Henrik Vibskov’s début at Gallery

The Gallery International Fashion Fair has become known for its selection of possibly the

highest quality and most creative brands to be seen at a European Fashion fair, as well as for its Scandinavian character. The Danish Fashion fair has actually succeeded in getting almost all renowned Scandinavian brands under one roof, a feat which hasn’t been accomplished by any other organisation until now. Henrik Vibskov will make his entrance this year at the Gallery and for this reason we have spoken to the popular Danish fashion label’s sales director, Jacob Valdemar.

How would you describe the Vibskov brand?
“Almost right after graduating from Central St. Martins in 2001, he started his own label. It has gone very quickly since then. We are now no less than 19 collections further and to give you some idea: since 2003 he is the only Scandinavian designer with a show at the Paris Fashion Week. The name Henrik Vibskov is not only associated with a leading fashion label but predominantly also with the eccentric universes that Vibskov creates. ‘The Big Wet Shiny Boobies’, ‘The Solar Donkey Experience’, ‘The Slippery Spiral Situation’ and ‘The Fabulous Bicycle Music Factory’, are but a handful of names from our recent shows. Henrik Vibskov started out as a men’s label but that soon changed. Together with fellow student Maja Brix, Vibskov has been designing characteristic women’s collections for years alongside his men’s line. Everyone that knows our label will agree that Henrik Vibskov stands for unique designs, inspired by unique worlds. As well as a designer Vibskov is a drummer, travelling the globe with his band. He also finds time to exhibit in galleries over the world (including the Zeeuw's Museum, ed.), which just goes to show that this designer has a limitless creative flow, which is precisely what the Henrik Vibskov brand is known for. Despite Vibsko’s principle never to give clothing to celebrities for commercial aims, many famous names have been spotted in Henrik Vibskov’s designs, including Kanye West, Bjork, The Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand and Lou Reed. The Henrik Vibskov label is currently available in a few, select, high end stores such as Seven in New York, Midwest in Tokyo, Traffic in Moskou, SPM+ in Amsterdam and naturally the Henrik Vibskov shops in Copenhagen and Oslo.”

What made your label decide to take part in Gallery?
“The Gallery organisation invited us to show our collection on the fair floor in February. Precisely at the right time! We normally present our collection from our permanent showroom in Vesterbro, but it is important for the brand that we also try something new.”

What do you expect from the fair?
“The entire Gallery atmosphere has an especially good vibe. Vibskov has been a success on the market for years, but we hope to reach a new target audience through Gallery; here in Denmark and certainly internationally. We are also looking forward to meeting old friends from the trade.”

What makes Gallery an appropriate fair for the label?
“Firstly the fact that the label is under the same roof as numerous other high quality brands. It is also of utmost importance to collaborate with other sellers. The sales environment is not always clear-cut and it’s hard work. Ten hour days are commonplace, as is often working through the night to then start early again the next day. Yet we have passion for our business and love all aspects equally. At Gallery, we are all in the same boat and that adds an extra dimension to the atmosphere on the fair floor.”

Why should Gallery visitors marvel at Vibskov in particular?
“We plan to replicate part of our own showroom, a challenge in itself. Everyone that visits our stands gets a good impression of our daily office environment as well as of our new collections. This way we can perfectly demonstrate what Vibskov stands for!”

What do you think is a definite must-see in Copenhagen for foreign visitors?
“The Henrik Vibskov store on the Krystalgade of course and for a good cup of coffee you must definitely go to the Old Mate in Nansensgade!”