Fresh from By Malene Birger’s SS27 show at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the brand’s newly-appointed head of design Sydney Roark shares the late-summer buys she’s adding to basket and what she’s looking forward to in fashion this autumn …
Newly-appointed head of design at By Malene Birger, Sydney Roark was born in California and educated in Italy. Now living in Copenhagen, her California upbringing still influences her style. “I love to get dressed up but at the end of the day comfort is what drives the way I dress,” she says. The models which sauntered down the runway at the brand’s SS27 show, held recently at Copenhagen Fashion Week, certainly looked comfortable. They also looked elegant and, most elusive of all, they looked cool. Roark has worked for five years at the Danish fashion brand, before taking the reins as head of design, working closely with creative director Emilie Martinsen-Kønigsfeldt, who has spearheaded the brand’s success in the international arena.
With a distinct, in-the-know air to the label’s following, By Malene Birger is a by-word for a clean kind of aesthetic that is far edgier than any quiet luxury cliches. The just-debuted SS27 collection balanced the house’s codes with a contemporary feel: striped shirting and black midi skirts were respun with black headbands, an iridiscent blouse (no doubt, made for cocktail hour in sunny climes) was teamed with straight-leg jeans and woven flats, while sublime slip dresses were executed in feminine shades of soft pink. Here, Roark shares everything that’s on her radar for late August shopping, as well as what she’s looking forward to for autumn.
The definition of good style is: how you carry yourself and combine things in your wardrobe – feeling confident in what you wear makes all the difference.
Denmark is a source of inspiration right now. I spent a week along the Danish coastline this summer and I loved the stormy weather and the beach vibe. You always have a bathing suit and a sweater with you but you enjoy the outdoors no matter what.
I’m not sure I believe in a capsule wardrobe. More so, I believe in a solid base, adding in pieces along the way that either feel special from travelling or remind me of a significant moment in life. One of my favorite pieces that I always come back to are my wedding earrings by Sophie Buhai which give a nice statement to even the simplest of outfits.
The item I just bought to wear for summer is: a vintage Etro scarf skirt.
Currently in my shopping basket is: shoes!
The one item I always repurchase is: a bun with butter and cheese from Hart Bakery in Copenhagen.
The beauty buy that’s changed my life is: lipstick. I’m a sucker for nice packaging and I love Rouge Hermès satin lipstick in Erable.
If money were no object, this season I’d buy: an oversized painting by the artist Peggy Kuiper.
I always bring … a homemade cake as a hostess gift. Or flowers if I don’t have time.
The one item I’d buy now that’ll carry over into autumn is: a great knit that you can wear as a scarf when the evenings start to get colder or layered under a blazer later on.
The one summer trend I can’t get on board with is: socks with sandals.
The least stylish thing I own that I wear all the time is: my husband’s 20-year-old Hard Rock Cafe T-shirt. It’s a bit of a running joke but I can’t let it go!
Black Adeline shearling jacket, €2,300; www.bymalenebirger.com.
When my creative well is running low I like to: read a bit before bed each night just to clear my mind and enter a different universe.
Undoubtedly, growing up in California has influenced my style. I love to get dressed up but at the end of the day comfort is what drives the way I dress.
On my radar to buy for autumn is: a By Malene Birger shearling coat (pictured above), of course.
Collage credits (clockwise from top left): Sydney Roark; By Malene Birger SS27; Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick Rouge Erable, Hermès, €80.40; www.flannels.ie; By Malene Birger; By Malene Birger AW26; Instagram @peggy_kuiper; image by @alexdanielsreflex.
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