Holiday Destination: Copenhagen
A recap of CPHFW, and something that's really helping me after my recent miscarriage, as recommended by my younger sister going through IVF
Coucou from Paris! I am back home with the boys after such a special week in Copenhagen for fashion week. It was my first full week for CPHFW and I had the absolute best time. It’s such a calm city, even with the energy of fashion week, and despite the rain (I wasn’t ready to ruin my Chanel loafers and lived in my Adidas Samba’s most of the week) everyone I spoke to was so happy and positive. I was always seated next to the loveliest girls and got to know so many new people in the industry. I was chatting to a few fashion buyers and have been reflecting on our conversation, as I’ve always loved the idea of becoming a buyer one day. I’ve realised, as a fashion influencer, we too play such an important role in the industry and influence others with our personal ‘edit’ everyday — from the brands we support, pieces we wear, and even the individual looks from the runway we choose to share with our audience. I really noticed this as girls weren’t filming throughout the shows, but only when a look really resonated with them
Highlights of the week were The Garment, GESTUZ and ROTATE. Each show I attended felt truly unique, and playful and bold in their own way. There were some great spring/summer essentials and transeasonal pieces to add to our wardrobe including slightly oversized floor length coats (denim or leather), sheer dresses and tops, a new skirt length that falls just to the knee, and hot pants (or textured briefs). I love the idea of hot pants styled under a sweeping coat, as I saw at the pre-fall 23 Ferragamo presentation at Dover Street Market in London. Ballet flats are here to stay as well. I saw these crystal ballet flats from Khaite at a dinner and love them. These Dear Frances mesh ballerina flats are also amazing. I just can’t decide on black or white.
In between the shows, presentations and catchups with friends I tried to visit a few of my favourite spots in Copenhagen. You might be familiar with The Roe Bar & Louise Roe Gallery for ceramics and homewares (and their beautiful café), but I fell in love with smaller concept store Tadaima. I bought this amazing David Mellor stainless steel Cafetière 3 Cup (coffee plunger) and creamer as we look to invest in a quality espresso machine.
Three months ago I sadly had a miscarriage (you can hear about my experience here on our HOLIDAY podcast). My younger sister, who is currently going through IVF in Melbourne recommended this incredible book, It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett (second edition). Even though as women we are born with all the eggs we will ever have, I didn’t realise they start to mature around 3-4 months before ovulation. If you are thinking about conceiving, having trouble with fertility, have experienced a miscarriage or multiple miscarriages, or are going through IVF, the book gives invaluable information into things within our control to help improve our egg quality — such as important supplements (beyond folic acid) and limiting our exposure to endocrine disrupters such as BPA and phthalates, found in so many everyday items such as plastic bottled water, kitchenware and utensils, and our standard espresso and sparkling water machines that constantly house and run water through plastic parts.
The book is such a good, gentle reminder to read labels and already I have made so many changes to my beauty routine. Sammy and I have switched out our deodorants to these natural Salt & Stone ones. I have checked all the boys tableware to ensure it is BPA free plastic. We love using the stainless steel water bottles from 24Bottles and lunchboxes from Seed & Sprout. I bought the Apothecary hand wash from FRAMA, housed in a glass bottle. I have also been more conscious of our diet and started taking recommended supplements, starting with CoQ10 and cold-pressed vitamin D and I have ordered Iron (with vitamin C), Iodine, and a Vitamin B12 + Folic Acid/Folate complex that is more bio-available than the one I am currently taking. I highly recommend the book — I was reading it on my iPhone, so whenever I had a minute I could easily continue reading. I hope it helps you on your journey too.
If you’re heading to Copenhagen, I definitely have some favourite cafes (especially for sourdough bread, whipped salted butter and cheese). Orsa does an amazing oat flat white or matcha latte, go early to Apotek 57 for the cardamon buns before they sell out (and visit FRAMA next door). Atelier September is just down the street. I haven’t tried Sonny, but its on my list for next time. Apollo Bar is always amazing for lunch, dinner or just a drink at the bar. Make a reservation at ESMÉE for dinner. Just down from Orsa there are a few vintage stores, I loved Rosy Vintage for designer pieces. I also bought the most beautiful leather gloves (in anticipation for fall) from By Malene Birger. The store is so stunning! Definitely visit when you are in town.
Bisous x
Saasha Burns is an Australian fashion and lifestyle influencer who lives in Paris with her husband, entrepreneur Sammy Leetham, and two young boys, Atlas and Ocean. Together, they host the HOLIDAY podcast where they share personal stories, their parenting journey, travels, careers and life as a young family in Paris.