the city. Visit aiaiai.dk for more.

THE BUYER CAN CUSTOMISE AND ASSEMBLE HIS OR HER HEADPHONES FROM MORE THAN 700 COMBINATIONS.

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“WE GO FOR WORLD CLASS BEERS AND HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT RANGES. WE STARTED OFF WITH TEN TAPS, THEN MOVED TO 20 AND AT THE MOMENT WE ARE AT 24.”

JAY

FERMENTOREN BEER LIVES HERE

Fermantoren is THE place for the beer cognoscenti. It is situated at Halmtorvet 29C in trendy Vesterbro, just around the corner the old meatpacking district known as Kødbyen,. The bar is easy to find, with its large outdoor seating area in the front with year-round heaters. The bar’s interior feels like a living room and is the perfect place to relax.

Fermentoren Halmtorvet 29C, 1700 Copenhagen V +45 23 98 86 77 fermentoren.com Mon–Wed: 15.00–24.00 Thurs: 14.00–01.00 Fri–Sat: 14.00–02.00 Sun: 14.00–24.00

Fermentoren boasts an incredible 24 taps. Owner Jay explains that they intend to stay ahead of the curve as more beer bars pop up all over Copenhagen. “We go for world class beers and have a lot of different ranges.

We started off with ten taps, then moved to 20 and at the moment we are at 24”. The beers come from all over the world, including the US, Belgium, England and Denmark.

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Jay met his partner, Søren, at the bar where they were both worked when Jay first moved to Denmark. Søren is not only co-owner of Fermentoren, he also runs the Dry and Bitter Brewery. The brewery supplies fresh, hoppy beers all over Denmark and makes a special IPA exclusively for Fermentoren.

This summer Fermentoren celebrates its fifth birthday with four days of events starting on Thursday, September 29th and ending on Sunday, October 2nd. Sunday will feature live music and a whole roasted pig given away free to guests.

Fermentoren’s popularity is growing by the week and is now widely-known to the locals of Vesterbro. Its reputation as a centre of beer excellence is spreading countrywide and beyond.

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TABERNACLE TWINS JOIN THE ADVENTURE

Tabernacle Twins is the brainchild (or children) of local Danish Designer Vibe Lundemark. Sweet and sophisticated, Vibe hails from Køge, south of Copenhagen, where she grew up on the family farm surrounded by farmland, forests and lots of space for imagination.

After a trip to the far-East, Vibe studied at Designskolen Kolding and in Berlin before graduating with a MA in Fashion Womenswear from the Royal College of Art in London. It was in London that Vibe developed the concept of a narrative design approach to fashion and the Tabernacle Twins were born.

Opportunities came knocking from Dior and Burberry, but it was a natural path for Vibe to do her own thing. Tabernacle Twins focuses on creating colourful, exclusive and extraordinary contemporary design. This is valued by her clients such as Oh Land and Barbara Moleko, who have both been inspired by the Tabernacle Twins approach, to add elegance and silks to street-wear like the iconic bomber jacket. Vibe has showcased her designs during Copenhagen, London and Paris fashion weeks, and also collaborated with Eastpak among others.

Narrative design may sound a little crazy (and by crazy we mean different and unusual). The concept derives from a general idea of visualising storytelling in design and is influenced by Vibe’s childhood, playing around the farm and listening to Grandma reading the classics as well as growing up as a child of the 80’s influenced by American pop culture.

Every Tabernacle Twins collection is another chapter in the Twins´ adventures that Vibe composes and sends out twice a year. Each new adventure is portrayed by its unique colours and prints. The last collection had the Twins exploring Harry Houdini’s stunts and illusions. The latest collection, which has just come out, is titled Insomnia Incident and takes the Twins on a nocturnal journey through a surreal dream world.

If you value inspired uniqueness and local talent, or adore the coolest streetwear, check out the Tabernacle Twins latest collection in the TT Boutique on Jagtvej 21 or online at tabernacletwins.com.

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Tabernacle Twins Jagtvej 21, 2200 Copenhagen N +45 26 21 63 98 tabernacletwins.com Fri: 13.00–18.00 Sat: 11.00–16.00 Sun–Thurs: Closed

A NOCTURNAL JOURNEY THROUGH A SURREAL DREAM WORLD.

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“YOGA IS A LITTLE ASOCIAL, NOT A TEAM SPORT, SO THE CAFÉ OFFERS A PLACE FOR THE GROUP TO SOCIALISE.” SISSE

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BLÅ ENGEL BACK TO THE ‘30S Strandboulevarden 75, close to Nordhavn station, is the home of the Blå Engel Café in Østerbro. Named after the novel by Heinrich Mann (and made famous by the 1930 film), the cafe’s entrance is presided over

by Marlene Dietrich.

Blå Engel Strandboulevarden 75, 2100 Copenhagen Ø +45 50 88 31 59 Mon: 10.00–18.00 Tues: 10.00–20.00 Wed: 10.00–18.00 Thurs: 08.30–20.00 Fri–Sat: 10.00–18.00 Sun: Closed

The charm of the Blue Angel is noticeable as soon as you enter. There is a children’s corner with beanbags, books and toys. The back room is lounge-themed and the walls adorned with classic Danish paintings and vintage rock’n’roll posters. The front room is bright and fresh while the lounge is dimly-lit for those wishing to chill.

The café has a unique vintage feel to it. Owner Mathias wanted to create a feeling of an old European

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diner with a ‘30s vibe. An historian, professor, rock legend (drummer with the Danish band Bleeder) and self-confessed collector of oddities, Mathias has decorated the Blå Engel from his extensive collection.

Despite being so new, the Blå Engel is already popular with the Østerbro locals, expats and tourists. It is also popular with the yoga classes that meet next door at Blå Himmel Yoga (Blue Heaven Yoga) that offer aerial and children’s yoga. As instructor Sisse points out, “Yoga is a little asocial, not a team sport, so the café offers a place for the group to socialise.”

And socialising is something that the Blå Engel does well, as it is impossible not to be caught up in the atmosphere and friendliness of the café.

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CAFE BLÅGÅRDS APOTEK A SOCIAL PHENOMENON

Cafe Blågårds Apotek is on the corner of Blågårds Plads, in the heart of Nørrebro. It’s easily recognised by the crowded tables in the street as its customers enjoy live music, chatter or catch some sun on a warm summer evening.

Established in 1978, this cross between a traditional Danish værtshus and a live venue reminds one of a New Orleans jazz house. The walls are used to showcase the work of different local artists.

Cafe Blågårds Apotek is acknowledged by beer enthusiasts far and wide as one of THE best beer bars in the country because of its fabulous collection of national and international beer. But what makes Cafe Blågårds Apotek so unique is its spirit and culture. It is truly a community bar with a social conscience, so much so that the café is actually a foundation established 2008 to carry on the local work and traditions of the bar that its iconic owner Hans created during his 22 years in charge. Hans was well-known for his commitment to supporting local initiatives for the common good, be it the local football team or the neighbourhood Christmas tree.

Today the café is run by the board of the foundation.

It is comprised of many who knew Hans closely and who are determined to preserve the spirit that Hans cultivated. Manager Lise says that most decisions are made by asking, “what would Hans do?” It is important for the new staff that they understand the place, its traditions and what it stands for within the community. This is especially important as the café becomes known outside the local sphere.

Mondays and Tuesdays are increasingly popular with Copenhagen’s international community. Live music is performed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday afternoon live spot is reserved for new and obscure acts.

If its brilliant selection of beers from around the world (eighteen taps and approximately 50 different bottles) and its mixed crowd of international and local guests don’t have you coming back again and again, then the camaraderie and neighbourly atmosphere certainly will.

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Café Blågårds Apotek Blågårds Plads 2, 2200 Copenhagen N +45 35 37 24 42 kroteket.dk Mon–Thurs: 14.00–02.00 Fri–Sat: 12.00–02.00 Sun: 12.00–24.00

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N ACKNOWLEDGED BY BEER ENTHUSIASTS FAR AND WIDE AS ONE OF THE BEST BEER BARS IN THE COUNTRY BECAUSE OF ITS FABULOUS COLLECTION OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BEER.

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“NO ONE EXPECTS YOU TO DRINK THE MOST FANCY WINE WITH YOUR MEAL, WE ARE ALL VERY INFORMAL HERE, IT’S PRETTY MUCH THE THEME OF HØNEN & ÆGGET.” ALBERT & DANIEL

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HØNEN & ÆGGET

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HOW THE EGG CAME BEFORE THE CHICKEN Hønen & Ægget is located in Østerbro, a short walk from Statens Museum for Kunst. The restaurant is bright and flawless. Although this isn’t a formal restaurant, “it’s a place to relax, chill and have a good time” says owner Albert and head chef Daniel. “No one expects you to drink the most fancy wine with your meal, we are all very informal here, it’s pretty much the theme of Hønen & Ægget.”

The menu is simple and inspired by the French and Danish cuisine, offering different meals depending upon the time of day. The wine list is also deliberately limited to a few high quality labels and grape types. To sum up, the menu and ingredients are simple but of a very high quality and the prices are a steal for this part of Copenhagen. If you’re not hungry, you are welcome to drop in for a coffee or cold drink.

Depending upon the time of day, the clientele varies quite a bit. During the mornings it is popular with students, parents or young people enjoying a fried egg, yoghurt and an all-essential coffee before going to work. At lunch there’s a mix of residents, nearby office workers or walk-ins. The evening is a true mix of all sorts.

Hønen & Ægget opened in May of this year and is proving to be a very popular destination. I was surprised to learn that the concept for the restaurant came from Albert after he woke one morning at Roskilde Festival and really fancied a soft boiled egg for breakfast but had to give up after two hours of searching. Further research revealed a gap in the market for a low-key restaurant serving the cuisine for which Hønen & Ægget is now renowned. All ingredients are free-range and organic.

The restaurant wants its customers to feel at home and as comfortable as possible to get the most out of the experience. Dress up or dress down; it’s all up to you and how you feel.

The menu was created by acknowledging that the humble egg is, in fact, a fantastic universal ingredient and can be eaten alone in so many ways or used as an ingredient in an infinite number of dishes. The poultry dishes came later, confirming that the egg came before the chicken.

Once every three months, the guys put on their infamous weekend “DRUNCH” (Drunken Brunch).

It consists of three dishes served all day alongside cocktails made with local ingredients and a live DJ, playing everything from oldies to R’n’B.

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Hønen & Ægget Øster Farimagsgade 16A, 2100 Copenhagen Ø +45 71 88 31 04 hoenenogaegget.dk Tues–Fri: 07.00–21.00 (kitchen) Sat: 09.00–21.00 (kitchen) Sun: 09.00–20.00 (kitchen) Mon: Closed The kitchen is closed everyday between 16.00–17.00

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SMARTMOVE.DK

THE EXPERTS’ EXPERT Jagtvej 7 is home to Smartmove.dk, Copenhagen’s top e-bike specialists. Not far from the iconic Hans Tavsen’s Park, its brightly lit showroom full of cutting-edge electronic bike technology and trends is sandwiched between Jagtvej and Ågade in Nørrebro.

E-bikes are mounted on the walls and others are hanging from the ceiling to showcase the phenomenon that that is taking over Copenhagen. There are also Segways on display and in various states of being repaired, which is how I met Lars Eriksen, owner of Smartmove.dk.

Lars is a top technician for e-bikes and a super nice local dude. He is also the go-to man for a number of Danish communes and has contracts coming in from all over Denmark. Lars has customers from all walks of life, with his primary customers being those who commute more than ten kilometres a

day. Interestingly, Lars points out that these people aren’t upgrading from bicycles to e-bikes but rather downgrading from cars.

The advantages of an e-bike over a car are many.

E-bikes are better for the environment, cheaper to run than cars, easier to park, don’t cause traffic congestion, are faster and less strenuous to ride than bicycles and come with 0% annual tax…which is a huge advantage in this country!

E-bike speeds currently vary between 20 and 45 kilometres an hour, depending upon the bike and motor. Smartmove.dk offers sleek designs, a two-year warranty and machines that have been looked after by an expert at the top of his profession. Saturdays are normally busy, but call in on a weekday and have a chat with Lars to find out which e-bike is best for you.

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Smartmove.dk Jagtvej 7, 2200 Copenhagen N +45 31 32 18 11 smartmove.dk Mon–Fri: 10.00–18.00 Sat: 10.00–14.00 Sun: Closed

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“PEOPLE AREN’T UPGRADING FROM BICYCLES TO E-BIKES BUT RATHER DOWNGRADING FROM CARS.” LARS

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RITA’S SMØRREBRØD

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THE FAMOUS DANISH BREAD

... SMØRREBRØD, LOVED BY DANES AND MISSED MORE THAN ANY OTHER FOODSTUFF WHEN THEY TRAVEL ABROAD.

You’ve no doubt heard about the new nordic kitchen that has put Copenhagen on the global gastronomic food map. Not so widely known is the classic Danish dish of smørrebrød, loved by Danes and missed more than any other foodstuff when they travel abroad.

Ritas Smørrebrød should know; they’ve been serving delicious and fresh smørrebrød on Fælledvej for more than 30 years. Located in the heart of Nørrebro, Ritas Smørrebrød serves traditional Danish toppings such as leverpostej (liver paste), frikadelle (meatballs), flæskesteg (roast pork) and fiskefileter (fish fillets) to

name but a few. The food is simple and tasty, and they serve fresh coffee from the pot for only 10 kr.

Owner Daryoush tells us that travellers from around the world come to Ritas Smørrebrød to try the Danish national dish. “They love our smørrebrød”, he says.

Daryuosh took over the store several years ago, but he felt that it was important to retain the name and style of the classic Nørrebro eatery. So if you want to try smørrebrød the way the Danes eat it, drop in and say hi to Daryoush.

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Rita’s Smørrebrød Fælledvej 11, 2200 Copenhagen N +45 60 47 80 90 ritas.dk Mon–Fri: 07.00–14.00 Sat–Sun: Open after appointment

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THE INTERIOR WALLS ARE COVERED FROM END -TO -END IN RELICS AND MEMORABILIA COLLECTED AND DONATED BY GUESTS OVER THE YEARS.

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CAFE KILDEVÆLD

NEARLY 300 YEARS OF HISTORY Café Kildevæld, located opposite Svanemøllen train station at Østerbrogade 167, is the oldest pub in Østerbro. It dates back to 1721, where it served as a coaching house, offering a place to rest and a beer for the weary and thirsty traveller. It also had stalls for the horses and a parking area for the carriages.

Cafe Kildevæld Østerbrogade 167, 2100 Copenhagen Ø +45 39 29 52 37 Man–Thurs: 12.00–24.00 Fri–Sat: 12.00–02.00 Sun: Closed

In 1910, Café Kildevæld was moved 200 metres from its original site and rebuilt so that it now faces out onto Østerbrogade.

The horses may be long gone but the interior harkens back to its origins. The interior walls are covered from end-to-end in relics and memorabilia collected and donated by guests over the years. Its current owner

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bought the bodega ten years ago, deciding to preserve the interior so that present and future generations can admire the links to the past.

Every Wednesday during the long winter months, the bodega hosts a quiz night. It starts at 19:00 and you don’t need to speak Danish to take part. Whether it is quiz night or not, the regulars at Café Kildevæld are welcoming and really enjoy seeing new faces. Behind the bar, Anika, Ola and the irrepressible Irishman Andy will greet you with a warm smile. Next time you feel like getting out for an evening and trying something that isn’t too far from home, why not pay a visit to Café Kildevæld?

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STRANDMØLLEKROEN

BETWEEN THE FOREST AND THE BEACH Strandmøllekroen is a classic Danish restaurant with a rich history. It opened as an inn in 1811 and has been serving food for over two hundred years. Located in the picturesque surroundings between Øresund and the forest, the restaurant has unbeatable views across to Sweden from both the outdoor terrace and internal restaurant.

We met up with Nicholas Dahl, daily manager and part-owner of Strandmøllekroen, for a chat about the old inn, the atmosphere and the menu.

“Our style is traditional Danish cuisine a with contemporary twist. We’re inspired by the French bistro culture of providing simple, quality food at reasonable prices. So we use only the freshest in Nordic produce to create simple, harmonious flavours which have a connection to the Nordic environment.”

And the setting really is tough to beat, with nothing but sand separating the balcony from the water.

Inside, there’s a cosy ambience with subtle lighting.

You might be lucky and experience the local jazz band playing sweet tunes while you dine.

Open for both lunch and dinner, Strandmøllekroen has a wide-reaching wine list which is carefully selected to accompany the meals. Visit on Sundays for lunch, coffee and cake starting from 12:00.

With delicious food, stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, Strandmøllekroen is a must-visit. It is situated just half an hour north of Copenhagen in Klampenborg and provides the perfect escape from the bustle of city life.

“We make the most of our natural surroundings, foraging for local ingredients in the nearby forest and beach.”

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Strandmøllekroen Strandvejen 808, 2930 Klampenborg +45 70 88 33 95 strandmollekroen.dk Tues–Sat: 12.00–15.00, 18.00–21.00 Sun: 12.00–16.00 (coffee till 17.00)

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“WE MAKE THE MOST OF OUR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS, FORAGING FOR LOCAL INGREDIENTS IN THE NEARBY FOREST AND BEACH.” NICHOLAS

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FEATURE

A CAT HAS NINE LIVES They say that a cat has nine lives because it dodges death on a regular basis. Well, Nicolo Donato hasn’t dodged death eight times yet, but he is also only 42. This is the story of a boy who was dealt a pretty bad hand in life but somehow overcame more challenges than most and now things are looking bright for the still-young screenwriter slash director.

It’s not uncommon in show business that actors are late bloomers. Take Clooney, Daniel Craig and our own Jesper Christensen, for example. With directors, though, it’s slightly different. If you want to make a living from being a film director you gotta make that choice somewhat early in life, go to film school and work hard for years in the industry hoping for a breakthrough. Nicolo Donato has certainly worked hard to become a director and live his dream – just not in the film industry. Nicolo has an uncommon resume and he chose a very interesting way to get the attention of the godfathers of Danish film Peter Ålbæk and Lars Von Trier.

Nicolo was born in 1974 to a Sicilian father and Italian/Danish mother. The first four years of his childhood were spent in a small town outside Milan. In 1978, he moved back to Denmark with his mother to the small seaside town of Gilleleje whilst his

father stayed in Italy. Nicolo doesn’t have anything bad to say about his biological father: ‘it just didn’t work out between his parents’, he says.

Nicolo’s stepfather, however, whom his mother met shortly after moving to Denmark, didn’t turn out to be a good fit for the young boy. Nicolo had a lot of energy and had a hard time concentrating, which led to his stepfather eventually disowning him. It turned out Nicolo is dyslexic, which his stepfather didn’t understand. Nicolo was sent to boarding school at the age of ten. This was a crucial mistake in his life. Life at boarding school was tough and being away from his mother left Nicolo in bad shape. At the age of 11, Nicolo began experimenting with drugs to numb the pain; drugs would be a big part of his life for many years to come. He missed a place to call home and in particular his mother, prompting him to repeatedly run away

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from boarding school. The young boy was restless and rootless but there was one thing, one person, that - somehow - has made a life-long impression on him which proved to be vital: his step-grandfather, a fisherman by the name of Niels Børge Ferdinansen. Niels taught him key lessons in life, simple values that Nicolo lives by to this day. Lessons like: all humans are created equal and deserve respect regardless of sex and religion, social status or the colour of their skin.

By 15, Nicolo had been smoking hash on a daily basis for four years. He was kicked out of boarding school and ended up in foster care close to his family in Gilleleje. Nicolo enrolled in tenth grade at a local school where he found joy in the arts such as music and photography. Nicolo began to play music, although photography absorbs most of his time.

After the tenth grade, Nicolo studied photography at a college in Copenhagen and completes his education. Shortly hereafter, Nicolo became a household name in the Danish fashion industry, shooting big campaigns and editorials for both Danish and international publications. He moved to New York City where he worked with even bigger names for bigger publications. Nicolo got a taste of success and everything that comes with it. Drugs continued to be a constant part of his life but Nicolo began to turn his back on both drugs and the fashion scene as his interest for photography was replaced by moving pictures. Nicolo realized he wants to work in film.

While many would see Nicolo’s next move as a step down or as a failure, Nicolo had a plan in leaving New York City for safe old Denmark. Nicolo took a job in the booming Hvidovre Filmby – home to Zentropa and major names like Susanne Bier, Peter Ålbæk and Lars von Trier. At that point in time, Zentropa was getting massive recognition from around the

world. Nicolo, however, wasn’t working on films – he took a job as a dishwasher in the local canteen. He knew he didn’t have the experience to get a job at Zentropa so his plan was to charm his way in with either Ålbæk or Von Trier. And it worked.

In 2002, Peter Ålbæk agreed to lend Nicolo equipment to shoot his first project, “Marcus”. Following a handful of shorts, Nicolo’s sixth film is showed at Festival de Cannes in 2007; the short film “Togetherness” is shortly hereafter nominated for best foreign film in Seoul. It isn’t until 2009, however, that the general public get to know about Nicolo’s work. “Broderskab” (Brotherhood) is Nicolo’s first full length feature film. The controversial film about a homosexual man involved in a neoNazism community picked up awards both in Berlin and in Rome; suddenly Nicolo was able to call himself an established director. The orphaned boy who almost overdosed twice in his life surrounded by abuse and addiction made the cut. The boy that nobody believed in has overcome dyslexia and, most likely, non-diagnosed ADHD, and created a future for himself.

The future Nicolo has created for himself looks bright and it turns out that working in the kitchen at Hvidovre Filmby wasn’t such a bad idea after all. In between personal projects, Nicolo does several commercials and music videos quickly building a strong reputation for himself. When Nicolo isn’t filming he focuses on cycling – the second biggest sport in his native Italy.

Time and energy previously spent partying and doing drugs are now spent on the road on two wheels. Nicolo quickly built a network of new friends he meets through cycling – friends that all cycle at a very high, competitive level. Nicolo caught on quickly and travels with his cycling buddies whenever time – and money – allow. Nicolo still lives in a tiny studio apartment on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Every saved penny goes to his passion for cycling and he often has to borrow money from friends to travel abroad for races.

THE ORPHANED BOY WHO ALMOST OVERDOSED TWICE IN HIS LIFE SURROUNDED BY ABUSE AND ADDICTION MADE THE CUT.

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DANICA

CURCIC

DAVID

DENCIK

LAURA

BRO

JACOB

CEDERGREN

NICOLAS

BRO

SIGNE

EGHOLM OLSEN

MIKKEL

BOE FØLSGAARD

OG

LARS

BRYGMANN

SF STUDIOS PRÆSENTERER

EN FILM AF

NICOLO DONATO

... HELP PEOPLE IN NEED AND LOOK PEOPLE IN THE EYE, EVEN WHEN THEY’RE LYING DOWN.

EN FA M I LI E, EN FLU G T, ÉN C H A N C E SF STUDIOS PRODUCTION PRÆSENTERER EN FILM AF NICOLO DONATO DANICA CURCIC DAVID DENCIK JAKOB CEDERGREN NICOLAS BRO MIKKEL BOE FØLSGAARD LAURA BRO LARS BRYGMANN MORTEN SUURBALLE MARIJANA JANKOVIC BELYSNINGSMESTER MARTIN LERCHE 1ST AD ANTONY CASTLE CHEFSMINKØR KIRSTEN ZÂSCHKE CHEFKOSTUMIER OLE KOFOED PRODUCTION DESIGNER SØREN GAM KOMPONIST JESPER MECHLENBURG SOUND DESIGN MARTIN SAABYE ANDERSEN KLIPPERE MORTEN EGHOLM & FREDERIK STRUNK FOTOGRAF ASKE ALEXANDER FOSS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER LARS BJØRN LINE PRODUCER BARBARA CRONE PRODUCER PETER BECH MANUSKRIPT PER DAUMILLER & NICOLO DONATO INSTRUKTØR NICOLO DONATO PRODUCERET AF SF STUDIOS PRODUCTION I SAMARBEJDE MED TV2 DANMARK, TRUST NORDISK, SUBOTICA & WINDMILL MED STØTTE FRA DET DANSKE FILMINSTITUT & GRIBSKOV KOMMUNE

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THE SECOND BIG BREAKTHROUGH This month Nicolo will have his second big release; quite possibly bigger than the last. “Fuglene over Sundet” (Across the Waters), starring Nicolas Bro, Danica Curcic, David Dencik, Lars Brygmann and a list of other well renowned Danish screen stars, is his second feature film. The film about Danish fishermen helping Jews flee Denmark for Sweden during the Second World War is based on true events, particularly inspired by stories from Nicolo’s step-grandfather, who was a shipbroker in Gilleleje during the war. Nicolo’s grandfather taught him to help people in need and look people in the eye, even when they’re lying down; advice that sits in Nicolo’s bones to this day.

Nicolo’s grandfather explained how a lot of people helped Jews across to Sweden during the war and whilst all of these Danish fishermen are regarded as heroes today, you shouldn’t forget they made a fortune out of helping the Jews. A fisherman during

the war could make up to four times an annual salary sailing Jewish refugees across the water. This was an important point of Nicolo’s education: to always help people in need even if they have no money.

The film, which will be released in Danish cinemas late October, will show a realistic picture of how things were during the war.

There is a lot of attention to detail from costumes to locations, props and handheld direction. And, as this is one of the biggest Danish films of the year, expectations are high.

You can read (a bit) more about Nicolo and “Fuglene over Sundet” on IMDb and on Wikipedia. A big thank you to Nicolo for sharing his story.

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THE OLIVE

THE BEAUTY IS IN THE DETAIL The Olive is a family-run restaurant and bar in the centre of Copenhagen at Nørregade 22. Sitting between Skt. Petri Hotel and the Globe, it’s easy to find. As you enter the classy and subtle interior you are welcomed by a sign saying: “Eat more of what makes you happy”. The Olive’s charming personality and attention-to-detail are by the design of owners Krista and Will. From the fine craftsmanship of the tables to the acoustics, everything is there to enhance the experience of the customer.

Nørregade 22 was chosen to fulfil Krista and Will’s vision of a downtown restaurant that served home cooked-food at reasonable prices. It’s a vision that has proved to be just what the area needed; The Olive is equally popular amongst locals and tourists. So popular, in fact, that I would recommend booking a table, as The Olive is frequently full.

Krista and Will are a delightful couple that complement each other, and their restaurant, very well. Both are expats. Krista was born and raised in

Latvia and came to Copenhagen four years ago. She is a nutrition and health expert, which is reflected in The Olive’s menu; almost every dish can be served gluten and lactose-free. Will is a Canadian who has travelled widely after completing an education in hospitality and tourism.

Together they have created not only a fantastic menu of home-cooked favourites, but also a menu with an atypical pricing structure. All starters have the same price, as do all main courses and desserts. The idea is that this makes ordering much more simple as customers order what they prefer rather than look at the cost. The wine menu is similarly structured and wine is categorized by grape rather than label.

Although The Olive does cater to larger groups, the menu and atmosphere have a romantic and homely feel about them, making The Olive an ideal central location for an intimate evening out without having to worry about breaking the bank.

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The Olive Nørregade 22, 1165 Copenhagen K +45 33 93 81 10 theolive.dk Sun–Thurs: 17.00–22.00 Fri–Sat: 17.00–23.00

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... AN IDEAL CENTRAL LOCATION FOR AN INTIMATE EVENING OUT, WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT BREAKING THE BANK.

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THE SECRET TO TOAST’S SAVOURY SANDWICHES IS THE SOURDOUGH BREAD THAT MATT BUYS EVERY MORNING FROM A BAKERY NEAR HIS HOME IN VALBY.

TOAST CPH

AMAZING VALUE IN THE “POSH” PART OF TOWN The café Toast CPH can be found in the heart of Copenhagen at Toldbodgade 27, directly opposite the Admiral Hotel. Keep an eye out for the minimalistic street furniture and the tall double-door entrance. On the ground floor you will notice a modest bar while downstairs is the spacious and extremely cosy café.

Toast CPH Toldbodgade 27, 1253 Copenhagen K +45 24 63 78 97 toast-cph.dk Mon–Fri: 08.00–17.00 Sat–Sun: 10.00–16.00

At lunchtime, students from the local art school rub shoulders with ambassadors from the various embassies nearby. Look out for Matt behind the counter; if you can’t see him it could be because he is busy with his Portuguese customers who prefer to sit at, as well as on, the bar.

If you are staying at one of the close-by hotels and prefer your breakfasts quiet and relaxed then pop over to Toast and try the classic egg-on-toast combo, a speciality of Matt’s. For anyone who is staying in the Nyhavn/Amalienborg district, it is worthwhile noting that Toast is the only place where you can get

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a breakfast for under 60 kr. Indeed, no matter if you want breakfast, lunch or dinner, toast offers great value for money, especially when considering that a beer in this part of town can set you back a second mortgage.

The secret to Toast’s savoury sandwiches is the sourdough bread that Matt buys every morning from a bakery near his home in Valby. This wholegrain bread toasts perfectly and brings out the best in the various toppings on offer. Matt also offers lactose-free milk with his selection of coffees, a blend of Brazilian beans sourced by the trendy Barker’s company. Enjoy your cup with afreshly baked croissants. But perhaps the best thing on the menu is the price. There are not many places in Copenhagen that offer such fine food at such great prices (a sandwich at Toast starts at 49 kr.) As Matt says, “I want to sustain the quality; I want to offer things that are nice to eat and not just cheap.”

REVIEW

ALABAMA SOCIAL AMERICAN-STYLE EATERY Alabama Social is a trendy American-style eatery located at Sortedam Dossering 3. The only lakeside American eatery in the whole of Copenhagen, Alabama Social is right in the centre of a buzzing development. Situated alongside contemporaries such as Hanzō, the upscale Asian restaurant, Italian pizza specialists Gran Torino and cocktail bar-deluxe, Bar Next Door. People in-the-know will also appreciate the historic significance of the recently renovated Irma warehouse buildings that now house these great additions to the Nørrebro neighbourhood.

Inspired by great HBO shows such as Treme and Boardwalk Empire, Alabama Social juxtaposes American Southern gothic against classic Danish furniture. The outdoor seating area is essential to make to most of the area’s gorgeous panorama , across the lakes to the Copenhagen city skyline. Few restaurants offer something as special and quirky as Alabama Social.

American music fills the air, from neo-soul in the mornings through to big band jazz and rock music

later-on. There’s an impressive cocktail menu, allowing you to enjoy great cocktails without breaking the bank, priced between 75 kr to 95 kr. When you visit Alabama Social, you must try the Social Menu.

This option really demonstrates the heart of what the social concept is all out. The meal is served familystyle on Grandma’s old china, perfect for creating a communal atmosphere.

The menu offers dishes which you may have heard of but not yet tried, and perhaps a few that you’ve never even heard of before, like the sweet and savoury combination of waffle and shrimps. Beware: the hot wings aren’t Copenhagen-hot, they’re LOUISIANAhot and will definitely give your taste buds a run for their money. Speaking of which: a four course menu for 350 kr is more than reasonable. More than anything else, it’s about the overall experience at Alabama Social. These guys want to create a memorable occasion every time you sit down with your peeps. You bring the right company, they’ll take care of the rest.

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Alabama Social Sortedam Dossering 3, 2200 Copenhagen N +45 38 41 41 66 madklubben.dk/alabama-social Mon–Fri: 08.00–15.00, 17.30–24.00 (The kitchen closes at 22.00) Sat: 10.00–15.00, 17.30–24.00 (The kitchen closes at 22.00) Sun: 10.00–15.00, 17.30–22.00 (The kitchen closes at 21.00)

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AMERICAN MUSIC FILLS THE AIR, FROM NEO -SOUL IN THE MORNINGS THROUGH TO BIG BAND JAZZ AND ROCK MUSIC LATER- ON.

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THIS IS THE PLACE TO ENJOY A RELAXED BEER WITH FRIENDS, TAKE PART IN SOCIAL EVENINGS OR SPEND A GOOD OLD -FASHIONED SATURDAY NIGHT OUT.

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FRIHAVNSKROEN

WHERE EVERYONE FEELS LIKE A LOCAL Frihavnkroen is one of Østerbro’s old neighbourhood bodegas, found on the corner of Strandboulevarden and Århusgade. It isn’t just the perfect place for locals; it is also easily reached by those coming by bus and train via Nordhavn Station, which explains why it is still used as a local by those who have moved away from Østerbro.

The 106 year old Frihavnskroen, literally “the free harbour inn”, takes its name from a part of the Nordhavn harbour complex less than 200 metres away. Frihavn was an important trading harbour and many of the bodega’s regulars either worked in the harbour or sailed to and from its quays.

Today, this venerable watering hole is frequented by a blend of newcomers and old hands, the young and the old. The mix results in a captivating social scene

with a billiard club every Thursday and Saturday. A classic jukebox plays the best-of-the-best and there is a guaranteed warm welcome from Erik and Annette behind the bar, with the extra bonus of Lise every Thursday.

Frihavnskroen was bought by a group of FC Copenhagen fans so that they would have a place to go to watch their team and to ensure that the bodega would be preserved as an historic part of the city before it was lost forever, converted into yet another chain store.

This is the place to enjoy a relaxed beer with friends, take part in social evenings or spend a good oldfashioned Saturday night out. Visit this bodega and before you know it, you may well become a local yourself, no matter where you live.

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Frihavnskroen Strandboulevarden 93, 2100 Copenhagen Ø +45 35 26 43 30 Mon–Wed: 12:00–24:00 Thurs: 12.00–24.00 Fri–Sat: 12:00–02:00 Sun: 12:00–20:00

INTERVIEW

WHEN OREGON CALLS

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We met Danish streetfashion designer Silas Adler for a chat about fashion, skateboarding and the day Nike declared their love for his brand.

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“ALTHOUGH I AM PAST 30 I STILL SEE MYSELF AS A KID FROM COPENHAGEN.” SILAS

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things: Delivery of your goods, sell-through performance etc.

So, to me, when you are ready to do business with the big stores internationally it’s a sign that you’ve made on the big scene. I also think that if you’re in control of your branding, identity and positioning you can sell to both independent boutiques and high-end department stores.

Who is Silas?

He is a someone who calls himself a kid from Copenhagen and although I am past 30 I still see myself as a kid from Copenhagen. Both skateboarding and the fashion industry are big parts of my growing up. I am also a guy who started a small t-shirt label back in 2002 which has now grown into an established men’s fashion label. I believe my brain has developed in the fashion industry whilst my heart developed in skateboarding. I see the fashion industry as a place I work and I still see skateboarding as a place I play.

What is your biggest challenge in today’s market?

There is a fierce competition and a lot of brands out there but I think now – and maybe even more so with the Nike colab – Soulland is seen as an established brand. I have seen a lot of brands come and go over the years so just the fact that we are here after so many highs and lows in the industry says a lot. I think our main challenge still is, and will be for a long time to come, cash flow and trimming our own organization. I try not to think too much about what other brand do or how they do.

Where did you grow up?

Sweden, Århus and Copenhagen. I moved to Copenhagen in 1996 – a couple of days after Prygl I Parken (legendary skateboard competition now called Cph Open). That time – and that specific competition – was just on another level. It was fundamental to me and the person I am today.

How was Soulland born?

I started doing only t-shirts back in 2002 and Jakob, my partner, came in in 2006 and helped developed the brand into a business. Everything has been learning by doing since none of us have an education or training within fashion.

Where is Soulland today and how would you describe your break-through?

A couple of years back we kinda figured out that we had to expand internationally if we wanted to get anywhere. We realized we couldn’t build a business like this based only on the Danish market. And after coming to that conclusion things have gone in the right direction, slowly but surely. It takes time to build a network abroad in key markets but at the same time it also went fast.

So you have had a break-through internationally?

Yes. I think we sell to some 200 retailers internationally spread all around the world. We have a list of good department stores on board as well now.

How do you feel about that? Do you sometimes feel like you sold out?

On the contrary. To me, getting in to the right department stores is a sign that you’ve made it to the top league. You have all these cool, quirky small independent retailers that play a big part in where trends and tendencies are headed whereas the big department stores are very focused on the business side of

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WHENEVER I WENT TRAVELLING WITH MY MUM I ALWAYS BROUGHT MY SKATEBOARD AND MET NEW FRIENDS LIKE THAT. I STILL THINK IT’S SO MUCH FUN – EVERY ASPECT OF IT. SILAS

INTERVIEW

Tell us about your passion for skateboarding It started when I was ten years old. And I think it started like it does with other kids: The first time you see someone skate, when your hear the sound from a skateboard you think to yourself ‘I want to do that, too – I must learn that’. I remember thinking that it was just the coolest thing I’d ever seen and I that I really needed to learn that fast. I still remember the way it felt, it tasted, it sounded – like it was yesterday. The guy I first saw was riding an old school G&S board although it was way past that era and I bought that board off him – pretty bad deal I think – and I rode that until my next birthday when I got a better board. After that came a long era of travelling, making friends, seeing other cities and places. Whenever I went travelling with my mum I always brought my skateboard and met new friends like that. I still think it’s so much fun – every aspect of it.

What do you think about the whole super commercialization of the sport – Ryan Sheckler having a show on MTV, huge endorsement deals, big cars, lots of bling…?

I think it’s like everything else. A lot of people are talking about whether or not skateboarding should be a part of the Olympics and all. And I just think ‘whatever – it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t make a difference’ because the core will always remain the same and the sport will always appeal to so many different personalities from different cultures. The vast majority of skateboarders won’t make it big like those 50 skaters that make millions – the majority will always be local kids from a neighborhood hanging out in a public square learning new tricks and making friends. I also don’t think the sport is a trend anymore – it’s here to stay. And what’s great about it is you can go on forever – you still have so many ‘old’ guys around 40 or older and they are still riding pro – it’s not like football where you burn out much earlier. You can almost skate all your life.

Alright – let’s talk about this Nike SB Fri.Day colab It all started with Nike becoming the main sponsor for this competition and Eric (Koston) had kinda said he wanted to do a cool thing with someone with a link to Copenhagen, someone who might not be part of the established skateboarding industry and so on. And somehow I became part of the dialogue with Nike and him but for a while I thought ‘let’s see’. But Nike were really serious and they wanted me to sit down with Eric and so I did during the summer of 2015 and he told me that they had this shoe release and it was going to be the most technical skate shoe ever coming out of Nike launching in ’16 – do you want to be part of it? And we started up but I still thought ‘let’s see, they’ll pull out’ or whatever but then things took off and all of a sudden Eric and his team were here in Copenhagen to do a photoshoot and promotion and then that was it. It went really fast and smooth… And Nike were super engaged through the process.

How has it been received?

Extremely well. The shoes have sold really well and PR-wise it’s hands down the biggest thing we’ve ever done. It’s sold really well in the Far East and Nike are still super stoked. They have been really good all the way, helpful and supportive.

Has it been hard to stay grounded when you nail something this big?

No, I don’t think so. There’s so much work with a project like.

After the launch there is so much work, too. Practical things, coordinating stuff etc. So that’s the not so glamourous part and that kinda keeps you grounded – the VIP photoshoots and fancy launch parties go over really quick – and I don’t think I went to one party during fashion week because we decided to launch then.

How does the future look?

Productive. We have a lot of goals but it is important to do things right and in the right order.

And if Urban Outfitters call up tomorrow and ask if they can sell Soulland…?

They already sell Soulland so they’d get the green light to continue to do so…

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“IT’S NOT LIKE FOOTBALL WHERE YOU BURN OUT MUCH EARLIER. YOU CAN SKATE ALMOST ALL YOUR LIFE.” SILAS

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