Copenhagen: Frama Store

My only previous connection to Danish design house, Frama, is from them popping up in Monocle mag, my mate Dan discussing their delights on many occasions and seeing their very beautiful showroom-shop front space appear on my Instagram feed from time-to-time.

It's a store that's been in my "places to visit" folder for a while now, and finally, a couple of weeks ago I placed a tick in the win column while we were visiting Copenhagen for a few days. Planned out by the hour, but regularly straying - due to the fact we didn't realise the city basically closes between Sundays and Tuesdays - we made our way through a very quaint neighborhood of picture-perfect washed orange cottages to find the unassuming residence of Frama.

What can be said has probably already been said about this store, but it's far more impressive that the photos may suggest. Set in an old apothecary shop, Frama's furniture, lighting and skincare can be found across several large rooms and small nooks, joined up by slightly creaky stairs and dark corridors. The airy spaces compliment the lower lit rooms perfectly - showcasing the brand's Scandinavian approach to creating a mood, taking you through their kitchen, living room and bathroom set-ups. If these guys did a hotel!

I left empty-handed, but Jordan treated himself to a new fragrance, as he was fresh out of his carry-on. What I did take away from my visit to Frama - and the city in general - was the way these guys marry textures, fabrics and finishes to create a unique environment. It's playful, subtle and aware of impact.

Frama: Fredericiagade 57, 1310 Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen: Han Kjobenhavn Store

When visiting a new place or old I'll always reach out to the people with their fingers on the pulse for suggestions for new cafe openings, freshly drawn up menus, visiting exhibitions and other general cool stuff. I truly believe great things stuff can be found anywhere, and that's probably due to my definition of coooool being pretty broad. I get excited about loads of stuff - and that general steams from other people's passion for what they do (for example; a vintage wrestling figure collector, a dude that does ace things with ceramics or a bakery playing around with unusual combinations). These quirks are there to be found and to be enjoyed.

I had high hopes for our recent 4-day trip to Copenhagen, because on my first visit to the city I was left wondering, "I'm not sure what all the fuss is about". Circumstance hey, turns out I now know what I was missing the first time around. 

One trustworthy looking chap on Instagram mentioned that Danish menswear brand Han Kjobenhavn had recently renovated their stand-alone store, right in the centre of town. Without even looking it up I added in to our Google Map and pencilled in a visit for when we were close. As soon as we caught a glimpse through the traditional mahogany wood doors we knew we were in for a treat.

The punchy hi-shine powder blue floor, perfectly panelled oak wood walls and the swooshing white ceiling was equally matched with mid-century furniture, signature Scandinavian globe-like light fixtures and custom-build clothing rails which mirrored the pleasing shape of the store's layout. Phwoah! Mirrored panels both made you notice details that may have been missed at first glace, and the green tiles seen on the central display evoked a sense of the brand's identity.

For me what makes the Han Kjobenhavn shop so special is the jux between the store design and the clothes themselves; they have an edge, a self-awareness and youth about them, and sat within the mature and meticulous feel of the store-fit is what makes this gaff so memorable.

Han Kjobenhavn: Vognmagergade 7, 1120 København, Denmark