Zeffon is the in-the-know brand the Scandi street stylers swear by

For Zeffon, it all started with a motorcycle jacket. Inspired by Irving Schott’s Harley Davidson leather biker jackets that were designed in the early 1900s, founder Sabrina Rydahl aimed to create a timeless wardrobe staple with certified longevity. “I have always been drawn to them from a young age,” says Rydahl. “I think it is such a statement item.”

The result was the ‘Chirac’, a combination of black leather, silver hardware and zipper detailing, all merged into a perfectly nonchalant oversized silhouette. With a long-lasting appeal, the draw of a leather jacket is undeniable. “They can be passed on through generations, and I think that is so cool,” says Rydahl. “That is how I just knew that the first piece in the collection should be an oversized leather biker jacket."

Founded in 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Zeffon’s laid-back approach to design quickly became a fast favourite for our local tastemakers. Spotted on the likes of Tsutsumi Hoang, Tine Andrea Lauvli, and Emma Noi, the brand’s signature styles are spreading like sartorial wildfire. “The power of social media has made it so easy for people to share and discover different brands,” says Rydahl. “It has been a big part of my journey of being discovered and embraced.”

With a noticeable lack of sweats and hoodies, the brand’s voluminous, masculine silhouettes and colourful aesthetics perfectly embodies the dressy casual fashion that Scandinavia is known for. Furthermore, the Danish brand’s small batch approach and use of low-impact materials are in line with the region’s sustainability mindset. “We always make sure to only create one prototype per style and adjust that one until each detail is perfect,” says Rydahl.

The brand’s aesthetic can be clearly defined as a Copenhagen take on 1990s minimalism. “I source a lot of inspiration through menswear and the surroundings of metropolitan areas throughout Europe,” Rydahl explains. “The design process always starts with a major mood board. Every time I see something that I’m inspired by – whether it’s the look or the story behind it, I place it onto a mood board.” As the designer explains, the source of inspiration ranges from artwork to pictures captured during nights out with friends.

According to Rydahl, the brand’s most iconic piece is the Raphael blazer. With its large signature Zebra print emblazoned on a wide-cut flowy silhouette of a single buttoned blazer, the Raphael is instantly recognisable. “This piece is actually very special to me because I usually do not like animal print. It is just not for me,” explains Rydahl. But Rydahl couldn’t let the zebra print go. “We made the prototype, and I have never been prouder of an outcome than when I saw the Raphael blazer,” she says.

Today, the brand has become synonymous with the best street style captured during Copenhagen Fashion Week. And for Rydahl, seeing her pieces worn and re-worn is what Zeffon should be all about. “When purchasing a Zeffon leather blazer, you should consider it as a timeless piece that you invest in, and that can be passed on for generations,” she says. “It should be seen as something that was popular 20 years ago, is still popular and will continue to be.”

Related: 5 undiscovered Danish brands you need to add to your wardrobe.