A Developing Story from Frolicking at 3DaysofDesign
Recess-MAXXING, Garden Parties, Horse Girls, and the simple pleasures of laying in bed.
Earlier this week, two days before 3DaysofDesign officially kicked off in Copenhagen, I had already noticed something.
Usually, I keep these kinds of observations to myself until I have enough evidence. But I had become convinced that tetherball and horses were somehow having a moment, so I texted my group chat of fellow Design Darlings, took a screenshot, and blasted it onto my Instagram story with the caption: “🚨This is a developing story🚨”.
Within an hour, the responses were rolling in. “Wait, should I get a tetherball court in my backyard?” “Oh my god, I miss recess.” “I haven’t thought about tetherball in years.”
The more responses I got–and the more time I spent wandering around Copenhagen–the less tetherball, or what I think tetherball might represent, actually felt like a joke.
Over the last week, I’ve found myself drawn to installations that feel oddly nostalgic. Wild florals that make you want to run through a garden. Horse motifs that remind me of summer camp. Installations that invite friendly competition.
I don’t have a fully formed theory yet. This is, after all, still a developing story. But these are a few of the things I’ve been noticing while frolicking around Copenhagen.
Recess-MAXXING
I know you’re all on the edge of your seats to see what prompted this tetherball musing. The theory first occurred to me at FRAMA’s press breakfast with Ark Journal while exploring their Mechanics of Scent installation. Then it happened again when I saw Helle Mardahl’s installation, quite literally titled Game On. Was either one actually tetherball? Not exactly. Did I immediately become convinced that tetherball is having a moment? Absolutely.
Meanwhile, Georg Jensen leaned fully into the theme with At Play, an outdoor installation featuring lawn games and the launch of a collection that included silver yo-yos and spinning tops.
Vipp and Mesura’s From Guesthouse to Playhouse. Perfect for the days when you don’t want to go outside and play during recess.
Garden Party
Every time I come to Copenhagen, I’m reminded that the city itself kind of feels like a garden party. The florals here are unbelievable, not just during 3daysofdesign, but all the time. What I love is that they rarely feel overly precious. The best ones are a little wild and imperfect, like someone gathered them on a walk home rather than spending hours arranging them.
I was thoroughly impressed by Fredericia’s A Chronicle of Danish Design exhibition at their Copenhagen HQ. And since a garden is never complete without its butterflies, it only makes sense to include Nanna Ditzel’s original sketches for her butterfly chair here. Theresa, Fredericia’s Creative Director, gave me the most special tour of their show and sent me down an entire rabbit hole of Nanna’s work (will need to share my findings soon).
Cecile Bahnsen hosted a very lovely aperitivo at Bibliotekshaven Royal Gardens yesterday afternoon, timed perfectly to when the rain finally let up. We were certainly frolicking.
Horse Girls
The last time I rode a horse, I was eight years old at sleepaway camp. I won’t even attempt to pretend I’m a horse girl–that’s a badge of honor I have no business cosplaying under–but I will say, I’ve noticed a surprising number of sweet horse motifs this week.
Spotted in one of the four rooms at RYE’s At the Threshold of Rest. A standout install overall, but also a horse girl moment. I’m also eyeing this bedding made in collaboration with Another Aspect.
Then I stepped across the street and into Baum und Pferdgarten, where a collaboration with CHYLAK had just been unveiled. Noted.
MISCELLANEOUS
I’ve been screaming from the rooftops about how good Tekla was this year. The brand made 24 1/1 Swedish quilts for their install (they are ‘price upon request’ — I should have requested in the name of journalism). The collection was inspired by Charlie Hedin’s childhood in Sweden. While I was there, Jill Singer was over at RYE and texted me, “This week is good in beds.” Couldn’t agree more.
Louis Poulsen and accoutrements at Cafe Malmo at PIN UP dinner afterparty.
Whatever this DJ setup was at HAY’s Ping Pong Bar at Apollo Bar.
My forever dream Reform kitchen by Muller Van Severen.
Thanks for tuning into this dispatch! Hope you liked it. Now I’m off to sit in the sauna at Frederiksberg Svømmehal, the most stunning public pool I’ve ever seen!!
Not not researching which tetherball system to install at the ku