Under the brooding sky of a Copenhagen night, Danish fashion house Han Kjøbenhavn unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Royals”. The runway, set against the stark, industrial backdrop of an urban landscape, became a canvas for Artistic Director Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen’s raw and emotional narrative—a homage to the kings and queens of the concrete jungle.
Davidsen, known for his ability to fuse gritty realism with a profound sense of identity, drew inspiration from his own upbringing. “Royals” is a story of youth, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed in the urban sprawl. It’s about those who navigate the concrete labyrinths with a sense of quiet nobility, the unsung heroes and heroines who wear their resilience like a crown.
The collection’s title, “Royals,” speaks to the idea of an alternative royalty—one not born of lineage or privilege, but of grit, loyalty, and an indomitable spirit. The clothes themselves echo this sentiment, blending the rugged textures of the city with the elegance of high fashion. Each piece tells a story of the urban battlefield, where friendships are forged in the fires of shared experiences and hardships.
The runway was awash with dark, moody tones, reflecting the often harsh realities of city life. Yet, within this palette, there were moments of brightness—flashes of colour and intricate detailing that symbolised the strength and beauty found within the struggle. Tailored pieces, heavy fabrics, and oversized silhouettes dominated the collection, juxtaposed with softer elements that hinted at the vulnerability beneath the tough exterior.
Davidsen’s designs are a love letter to the streets, a celebration of those who thrive in the concrete kingdom. As models walked the runway, the atmosphere was thick with a sense of camaraderie, a brotherhood and sisterhood bound not by blood but by the shared experience of growing up in the city. These are the modern royals, crowned not by birthright but by their journey through the urban jungle.
Han Kjøbenhavn’s SS25 collection is a powerful statement on identity, belonging, and the beauty that can arise from even the most unforgiving environments. It is a reminder that royalty is not just found in palaces, but also in the hearts of those who flourish in the concrete, creating their own kingdom from the ground up.
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