Three Fortunes For Copenhagen:

As summers go, this one has been verily enjoyed- spending a considerable portion of my leave in Copenhagen, Denmark. I have indeed experienced many museums and other cultural delights, but little did I know that I would stumble onto three of the city’s best men’s appurtenance- and more proper clothier gems. Spread throughout the city centre, there are of course many shops and stores selling fine menswear, but the ones I choose to relate on and impart about are moreover because of the people working who really did enhance the visit and made it memorable. And although these establishments fit somewhat different categories, they all have their place and use, whether one should seek vintage miscellany, hunting accessories, or made to measure apparel.

First was the retro-classic Something Special, located near Grovbrødretorv, which held plenty of special things inside- including the man behind it all, Mr. Awsi, an elderly gentleman at the time of our visit. Yet, the moment we entered he was there to greet us; quick witted and with an eye for business- he danced around the room at our every inquiry to assist and to tell us about the many curiosities he had curated for purview. His assortment of vintage ties hung and enamelled jewellery gleaming from large cabinets were especially remarkable, though he offered glassware and ceramics, lamps and furniture also. An old lattice pattern tie, most likely from around the late fifties to mid-sixties due to its “architectural” design, caught my attention and came along with me for a reasonable sum of 300 Danish kroners. Thoughtfully, he wrapped it neat in a green-paper, floral motif bag; the perfect way to bring home a keepsake memento in place of a useless souvenir. It is very much so the spot to go if you need something special.

Having only strolled past one night, I knew I had to come back and experience for myself what Game & Gun at Bredgade had in store. Where the windows had been an invitation to gawk in the dark, by day, the inside delivered absolutely: Taxidermy game and fowl to greet at every turn- mixed in with exclusive hunting clothes by Holland & Holland, clothing from well-known brands like Laksen Sporting and Barbour, to name only a few, exquisite guns produced custom- and handmade top of the line in Denmark, as well as a pleasant assortment of other hunting kit and leather goods. Although such an establishment might seem intimidating at a glance, the polite and genuine staff made the visit feel comfortable and relaxed. In fact, it seems they truly make the effort to see whoever should drop by; be that by their relatively new “second hand” section of brands they carry, or by the super soft sofas and coffee machine downstairs, not to mention the services they offer in terms of traditional rifle making- and heritage maintenance. This is a place you could spend literal hours, and actually, I think you might be welcome to. But, be warned; you might well be tempted to leave with a full British gentleman’s hunting wardrobe.

Later on, again, I found myself staring at some rather handsome jackets displayed in the shopfront window of the “House of Vinterberg” while enjoying cakes and coffee at Conditori La Glace in Skoubogade. Walking up the stairs and into the studio showroom we met a charming young fellow who, upon request, gladly told us about the enterprise. Established in 2025, he was one of the founding members of this made-to-measure adventure. As he told us, they had all seen the lacking scenes of fast fashion and recognised a desire for effortlessly stylish, timeless clothing with a “modern twist” among other young men. And so, through the direction of Mr. S. R. Vinterberg, and the combined efforts of his associates, set up the business from scratch, seeking to bridge the old and the new in what has resulted in rather a satisfying and deceptively simple, elegant look. Naturally, with tasteful models to begin with, folder selections of choice fabrics, and an easy-going, welcoming approach to garment customisation, one could assuredly have Scandinavian gentleman’s classics made here, be it for formal or informal wear, or indeed for the field.

Visiting Copenhagen this time around has, in short, been both eye opening and inspiring. Although the three stores showcased here rightly have their differences, what is striking about them all, in my opinion, is their aim without pretence. In general, I feel it has become a rarity for businesses to offer something genuine. In contrast, I think establishments like these are key in terms of presentation, preservation and creation of cultural style elements, and to me, it is good to know that they are there to connect, elevate and progress in the Scandinavian context. My mind wanders immediately in this vein, and dares romanticise about a Nordic renaissance that might challenge the ever-increasing conventions of fast fashion and material corruption. It is a pretty sight in my imagination, where the Scandinavian gentleman’s leisure enjoyment and sporting adventures are formed more so for its own contexts than that of others. As shown, we have in fact our own talented visionaries, and we can indeed bring forth something great in our own spirit. And this, I will aim to do onwards.

Thank you.