The famous Tivoli Gardens hosts its first ever fashion show during CPHFW

The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen has in many ways defined the ways the Danish city entertains itself since opening in 1843. As the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world, Tivoli’s distinct architecture was built in the style of an imaginary Orient. After dark, kaleidoscopic lights illuminated the gardens while on certain evenings, specially designed fireworks could be seen reflected in Tivoli's lake – a remnant of the moat surrounding the city fortifications.

Many rides and attractions in the amusement park and pleasure gardens have been derived from works of Scandinavian literature. Now one of these roller coasters will serve as the location of Soeren Le Schmidt’s autumn/winter 2022 show.

Set in one of Tivoli Garden’s most iconic rides – ‘Den Flyvende Kuffert’ (The Flying Trunk) – this is the first time the amusement park has hosted a runway show. The ride is inspired by the story of the same name written by Danish author and poet HC Andersen. Released in 1839, the story follows a young man who receives a flying trunk that carries him to Turkey, where he visits the Sultan’s daughter.

HC Andersen also inspired Le Schmidt’s collection. “My approach to design matches HC Andersen's approach to adventure and storytelling technique,” the designer explains. He believes that HC Andersen's approach to storytelling fits in extremely well in 2022, even though it is more than 130 years since the author wrote his last fairytales.

It was HC Andersen’s universal appeal, writing characters that speak to readers across ages, languages and cultures that attracted Le Schmidt in the first place. “No matter who you are or where you come from, as a designer I always try to create something beautiful for you based on your personality, figure and taste. It is something I find extremely exciting.”

See Søren Le Schmidt’s full show tonight, on February 1 at 18:00.