Maria Hjortdal Veng Larsen
Hanna Kovanen
Maria in Cecilie Bahnsen and jewellery from Sophie Bille Brahe.
Back on track with my favorite project. For those not familiar with the concept, I started the Chic Ladies interview series whilst I was working under Styleby to highlight sharp and inspiring women who work in the fashion space.
Next I would love to introduce you to Maria Hjortdal Veng Larsen who coordinates PR and Sales at Sophie Bille Brahe, the chicest jewellery export from Denmark. I met Maria in Paris a bit over year ago, as I had been invited to view their new collection privately, and was completely smitten by her low key yet strikingly fashionable appearance. But that is no wonder, as she comes from center of the Danish fashion scene. As told by Maria:
Tell me about your style.
I love to wear uncomplicated, loose clothing I can move and bike in, but it needs to have a well-groomed touch. For instance, if I wore a simple pajamas, I would prefer that the touch and look of the fabric are of high quality. Or if I wore a loose hand-me-down shirt, then I would add a pearl necklace like the Peggy or a pair of diamond earrings such as the Boucle Ensemble, both from Sophie Bille Brahe.
I have a wide taste and I love to wear Cecilie Bahnsen, Acne Studios, Supreme in addition to vintage pieces, so I tend to buy into a lot of no-brand, pre-owned clothing.
Why do you think the Danish look is so appealing?
I feel we have a different take on how to dress, as we are not afraid of “not being on point” or “not being dressed properly”. We take chances and I feel we are deeply inspired by each other’s looks, but I would never do a copy-paste. You would create a look with a similar feel which is why trends evolve quite fast, as we all have our own interpretation.
The 4 ever love known as the Croissant de Ensemble ring.
What's on your wish list?
My wish list is ever-changing and I am addicted to Etsy and Vestiaire, where I love to browse, find old gems and then heart them as my favorites. It almost feels like buying the clothes when I heart them, and then I can always look back at all these amazing pieces every time I feel like I need something.
At present, I am looking into furniture because I am trying to make my home a comfy place - where you want to stay for a while. However, I love this amazing silk pajama set from a New York based label, Olatz, in fuchsia. I would wear it on the set on a workday or just wear the pants with a washed-out t-shirt.
My forever love (besides my boyfriend lol) is the beautiful Croissant de Ensemble ring from Sophie Bille Brahe! Can we all just agree on how amazing it is!
Also, I often travel to Paris to do PR and sales, and we always showcase at the beautiful, old historic L’Hotel in Saint Germain. Right next to it you will find a Buly store. If you haven’t heard about this beauty brand, you have been left in the dark! Established in 1803 on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, Buly is only working with natural products and their packaging is so extremely adorable. I would love to add their scented cleansing oil to my beauty regime for the cold winter months in Denmark. HUILE DE SAVON, Scented Cleansing Oil, 190ml. Available for 6 scents.
Favorite beauty products?
I am a die-hard fan of retinol and acids (so geeky), so I love to go down the rabbit hole on YouTube whilst trying to understand which element actually does something! What has an actual scientific proof behind it?I love the Retinol Crème and Oil by Ren, Buly’s Face Crème, Citron Douche shower cream by Weleda and my Karmameju lip balm.
How would you spend a day off in Copenhagen?
I only have days off during the weekend, so I would start the day with a morning walk with my dog, and then go to the local bakery called ‘Verdens Rummet’ to buy a simple bun or a piece of bread. Head home and make a simple classic breakfast for my boyfriend and I, and then we would normally spend the day hanging out with our friends.
I spend a lot of time in the center of Copenhagen, Paris and New York when I work, so for me the true pleasure in a day off is spending it on the coach with my man, dog and friends. Perhaps at the end of the day we would go to a nearby bar that makes their own draft beer. The place is called Kølsters 12 Haner and they make this very special light IPA.
If my boyfriend is working, which he often is during the weekend since he is a chef, that is when I go to the place where he works and order my favorite dishes with friends! The place is called Restaurant Safari and I can highly recommend it!
Maria wearing the upcoming Sienna Grand earrings - available in June.
Do you have any special plans for 2020?
Rebuilding my kitchen and hopefully seeing new places in the world!
For now I only have plans for a lovely week in Portugal with my friends and a weekend trip to Germany, where I will join a big summer party held in the woods by a German family that I know. Each year they build their own little festival in a way. You spend the first days building the outdoor kitchen and then throw a huge party, and lastly you take everything down again. It has grown a lot and I think over 200 people will join in on the festive this year!