Fashion Forward

Following Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design festival, the lure of Danish design gains ever more international appreciation. Typically, this references mid-century design with its minimalist appeal and continuous contemporary make-overs. Yet this year, one brand bucked the trend: Royal Copenhagen, the heritage porcelain company founded in 1775 under the patronage of Denmark’s then Queen Juliane Marie. Known for its elaborate, traditional patterns such as the Blue Fluted Plain and Flora Danica, and loved for its precision perfect handmade tableware, the brand ventures into a new era with a bold home collection.

2025 marks Royal Copenhagen 250th anniversary, a moment to celebrate its rich legacy and cultural significance with a multitude of workshops, exhibitions and limited edition launches. Most homes in the country have at least one piece of Royal Copenhagen’s cherished sets. Now, with its latest launch, Royal Copenhagen takes a step away from classic tableware, moving into the world of interior objects with the striking curves of the Kontur collection. 

Organically flowing, sculptural shapes define the four objects – a vase, a dish, a small trinket box and a limited-edition lamp – seemingly, a radical departure. And yet, the blue wave-like forms are a clear homage to the brand’s triple wave signature found on the back of every single product, while the spray-paint by hand is a signature technique used for the world-famous Christmas plates, perfectly showcasing the versatility of Royal Copenhagen’s skilled craftspeople.

“This collection is a mix of century old techniques and modern technology,” says Jasper Toron Nielsen, the brand’s Creative Director, “a natural extension of our heritage”. After a year in the job, Jasper Toron Nieslen’s fashion roots – he previously worked for Burberry, Givenchy and Tom Ford – and contemporary vision are taking shape. In August, the company will launch another bold collection, with an exquisitely playful tea set and centre piece, referencing original archive designs with fresh fantastical details.

“Our anniversary is a moment to go heavy on heritage, while injecting elements of magical fairytale. We want to encourage people to be creative as they personalise their tablescapes.” This invitation to curate more individual, elevated home settings, paves the way for Royal Copenhagen’s future appeal, attracting both longtime fans as well as a younger audience. The pride and passion that goes into creating these meticulously handmade porcelain products, however, remains unchanged – a jewel in Denmark’s design crown.