Cecilie Bahnsen embraces change, while maintaining her brand
In her company’s profile, on The Business of Fashion, Cecilie Bahnsen explains her brand’s aesthetic methodology. In this work she states, ‘“For me, there is power and strength in romance and femininity.” Her Spring 2020 collection, continues to build on these brand aesthetics and convictions, while venturing into new territory. In an interview with Harriet Fitch Little, of Kinfolk magazine, as of June 2019, Bahnsen states that she wants to incorporate masculine aesthetics into her design repertoire. The spring collection reflects her new experimentation with masculine characteristics, while remaining true to her trademark ladylike style.
Bahnsen relies on texture for visual interest. The collection features soft crinkled transparent fabrics, rigid and fluid fabrics have a ribbed ocean wave appearance, a few looks have quilting, a recurring technique utilized by the brand, as noted by Annabell Nugent in Suitcase, that resemble houndstooth or floral motifs. Knits that are small and intricate, or in chunky ribbed variations, the latter seen under a layer of feathers, also contribute to the collection’s diverse range of textures. According to the CecilieBahsen.com, the textiles the designer utilizes are “...hand-designed each season…”.
Other notable design and construction details in this collection include scalloped hemlines, and ruffles. Another interesting detail was seen in a utilitarian style jacket and pant suit combination. The ensemble featured faint lace print stripes.
Silhouettes range from fluid to tailored, consistent with the designer’s tendencies noted on CecilieBahnsen.com. Two looks combined these characteristics. These examples feature transparent chiffon sleeveless dresses, over opaque suits. Additionally, the collection’s sleeves range from slender and streamlined, to “...puffed...,” the latter consistent with the brand’s tendencies noted by Nugent.
Finally, the collection features a simple, almost neutral, color palette. The palette includes the colors white, black, cream, pale pink, a soft canary yellow, and dark grey.
The collection continues to maintain the brand’s ladylike aesthetics, while exploring suiting, a concept traditionally associated with menswear. Additionally, the collection’s color palette and lack of ornamentation allows the pieces to not be associated with passing trends, which allows it to meet the needs of customers concerned with wastefulness and sustainability.
Works Cited:
Cecilie Bahnsen Editors. “Information.” Cecilie Bahnsen, n.d., https://ceciliebahnsen.com/information/, Accessed 8 Dec. 2019.
Fior, Filippo (Photographer). Celcilie Bahnsen Runway Collection, Copenhagen Spring 2020, Looks 1- 33, Copenhagen, Vogue, Condé Nast, https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/copenhagen-spring-2020/cecilie-bahnsen#collection, Accessed 8 Dec. 2019.
Little, Harriet Fitch. “Cecile Bahnsen.” Kinfolk, 1 June, 2019, https://kinfolk.com/cecilie-bahnsen/, Accessed 4 Dec. 2019.
Nugent, Annabel. “Global Young Designer Spotlight: Cecilie Bahnsen.” Suitcase, 17 Oct. 2019,
https://suitcasemag.com/fashion/global-style/global-young-designer-spotlight-cecilie-bahnsen/, Accessed 8 Dec. 2019.
The Business of Fashion Editors and Cecile Bahnsen. “BOF Partner: Cecilie Bahnsen - Company Snapshot.” The Business of Fashion, n.d., https://www.businessoffashion.com/organisations/cecilie-bahnsen, Accessed 8 Dec. 2019.