Brace yourselves, the NORTH WIND is here

Hard to explain and even harder to pronounce, the Danish word hygge (sounds a bit like “hooga”) roughly translates to coziness, but that definition doesn’t quite cover it.

In essence, hygge means creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people around you. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. And let’s not forget the eating and drinking – preferably sitting around the table for hours on end discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps the Danish idea of hygge explains why Danes are often considered the happiest people in the world?

The book of Hygge: The Danish art of living well by Louisa Thomsen Brits serves as to introduce you to this lifestyle. Hygge is a feeling of belonging and warmth, a moment of comfort and contentment. This beautiful little book will help you to find hygge and embrace it every day. Make a pot of coffee, relax in your favourite chair and discover for yourself how life is better with hygge.

Those in the UK, or soon to visit the UK, will be interested to know of a Scandi-orienttated installation open in London right now! From the 6 October to the 27 November, the iconic London Harvey Nichols store collaborates with Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) to present NORTH WIND. Envisioned as an installation to represent the modern Scandinavian man, NORTH WIND presents a curation of menswear, art, gastronomy, design and lifestyle objects.

The concept area, under the direction of CIFF’s creative director Mr. Kristian W. Andersen, has three distinct phases that showcase a blend of creative collaborations and nurture emerging talents. Each phase will appear as the installation evolves, with larger luxury pieces also being shown. Such pieces include the ‘Arctander Chair’ by Paustian, originally designed in 1944 but now with an upgrade of different colours. This new edition is just an example of classic designs upholstered by the collaboration’s creativity.

Amongst the offering of culinary talents, NORTH WIND is working with one of Copenhagen’s most talked about young chefs; Frederik Bille Brahe, founder of Atelier September and restaurant Havfruen, will be creating his signature dishes for a supper event on 3 November in the Wallpaper Bar + Kitchen. The event will demonstrate his ability to elevate everyday food into unique pieces, exemplifying NORTH WIND’s embrace of stand-out talents.

The installation’s first phase, commencing the 6 October until the 21 October and titled ‘Modern Viking’, explores the history of the fierce warrior and introduce to Harvey Nichols’ customers what it means to be a Scandinavian man in today’s climate.

The second, from October 22 to November 2, will pay homage to the Scandinavian’s design taste. ‘Scandis Behind Closed Doors’ seems definitely for those interested in interior design.

The final phase will explore hygge. If you were drawn in by reading about it earlier on, be sure to visit ‘A Little Hygge For the Holidays’. The installation will be unveiled from 3-27 November, just in time for the comforts of Christmas season.