Updated: 21 Sep 2024

Image Credit: W Magazine
Photo: Yuliya Christensen/Getty Images

The other-wordly fairytale aesthetic borrows painterly patterns, sculptures, bright and cheery color palettes with a poetic sensibility.

Image Credit: WWD
Photo: Sarah Stenfeldt Hanse

Danish designer Emilie Helmstedt first debuted her first collection, Oceania, during Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2018. While her brand didn’t present for SS25 at Copenhagen Fashion Week this fall, this brand is a whimsical and artful vision that simply can’t be overlooked. Since its inception, HELMSTEDT has been a brand that evokes quality, comfort and color, and works with sustainable fabrics in order to reduce its environmental footprint.

Impressively, Emilie’s interdisciplinary vision was awarded the LVMH Prize as a semi-finalist. Her work marries art and fashion—every print is hand-painted with vibrant brushstrokes that adorn her collections. “I respect that the creative process takes time and that the path towards the final version of the print and style never follows one set template” she remarked.

SS25 INSPIRATION - "COUNTRYSIDE"
Image Credit: @helmstedt_

Backstage at Helmsedt’s SS25 Presentation

Inspired by sculptures and poetry, Helmstedt creates other-wordly whimsical frocks—even borrowing loungewear out of the bedroom. HELMSTEDT's aesthetic centers around colorful playfulness. Her pieces are a sunny statement, mixed with majestic maxi dresses that feel magical. HELMSTEDT's SS25 looks is a collection entitled “Emotions”.

Her new pieces were showcased outside in Copenhagen’s Kogens Nytorv (King’s New Square) alongside a large sculpture installation that will travel throughout the Danish capital in the weeks thereafter. The sculpture — a series of abstract hearts — was produced by HELMSTEDT and her sister in their Christiania district workshop, according to WWD.

HELMSTEDT’s office and showroom is located in the center of Copenhagen, decorated with an old set design the team made, with Sade vibes and all.

Emilie notes that the brands aesthetic is elaborate and “characterised by openness and playfulness towards the way colours, shapes and expressions can align. The happiness that colours can bring to everyday life serves as a mantra for each collection. When you put on the designs, it feels like you're wearing little pieces of art” she stated.

Image Credit: WWD
Looks from Helmstedt's Staycation collection. Courtesy of Helmstedt.

Although you may not have heard of her just yet, Emilie Helmstedt’s fanciful work has been worn by Bella Hadid, Brie Larson, and Kendall Jenner—and her art-forward brand has been making waves within the fashion industry for the past 5 years, though it’s still an insider hidden gem.