At this season’s Copenhagen Fashion Week, fashion brand Samsøe Samsøe is redefining the runway experience with its innovative pop-up café.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Papirøen 57, 1436 København, Denmark
Design: Fatima Fransson, Samsøe Samsøe
Brand: Samsøe Samsøe
Photography: Courtesy of Samsøe Samsøe
Located at Papirøen 57, 1436 København, Denmark, within the vibrant Paper Island urban area, this pop-up café, named Kaffebar, is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. Designed in collaboration with local set designer Fatima Fransson, the space is a testament to Samsøe Samsøe’s commitment to community and sustainability.
The Kaffebar isn’t your typical fashion week coffee stop. Instead of the usual array of solo tables, the space features a communal table and seating crafted from discontinued Samsøe Samsøe denim. This thoughtful design not only underscores the brand’s dedication to circularity but also encourages a sense of connection and conversation among attendees.
The café’s design is a nod to the local café culture, which values communal experiences over isolated encounters. By creating a space that fosters interaction, Samsøe Samsøe is challenging the conventional norms of fashion week presentations. Visitors will find themselves engaging in dialogues over coffee, surrounded by immersive experiences and panel discussions, including a noteworthy talk on spatial design.
In a week filled with sensory overload from fashion shows and presentations, Samsøe Samsøe’s approach offers a refreshing change. The pop-up café serves as a calm retreat from the usual frenzy, aligning with the brand’s ethos without adding to the overwhelming influx of new collections. By focusing on community and sustainability, Samsøe Samsøe effectively communicates its values through a creative and non-traditional venue.
The decision to use deadstock denim as a central element of the café’s design is both a nod to the brand’s heritage and a statement on sustainable fashion practices. This choice not only highlights the brand’s dedication to reducing waste but also subtly integrates its fashion identity into the space without the need for a conventional collection showcase.
Samsøe Samsøe’s pop-up café stands out for its innovative use of space and material. By turning discarded denim into stylish furnishings and creating a gathering space for attendees, the brand underscores its commitment to both local culture and global sustainability. The partnership with Fatima Fransson further amplifies this connection, showcasing the brand’s support for emerging local talent and its influence on the Copenhagen fashion scene.
This café, with its blend of sustainable design and community focus, is a testament to how fashion brands can move beyond traditional presentation methods. Samsøe Samsøe proves that fashion week can be more than just a series of runway shows—it can be a platform for engaging with the community and advancing meaningful conversations about design and sustainability.
For those visiting Copenhagen Fashion Week, the Kaffebar offers a unique opportunity to experience fashion in a new light, reflecting the brand’s core values while providing a space for connection and reflection.
