What She Said Issue 1 April 2014
Featuring
Paris and Copenhagen Spring Fashion Wool and the Gang Christine Pym, Jo Faulkner Jewellery by Momocreatura, Wolf and Moon, Amy Lawrence, Nylon Sky and LadybirdLikes.
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What She Said e
Spring/Summer 2014
With Thanks To India Sutton, Jo Faulkner, Christine Pym, Wolf and Moon, Momocreatura, Amy Lawrence, Ladybird likes, Nylon Sky, Joanne Williamson, Jenny Lloyd, Wool and the Gang, Vanessa Hindshaw and Heidi Goldsmith
Š What She Said Magazine All images contained within this publication are copyright of What She Said unless otherwise stated. Design by Rachel Sneddon
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Dear Readers, Thanks for passing through! The inspiration for this little magazine came from looking through old diaries and scrapbooks. We wanted a place in which to pour ramblings, admirings and general nice things. So it may not be the most consistent magazine, but this was entirely the point! We hope you like Issue One, it was a labour of love in the end and we hope all our efforts and cups of tea paid off. We always need the help finding inspiring, pretty, or just downright nice content. If you have an idea you want to share, a story you want to tell, or work you want to be featured, find us at: whatshesaidmag@gmail.com
The What She Said Team, xx
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Contents
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Great British Summer
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Beauty
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French Fashion
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Interview with Jo Faulkner
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Wool and the Gang
Silver and Gold
Photography: Elvert Barnes
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Interview with Christine Pym
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What She Read
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Spring Break
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Dos/Don’ts
The Great British Summer There’s something special about Britain in summer time. Even though we’re never guaranteed the weather, when the sun does come out you can’t beat it. From picnic baskets to bicycles, here are our top 10 essential items which will make this British summer the best one yet.
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et on your bike! Second hand or brand new, it doesn’t matter as long as it will take you places. If you want to splash out, we suggest something classic with a handy basket like this gorgeous Raleigh. Kit it out with a bell and off you go! Ding Ding!
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o while this may not be an item per-se, you can’t have a British summer without a tea party. For this, don’t spend a fortune on a matching tea set. We think mismatched looks adorable, so ask your granny or head down to your local charity shops and see what bargains are out there.
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ave you ever seen such a pretty picnic basket? We sure haven’t. This is Anorak’s Kissing Robins Picnic Hamper and we think it would be perfect for an afternoon trip into the countryside. At £95 it’s not cheap, but it would last a lifetime!
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ummer is the time for festivals and BBQs, so we think this cute little hip flask would be perfect for slipping into your bag for such occasions. As they say, ‘Girls with class don’t need a glass’. This is from LiquidCourage, an Etsy shop, at £12.43.
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hat’s the point in having the best summer ever if you can’t document it? We think analogue photos are the best for those sunny days, and lomography cameras always produce amazing results (once you figure them out!) The classic Diana F+ is our favourite.
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f you’re going to be setting off into the countryside on your bicycle, you will need a good backpack to carry all the essentials. We love this one from Royal RepubliQ. It looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.
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lways carry a notebook with you, it’s perfect for doodling or using as a diary when you’re sunbathing and travelling. We love these kissing animal notebooks by Anorak, which will complement your picnic basket perfectly. The yellow and blue hedgehogs are our favourite.
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f course we couldn’t forget the traditional picnic blanket. We love this wool one from Cath Kidston, but if you’re strapped for cash, why not tiedye an old white sheet? It’s ideal for large groups of people and you don’t need to worry about it getting dirty. Perfect.
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xcuse us for being massive kids, but we love these umbrella ice-lolly moulds, and you should too. What garden party is complete without home-made umbrella ice lollies? We certainly won’t hold one without them. And if you’re feeling naughty, fill them with alcohol (adults only). From coolkidscookware.com.
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e love this mini cool-bag from Cath Kidston. Not only is it beautiful, it would also be perfect for a trip to the beach or a summer garden party. It even comes with two lunch boxes and is the perfect size to sling in your bike basket. Picnics for everyone! Images © Cath Kidston, Anorak, Royal Republiq, Coolkidscookware, Lomography, Liquid Courage and Raleigh.
Tout femmes élégante sont les clientes du Printemps Spring is a time for revamping and reviving. The winter blues are fading, our finances are recovering and it’s time to treat ourselves! This year we are looking across the channel to our fashionable neighbours for inspiration: think classic cuts, pastel tones, and timeless prints. Paris, Je t’aime.
THE MIDI DRESS
Topshop – £48.00
River Island– £50.00
THE CROPPED JACKET
Zara – £45.99
13 River Island – £35.99
Zara – £69.99
THE TAILORED TROUSERS
H&M – £29.99
New Look – £29.99
H&M– £14.99
Zara – £32.99
THE CLASSIC TOP
Zara – 17.99
Miss Selfridge – £19.99
Topshop – £32.99
Topshop – £19.99
Miss Selfridge – £15.99
Topshop – 15.99
THE MINI
H&M – £9.99
14 Miss Selfridge – £19.99
THE STATEMENT
Zara – £24.99
“Yet with these April sunsets, that somehow recall my buried life, and Paris in the spring, I feel immeasurably at peace, and find the world To be wonderful and youthful afterall ” –T.S Eliot
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Office – £58.99
New Look – £69.99
Topshop – £88.99
Office – £95
THE DAILY BOOT
Topshop – £52.00
SUMMER IN THE OFFICE
Zara – £79.99
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THE STRAPPY SANDAL
New Look – £34.99
Office – £45.99
Zara – £69.99
Et Voila!
This combination of nautical shirt, leather jacket and tailored trousers is a simple nod to our classy neighbours across the pond. Pair with some cool sunnies (we love these ones by Monki) and flawless sandals and the look is complete. But a Spring/Summer wardrobe needs a splash of colour, so top it all off with this classic-but-different Fiorelli pastel blue handbag at ÂŁ69
Images Š River Island, H&M, Off ice, Monki, Fiorelli, Zara, Topshop, New Look, Miss Selfridge
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wool and the gang 18
Needles at the ready; here’s to summer knitting!
I took up knitting a few years ago. After a mild obsession with Zombie movies, I made the promise to myself that I would learn a skill. Being slightly useless with my hands, I couldn’t even change a tyre, let alone make anything. I would be the first to go in a Zombie Apocalypse. It also dawned on me that we were slowly becoming the generation who wouldn’t be able to knit as grandmothers. This dystopian view of my future grandmother-self filled me with horror. I knew I had to sort myself out and learn those stitches fast. Knitting is also becoming cool again. A company at the forefront of this Knitting Revolution is Wool and the Gang. They are effortlessly putting the cool back into knitting,
one stitch at a time. Their ‘Eek’ hat, a cosy beanie with big bug eyes made in collaboration with Giles Deacon, is set to become a cult hit after being sported by the ever-fabulous Cara Delevigne at London Fashion Week. And what’s best about Wool and the Gang is that they encourage their buyers to knit the designs themselves and never use factories. They make it as easy as possible for you, providing the pattern, wool and appropriate needles. In addition to this, all their yarn is ethically sourced. We really admire their dedication to ethical and sustainable fashion while keeping their ranges on trend. Good work. When we decided to do a wool feature for Spring/Summer, we knew we wanted to feature Wool and the Gang. They make Knitting a truly
Images © Wool and the Gang
accesible hobby, which can be enjoyed all year long. Who says wool is for winter? Not them, and certainly not us! We love their loose-knit cardigans and tunics, perfect to for light-weight coverage on those cool summer nights. We are also in love with their knitted bags, particularly the Powa Backpack (left). We can’t wait to sling it over our shoulders during our summer bike rides. And if you’ve ever had to take a long train ride, why not take your knitting needles and use your time to make your own Eek hat? Then use it to cover up that unwashed hair at all the summer festivals. You can find out more online at www.woolandthegang.com. They ship worldwide so there really is no excuse not to buy. Happy Knitting!
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Silver & Gold If you’re like us and want to make a statement with your accessories but are tired of the high street, look no further! We’ve searched far and wide for the best independent jewellery designers currently pushing the boundaries with their collections. Each designer offers something a little bit different with hand-crafted, one of a kind pieces which also won’t break the bank! Who could possibly refuse?!
Nylon Sky Nylon Sky’s collection is bold yet highly versatile. We love their combination of feminine designs with strong colours and geometric patterns. Originally from the U.K, they are currently based in London and Barcelona. They stock their jewellery in independent boutiques and galleries all over the world so take a look here for a full list of stockists: http://www.nylon-sky.com/
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Amy Lawrence Amy Lawrence is a textile designer based in Lancashire who uses an italian knitting machine to create her beautiful and intricate designs. After studying at Birmingham City University, she was taken on as a swatch designer for a Nottingham Textiles Agency before opening her own studio in 2011. We found it difficult to pick our favourites from Amy’s collection as each piece is like a small work of art in itself. They are feminine yet bold, and we love the delicate combination of textures she creates. Full details of her work, and a list of stockists, can be found at: http://www.amylawrencedesigns.co.uk
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Wolf AND Moon Designer Hannah Davis is the genius behind the quirky but classic Wolf and Moon . Her pieces combine the modern and the traditional; with classic gold and silver tones underlying the geometrically focused designs. Their contrasting inspirations, from nature to architecture, results in some fantastically unique and eye-catching pieces. After graduating from Goldsmiths College in London in 2011, Hannah began selling her jewellery in markets around London. Soon after, she set up her first studio in Brighton before moving to Hackney in 2013. Her aim is to create jewellery which is affordable yet still unique. Each piece is handmade by her talented team, so no two items are identical. More details of their full collection and stockists can be found on http://www.wolf-and-moon.com
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24 Momocreatura Momocreatura was created by Momo, a young japanese jewellery designer based in London. Her work is beautiful yet dark, with many pieces taking imagery from traditional fairy tales. Each design is more like a tiny sculpture than a piece of jewellery. The designs are a bit spooky (see the hanging animals!) but we like that. To see the full collection and find stockists nearby, see her website at: http://www.momocreatura.com
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Ladybird likes The cute and kitsch Ladybird Likes is the brainchild of artist Zoe Bateman. After graduating in 2012, Zoe began making jewellery out of the vintage books she collected from local antique fairs and markets. After setting up her shop on Etsy, her brand has grown and grown. Her tagline is “making nice things for nice people” and this truly sums her designs up perfectly. They are some of the cutest little pieces we have ever seen, and we particularly love the pug collarclips pictured above. Again, each item is handmade so you can buy something a little bit special whilst supporting independent designers. More information on Zoe’s collection can be found on her website: http://www.ladybirdlikes.com
Photo Credits www.wolfandmoon.com www.etsy.com/shop/ladybirdlikes www.momocreatura.com www.amylawrencedesigns.co.uk http://www.nylon-sky.com
oh you pretty p things p
Spring/Summer is a whole different ball game when it comes to beauty products. Think beachy hair, clear skin and a good tan. Sometimes it’s difficult to choose out of the endless products out there, so here’s a run-down of our essential beauty items for the coming months.
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HAIR
For this season, we’re feeling messy waves and lots of texture. Who cares if you live in the city, embrace your inner mermaid. For beachy waves, and when we have some money to spend, we like to use Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray or Sacha Juan’s Ocean Mist. They’re a bit on the expensive side so top tip: get a cheap spray bottle, a good pinch of salt, some clean purified water and make your own! If you’re blonde, add a touch of lemon juice to lift your highlights in the sun.
Everyone knows that maintaining bright and youthful skin is key to a good beauty regime. Use these to keep that complexion fresh and clear in the sunshine.
Skin
When the sun comes out, it is so important to take care of your skin. That’s why we love Guerlain’s BB Cream with SPF 30. With this, you get great coverage and that necessary sun protection. For those sunny days, avoid shine with Bourjois’ Poudre de Riz de Java, which has a lovely light texture and a rosey scent (as well as gorgeous packaging!). Remove your makeup every night with Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed, which is as effective as soap yet as gentle as moisturiser. It feels so smooth and soft to apply, we absolutely can’t get enough.
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And the Rest
Spring/Summer beauty wouldn’t be complete without a splash of colour. For this season, we love pastel nails and coral lips to give a bit of edge yet still maintaining the natural look.
This is the season to show off a bit of colour and nothing screams spring to us like pastels and corals. For lips, we love Nars’ Barbarella Peach to brighten up any outfit. Pair this with pastel blue nails such as Nails Inc’s Sheraton Street. For blush, go bold with a peachy shade such as Chanel’s Cream Blush in Presage. It’s not cheap, but it’s always worth it for Chanel.
arty people
For this issue, we spoke to illustrators Christine Pym and Jo Faulkner to find out more about the art-business and what inspires them. We have a sneaking suspicion the secret to artistic success lies somewhere in the lines of “The Jolly Postman” by Janet and Allen Ahlberg. Think we’ve gone mad? Read on to find out why.
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Jo Faulkner
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Christine Pym
30 Christine Pym Chrisine Pym is an illustrator based in Derbyshire. She specialises in children’s illustration for books and Greetings cards. Her first book, The Tail of the Whale was shortlisted for the BookTrust Early Year Awards in 2009. We were super excited when Christine agreed to be featured as we think her work is just the sweetest.
How did you get your start in illustration?
I studied my degree in illustration for Children’s Publishing at the North Wales School of Art. In the final year we had the opportunity to exhibit at the New Designers exhibition in London and it was there that I was approached by an illustration agency. They helped improve my portfolio
and shortly after I signed with them the projects began to pop up.
Can you go into your process of how you work on a project?
First I read over the text a number of times and begin to research and sketch some initial ideas and characters. Quite naturally this leads on to storyboards and then roughs to scale. I find it really handy to tape these in sequence on a wall to see how it flows and to seek out any weak spreads. After approval from the publisher I use a light-box to trace onto watercolour paper and then a mixture of Gouache and Watercolour to create the final image. I have recently been experimenting with linocuts and hope to find a way to incorporate these into my work soon.
31 What sort of things inspire you and are they ever surprising?
My main inspiration is wildlife. I am very lucky to live in the countryside and so I see a lot of it! Beatrix Potter’s work has greatly inspired me and other illustrators such as Roger Duvoisin, Carson Ellis and more recently the works of Emily Sutton and Mark Hearld. Their attention to detail is incredible.
Do you have a favourite character or animal you like to draw?
Bears always seem to be at the end of my pencil but more recently it has been mice. It’s always an animal, usually wearing cozy, patterned attire with a little hat of some sort up top.
If you had to trade your skill in Illustration for another, what would you choose?
I would trade to become a writer, write lots of my story ideas perfectly and then trade back and illustrate them all!.
Do you have a ‘proudest moment’ as an illustrator?
Having The Tail of the Whale shortlisted for a Booktrust Early Years Award was definitely a proud moment and a jolly nice surprise too!
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received and who was it from?
Many illustrators have offered advice on their blogs but one that has always stuck
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As an illustrator of children’s books, what was/is your favourite book?
My absolute favourite book as a child was The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. I also have very fond memories of my sister and I taking an incredibly long time to decide what we would rather do in John Burningham’s Would you Rather. Both are still favourites of mine now.
More information on Christine and her work can be found at: http://christinepym.com/ Images © Christine Pym
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34 Jo Faulkner Jo is a textile designer and illustrator based in London. She studied Textile Design at Glasgow School of Art, where she specialised in printed textiles. Since graduating in 2012, she has gone on to produce work for big-name retailers including Gap and Macy’s.
How would you describe your work and style?
I would describe my drawing style as very linear, monochrome and with lots of spots and stripes. My textiles on the other hand are often very bright and colourful. I love exploring drawing with bold lines, and little patterns and negative space. I think my style is also a little twee at times!
What sort of things inspire your designs?
To be honest I have such a variety of inspirations! I love collage artists that incorporate photos with mark making, and find a lot of inspiration from the mix of these different medias. Scandinavian style has undoubtably been a huge influence — the simplicity and delicateness of design and drawing there is amazing. Other than that I love looking to architectural drawings for inspiration, and I also love film director Wes Anderson’s work — I wish I could draw every shot in his films.
What would be your dream commission?
My dream commission would be for a textile fashion brand that wants some-
35 thing unique and illustrative, nothing too commercial. I find the textiles/ fashion industry highly commercial at times so I often showcase my own style in my illustrations.
Who are your favourite designers right now?
I particularly love Jenni Rope and Ashley Goldberg’s textile work. Fashion designers Stella Jean and Suno are also really exciting.
What advice would you give to budding designers out there?
I think it is important to persevere and stick to your style even if you are not sure if it’s working. This will always pay off and people are always looking for something individual.
If you could choose any other job, what would it be?
Without a doubt world famous matchmaker or world famous detective. I don’t really mind as long as it’s something ‘world famous’ anyway.
What was your favourite book as a child?
I always loved The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Cat, because they are so soft and aloof. More information on Jo’s work can be found at www.jofaulkner.com Images © Jo Faulkner
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If what i say is true Photography spotlight elvert Barnes
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Growing up as a gay black man in the 60s and experiencing oppression firsthand, it is no surprise many of Elvert’s most powerful images were taken during protests or rallies. But instead of images of violence, oppression or confrontation, his most poignant images are of love, strength and freedom.
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Most importantly, they are images of people. Elvert’s photography has the power to document these issues by reminding the viewer of the people whose lives have been affected by them — for good or for worse.
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My intent is to capture moments in time that can never be again... I regard my photography as a documentary. But while reporting on issues of the day and historic events of our times, including protests, rallies and vigils, my work sheds light on my personal story as well - Elvert Barnes
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Regardless if the photo documents Gay Rights campaigners, a Peace Rally, or Anti-Abortion protest, all depict complete devotion to whatever the cause. Whether you believe the protestors are right or wrong in their beliefs, you can’t deny their commitment. Elvert’s portraits refuse to pass judgement. They are there to document human passion, human values and the fundamental right of freedom of speech. All Images © Elvert Xavier Barnes 2014 http://www.elvertbarnes.com/
Anti Abortion Protest Washington D.C
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What She Read
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“There’s more beauty in truth, even if it is dreadful beauty.”
“Most maidens are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves in my experience, at least the ones worth something, in any case.”
“It is well, when in difficulties, to say never a word, neither black nor white. Speech is silver but silence is golden.”
“That wasn’t why they destroyed the warren. It was just because we were in their way. They killed us to suit themselves.”
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Bookworms ahoy! Here are the key reads which kept us ticking over the past few months. Some made us laugh, many made us cry, but we’d definitely recommend them all.
“Allan woke up and wondered whether it wouldn’t soon be time to go to bed.”
“When we think of the past it’s the beautiful things we pick out. We want to believe it was all like that.”
“If you have love, even plain cold water is sweet.”
“What a slut time is. She screws everybody.”
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A
good book
is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life
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– John Milton
Life Changing Reads We love books here at What She Said and want to celebrate them in all their glory. So for this issue, we asked some A+ superstar readers which books had left a lasting impression on them.
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rave New World is one of those books you just can’t shake off. I first read it at age 14, and its Dystopian themes were something I hadn’t yet encountered. The novel is set in a futuristic society, where a flimsy mask of happiness is controlled by hypnotism and eugenics. Natural reproduction has been replaced by test-tube babies, which are genetically conditioned in order to fulfill the pre-ordained caste systems set out by the World State. You are born into your role and that is that. This view of the future resonated with me, as it showed a darker side to the advancements in technology and science I had been learning about. Even now, ten years on, these issues are still relevant and cast a dark shadow in our technologically driven society.
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Jenny Lloyd
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s an indulgently introspective teenager, The Bell Jar enthralled me. Plath’s ability to describe feelings I had felt, or didn’t realise I had felt, was completely absorbing. Reading the novel at a time when I was beginning to deal with the practicalities of becoming an adult myself – the pressure to have a sparkling career, the obsession with being physically acceptable and the loss of naivety regarding men – has indelibly linked it with my memories of growing up. It taught me to accept myself. I still find the book’s fearless engagement with mental illness fascinating. Joanne Williamson
SPRING 48
BREAK by Rachel Sneddon and India Sutton Everyone needs a little pick-me-up after winter so why not jet off to Europe for the weekend? For this issue we explored the city which everyone loves and another for those looking for somewhere a little different this time around.
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Paris L
a Ville Lumiere. The City of Lights. A place where the past has never left; where the worlds of Hemingway, Chanel and Marie Antoinette are kept alive through adoration and the city’s reverence of its history When walking through the covered passages and winding streets, or when sitting in a salon de thé with a good book, don’t be surprised if you feel as though you have stumbled back in time to the old Paris itself.
Here is a city of contrasts, of grandness and simplicity, of eccentricity and elegance. The air breathes creativity; the buskers, the fashion, the street art. Paris is never still, never sleeping. It can manifest itself in a thousand different ways, all of which will surprise you. For those who have never been to Paris, it is easy to get swept along by the tourist routes. If you are only in the city for a weekend, don’t worry as all of the main attractions are spectacular and won’t let you down (if you can handle the crowds). But don’t exhaust yourself by trying to do absolutely everything, for Paris is a city of surprises which you might miss if you spend your weekend jumping from metro to metro. Most of Paris’ charm lies in its neighbourhoods, so spend time just exploring. And if you are an art lover and have to choose between Musee d’Orsay and Musee du Louvre, pick the former. I know people always say that you must visit the Louvre, and it is a fantastic art
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queue is always significantly smaller at d’Orsay and it holds a fantastic collection from Van Gogh to Degas. Even the building, a converted train station, is a work of art in itself. Once you have had your fill of the tourist attractions, take time to relax in some of the beautiful cafés Paris has on offer. Nothing will make you feel more Parisien than sitting outside on a busy street, sipping an espresso and smoking a cigarette whilst a street artist plays the accordion a few metres away. Completely cliché, but it wouldn’t be Paris without it. If your scene is more cosy with ambience, try the great hot chocolate at La Jacobean just off Odeon (centre photo). Paris, famous for its shopping, has some fabulous neighbourhoods where you can buy some truly unique items, so don’t just stick to the Champs Elysees. My favourite
neighbourhood is the ever-cool Marais (Metro: Saint Paul). Le Marais is Paris’s lively hub, and homes both the Gay and Jewish communities. It is a truly beautiful area, with gorgeous architecture, fantastic shops and eateries. For shopping, the vintage boutiques here are incredible, with plenty of bargains to be found. I love the Kilo Shop on Rue de la Verrerie (Metro: Hotel de Ville) where everything is sold by weight so you can pick up some super cheap items (think silk shirts and scarves). There are also plenty of designer and independent boutiques on Rue des Francs Bourgeois where you can buy some truly unique French fashion. Le Marais is also famous for its Fallafel, so when you’re hungry head to L’as Du on Rue de Rosiers to sample some of the best Jewish food in the city. On a nice day, opt to take-away, and head down to the incroyable Place des Vosges, my favourite park in the whole city and the home of Victor Hugo (far left).
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Copenhagen
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openhagen is climbing on everybody’s ‘Must Visit’ list, quickly becoming a Scandinavian watering hole for food lovers, café-hoppers, party-goers, and cycling fanatics alike. Its allure stems from the city’s progressive beauty; architecture rests on a balanced seesaw of quaint and contemporary. Cosy cafés, gastronomic restaurants, and an abundance of local bakeries litter the bike-friendly streets, while the Danes themselves radiate an undecipherable aura of sophistication and cool. With only one year in Copenhagen, the frugal student inside of me has been left behind in Edinburgh. I have chosen to absorb the city by embracing what the Danes do so well — café-culture. The advice I give, albeit the advice of an outsider, should provide you with a little insight and perhaps even persuade you to join me in Scandimania.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH A BICYCLE Copenhagen is not conducive to life on four wheels, but rather excels on two; a ritual altogether alien to a Brit like me, who you’d find popping to the shop in a little red Polo. These days, in Denmark, it’s all about the little black bicycle. The eco-friendly, body-loving practice had me utterly spellbound as much as it had me petrified when I first arrived, and after a month hiding behind my metro pass, I accepted the inevitable. I was to ride a bike. A black (no other ‘colour’ will do), sturdy, second-hand bike.
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Cycling around the city is a game changer; the extensive, flat, and spacious bike lanes, embedded with a systematic set of rules, has you feeling as though you’ve been riding a bike for years. With a bicycle by your side, the city becomes unbelievably accessible and your experience far more cohesive and intimate; peddling along Copenhagen’s salty canals, down its cobbled streets and busy, yet organised boulevards gives you an incomparable freedom and may even gain you (depending on how gracious you are) the guise of a local.
WHERE TO BEGIN – COPENHAGEN K
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Park up your bike and begin your day with a soul-warming bowl of Grød (pretentious, yet oh-so-delicious porridge) at Torvehallerne, Nørreport’s food market. Encased in glass, this ultra-modern market embodies Copenhagen’s uprising gastronomy, selling fresh produce over the counters of more than 60 stalls. Split twofold, to your left you’ll find counters selling a myriad of goods, from homemade hummus to Danish Flødeboller (buy a licorice ‘original’ for 11DK), while to your right you’ll be lulled towards the bountiful cheese and meat testers, seemingly endless and guilt-free. Frequenters of Torvehallerne, my flatmates and I have a testers-circuit mapped out as if it were physically chiseled into the market’s floor; as they say, ‘it’s not a supermarket, it’s a super market’, and you won’t leave hungry (trust me).
STROLL DOWN STRØGET
RAW REVOLUTION OR THE CAVEMAN DIET
To satisfy your hunger pangs, I’d recommend heading to Pilestræde, a picturesque back-street dedicated to iconic Scandinavian brands, like Hay, Naked and Acne. On this road you’ll be faced with the café conundrum that is 42 Raw or Palæo; the raw revolution or the caveman diet. These two faddish cafes are trendy and delicious; go to 42 Raw for a seasonal salad, a date and raw cacao smoothy, and then top it all off with a coconut and fig brownie; go to Palæo for a pulled pork omelette and a be-good-to-your-body juice. Being healthy never tasted or looked so good; your only issue is choosing where.
I’d suggest taking a stroll down Strøget, the longest pedestrian street in Europe. Designed for walking, it might be the only area in Copenhagen that frowns upon cycling, and unless you’re after a run-in with the police, I’d follow your feet. Soak up the hustle and bustle, take in the aroma of toasting sugared almonds and feast your eyes on the stylish passers-by. One of my favourite streets diverging from the main strip is called Kompagnistræde; this cobbled and quaint lane still buzzing with life is lined with numerous antique, ceramic and jewellery shops that a beady eye will appreciate. The café, Kompa 9, is an all-time favourite of ours; the decor is quintessentially Scandinavian, with its birch finishings and untreated leathers, even down to its wooden backyard toilet. You’ll find yourself cradling a chai latte, reading Euroman, and feeling an acute sense of ‘hygge’ (a Danish word coined from the idea of cosiness), as you sit at Kompa’s white-washed, communal tables.
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58 NØRREBRO What makes Copenhagen so distinctive
is how it incorporates its bodies of water, breaking up the urban landscape. Cycling over Dronning Louises Bro (what we like to call ‘Nørrebro bridge’), you can spend a good hour breathing in the fresh air and joy-riding around the lakes. Home to marathon-training joggers, Danish swans, and restaurants that sporadically fringe its borders, nowhere radiates more zeal than the lakes on a sunny afternoon. Head up Nørrebrogade to escape the flawlessness of the city centre, aiming for Assistens Kirkegård, the lavish, yet mysteriously secular burial site that harbours many a revered Dane, and curiously just as many living Danes. Particularly in the summer, the old, beautiful graveyard, with its influx of greenery, becomes a hang-out-hot-spot for the Nørrebro neighbourhood. On your way to the cemetery, you’ll be stopped by a multitude of side-streets to pick apart and
explore. Ravnsborggade exists in homage to all things antique, and you’ll find the quirky and not-so-antiquated café, Bevar’s, perfect for a coffee and a slice of rugbrød (Danish rye bread) and cheese. Jægersborggade, just off Assistens Kirkegård, is a street recently transformed from a Hells Angels summit to a trendy, hipster-haven. Perfect for window shopping and people watching. Treat yourself to renowned pastries at Meyers Bageri, the rich, decadent carrot cake at Lyst, and a game of backgammon at the non-profit, Cafe Retro.
WINING, DINING AND PARTYING
Unlike in the U.K, cafés in Copenhagen have the chameleon’s mastery to transform into bars and restaurants in the evenings. Vesterbro, the city’s coolest pocket, is brimming with nightlife and affordable, gourmet delights. Dyrehaven is my go-to; its reasonable prices coincide with delectable Danish cuisine, its rustic decor is met with copious bearded men and pixie cuts. Have a drink and then wander onto Sønder Boulevard, a green space in Vesterbro, teeming with people on balmy nights. The Meat Packing District, all-encompassing with galleries, eateries and bars, is also ideal for a fun and wild night out. Open until the sun rises, clubs like Jolene’s Bar and Bakken will put you amongst the grooviest of Danes; buy a Carlsberg and get talking!
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All words and images are copyright of India Sutton
Summer DOS Take an adventure. Or five. Remember life is short and so are the seasons, so make the most of the long summer days. Take a day off work and drive somewhere in your car, somewhere you have never been. Alone or with friends. Do take risks: freedom, spirit and adventure have no age limit.
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Have fun. Dance until the sun rises. Wake up with a raging headache still dressed in last night’s clothes. Camp under the stars with friends. Laugh until you cry and can no longer breathe. Conquer your fears, big and small.
Laugh with friends, new and old. Fall in Love, including with yourself. Summer is the time where our hearts have the most space to give. Show people you care. Share secrets, jokes, and stories. Learn something new about an old friend, and something old about a new friend.
Summer DON’TS Don’t worry. Don’t hold back. Don’t waste opportunities. Don’t let stress get the better of you. Don’t forget to tell people you care.
Don’t deprive yourself. Don’t focus on the small things and forget the bigger picture. Don’t say no to icecream. Don’t sacrifice your wellbeing and happiness for anything.
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Don’t forget to travel. Don’t work too hard. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Don’t forget to read and learn.
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