DENMARK. Christmas arrived early at Copenhagen Airport when Illums Bolighus opened its Christmas shop last week.
Decorated with gold and tinsel to evoke a festive atmosphere, the shop is located on the main “˜street’ in the shopping area on Nytorv.
“We are all very excited about showing some of the Scandinavian Christmas traditions to our international guests at Copenhagen Airport,” said Illums Bolighus Merchandise Manager Martin Graae.
“This year, we focus on elements from the forest, such as pine trees, mushrooms and acorns. A new feature this year is unglazed porcelain, which is in contrast to the frosty blue shades which are the backbone of the exhibition,” he added.
According to Copenhagen Airports A/S VP, Sales Carsten Nørland, the cosy Danish Christmas atmosphere and traditions are very popular among passengers who use Christmas decorations for gifts in the months before Christmas.
Nørland said: “Copenhagen Airport is the gateway to Scandinavia and represents the best of Danish design and architecture. The Christmas shop mirrors Scandinavian handicraft traditions and quality, which many of our passengers want to take with them on their journeys.”
The opening ceremony of Illums Bolighus was attended by three of Denmark’s best known Christmas decoration designers, who each gave their take on what will be the Christmas trends.
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The Illums Bolighus shop is decorated with gold and tinsel to evoke a Christmas atmosphere (Photos: Ernst Tobisch) | |
Christmas for adults
Oda Wiedbrecht, who exports her Danish crafts worldwide and whose paper cuts are a hit among tourists, said: “I usually say that I do Christmas for grown-up children. People tend to go back to things they remember from their childhood. That feels comfortable and cosy.
“The style of my paper cuts with nostalgic, cosy and traditional motifs has become more popular in recent years. I see that as a result of the financial crisis. In times of crisis, people like to go back to things they remember and feel good about,” she added.
Focus on things that are light as a feather
Jette Frølich’s Christmas collection is based on things that are ‘light as a feather’: “A combination of carbon paper and a bit of metal, that’s my style. I have developed my design in this direction over many years,” she said.
According to Frølich, gold has been a great hit for ten years; today that seems “a bit too much”.
“I therefore began using zinc, which is more rustic, as well as silver and iron together with my handmade paper cuts. I see a beginning trend of using several colours,” she added.
Christmas with power and shine
Designer Ole Kortzau presented his Karen Blixen-inspired Christmas decorations designed for Rosendal, most of them in silver.
“What is interesting for me is to design things that are attractive and decorative. Something I would like to use for my own decorations. The decorations should not look like something made at a factory; so many other things look like that. That’s is not what I like to do,” Kortzau said.
“I make things that shine. Examples are my candleholders and my stars for the Christmas tree. They have an uneven surface which makes for interesting light reflections. They are extremely shiny and make for a powerful experience,” he added.
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