My Style: Sandja Brügmann
Photo: Anders Beier — courtesy of Sandja Brügmann
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Helena Christensen — I just love her bohemian luxury style.
Please describe your style in three words.
Eco-luxury comfort.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not feeling good, grounded and comfortable.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, in certain situations.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cashmere, well-worn linen, ultrafine merino wool, silk, second use cycle leather. What is most important to me is that the company I purchase from shows social and planetary consciousness and makes an effort to practice clean business with a heart.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Personally, I am at a place in my life where I’m playing around with a few new and more expanded styles such as more feminine and playful styles, colours and floral patterns as well as more vintage prints. I used to only wear black — and though I still love black, I find the feminine shapes, softer tones and floral patterns a great compliment to my personal process.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
New York and Copenhagen — the two are very different. Female style in Copenhagen has an almost androgynous feel.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am a mix of both. I wear a lot of classic, comfort pieces, but you rarely see me without an element of bold — often found in my shoes, boots, scarves, sunglasses and jackets.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
To feel comfortable and to feel good. To play with other styles than my usual, and to allow myself plenty of time in yoga pants.
Celebrities and style...
Are like all the rest of us. What we chose to wear is our personal brand and an artistic expression of who we are.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My old beat up Old Gringo cowboy boots — you’ll see me wear them dressed up, dressed down, in yoga leggings, with skirts, fancy dresses, to work, with a bikini and a beach tunic — they are just so comfortable and so me.
A woman should always look...
Uniquely and comfortably herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I am an artist, and I observe the world around me. I always have. When something feels fun, balanced, vibrant, creative, soothing or just ‘right’ it can quickly become part of my world. It’s the same with fashion. To me, fashion and how I dress are a unique and creative expression of my essence.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I do not spend a lot of time thinking about it actually. I know my closet, and I know I can’t go “wrong.” Anything I wear that makes me feel good will let my true self shine through. That’s what truly matters, not so much the actual pieces I wear.
What is your biggest regret?
I was about to say no regrets, but then that awful mullet at age 12 came back to haunt me…
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Buy key pieces of quality and mix with less expensive pieces of a more playful, colourful and width of style ranges, so you can easily create different looks and have fun with it.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Some of my favourite luxury second hand boutiques are in Copenhagen, where I have discovered some of my greatest finds. Otherwise, I mainly purchase items that inspire me on my travels.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
I notice whether or not she seems at peace with herself.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My aforementioned Old Gringo cowboy boots, a second hand purchased vintage Chanel purse, a plexiglass and black pleather wrist watch my granddad made for my mother in the 60s, a colourful Pucci scarf — my big stack of scarves in general from hand-me-downs from my mother’s youth to recent purchase by Danish designer Kudibal. I love scarves. My mother’s wedding band with my father’s name and their wedding date in 1975 engraved (my father passed away in my late teens), and a few leather jackets from Danish design label Munderings Kompagniet.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
We are all human, and I do not believe in perfection as a possibility, and as such I am not disappointed that no design house has ever created a full collection that blows me away.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No… and perhaps a bit of yes when it comes to those fabulous and sexy high heels.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Christian Zigler, innovative entrepreneur and founder of ShopBox.com. Tania Ellis, founder of The Social Business Company.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." — Ghandi
