Henry Tuppen

(CPHFW) ROTATE SS25: A Whimsical Dance of Romance and Elegance

Image: Sarah Schindler (@thecouleurofstyle)

In a celebration of the ephemeral beauty of summer romance, ROTATE's Spring/Summer 2025 collection transports us into a world where sensuality, sensitivity, and the thrill of fleeting moments take centre stage. Presented against the lush backdrop of Copenhagen’s Royal Library Gardens, the collection is a masterful blend of optimism and sparkle, capturing the essence of a season filled with light and warmth.

This collection draws inspiration from the escapist spirit of the 1920s, a time when fashion revelled in the joy of frivolity and carefree elegance. ROTATE reinterprets this ethos through a modern lens, infusing their signature bold aesthetic with whimsical designs that dance between the playful and the refined. Lively ruffles and fringes adorn cropped suiting pants, cap-sleeved shirts, and opulent chiffon dresses, bringing a sense of movement and joy to each piece. The daring inclusion of top-to-bottom buttons on dresses, denim, and jackets invites a playful interaction, while fluid drapery introduces a counterbalance of elegance and grace.

Intricate detailing is the hallmark of this collection. Delicate sequin embroidery mimics the form of scalloped shells, while pearlized beads conjure the effect of stained glass, adding a touch of vintage glamour. The colour palette, with its buttery yellows, blush pinks, and dove blues, evokes the luscious lightness of summer, enhanced by thoughtful finishes and delicate fabrics that capture the essence of the season.

Floral motifs, a recurring theme in ROTATE's collections, are reimagined with fresh iterations that bring the blossoming prints to life. Exuberant beaded roses embellish sheer dresses, while the brand’s signature 3D piped peonies appear in cotton poplin, heavy satin, and chiffon varieties. In a striking nod to nature, daisies are laser-cut into PU pieces, and a voluminous high-neck dress features a skirt draped to emulate the folds and layers of petals, creating a look that is both ethereal and grounded in organic beauty.

The collection is elevated by the addition of striking jewellery from renowned Danish jeweller Pandora. Sculptural rings, bangles, and earrings from the Pandora Essence Collection, along with the iconic snake chain bracelet and hoop earrings from the Pandora Moments Collection, are styled deliberately and stacked to introduce an unexpected edge to the ethereal garments. Bespoke pieces, handcrafted by artist Grete Henriette, mirror the collection’s floral motifs. Notably, an ornamental maxi dress adorned with 2,000 Pandora Timeless Silver Tennis Bracelets and ROTATE’s signature peony reimagined in belts and embellishments, made from over 300 Pandora Moments 14K yellow gold-plated necklaces, showcase the synergy between fashion and fine jewellery.

The ROTATE SS25 collection, with its blend of 1920s escapism and contemporary boldness, is a celebration of the fleeting, magical moments of summer. It’s a collection that invites us to revel in the joy of the season, to embrace the romance of light fabrics, intricate details, and the timeless allure of floral motifs. Set against the Art Deco-inspired Royal Library Gardens, this collection is a perfect marriage of nature and design, a tribute to the enduring beauty of summer’s most enchanting qualities.