More Opera than Sport
OpéraSport showcased a more feminine version of itself at the fashion week’s opening show with a well-balanced collection that played on both new elements and the brand's familiar DNA.This review is brought to you in collaboration with Bolou Fine Jewellery
READ THE ORIGINAL VERSION IN DANISH HERE.
OpéraSport, Monday, August 5, 2024 at 2 PM, Operaparken
Copenhagen Fashion Week kicked off earlier today with OpéraSport, who hosted their show in the new Opera Park. Guests were seated among flowers and tall grasses, while models wandered down winding paths with Copenhagen’s harbour providing a stunning backdrop. It was clear why Copenhagen can be almost magical in the summer.
This location, with its blend of architectural elegance and natural beauty, harmonised beautifully with the collection. Awa Malina and Stephanie Gundelach – the designers behind OpéraSport – drew inspiration from the shapes and colours of Peter Wibroe’s Exillion Garden north of Copenhagen. This garden features elements of French Baroque, Italian Renaissance, and Oriental horticulture. The collection showcased this inspiration through large floral embroideries on vegan leather, as well as a more subdued colour palette primarily of black, white, and light blue, accented by vibrant red and coral hues inspired by the garden’s roses.
The collection also featured many of OpéraSport’s signature styles, such as the black skirt and blouse set with light blue ruffles that opened the show, and the asymmetrical blouses with ruffles that have been a fan favourite since the brand’s inception. In an era where many struggle to stay relevant, it’s refreshing to see how the brand not only introduces new styles but also reinvents bestsellers from previous collections. The draped ‘Eve’ dress, now a signature piece, has been given a transparent and sexier twist this season. Similarly, the swimsuit worn by Mathilde Gøhler has been feminised with small bow details.
Overall, the collection appeared more feminine than previous ones, both in its silhouettes and material choices, such as the long white lace dress or the unique details on both a black trench coat and a blue-striped shirt. The black 90s-inspired capri pants and a black t-shirt with a blue ruffle, both made from swimwear fabric, are equally suited for a nightclub as they are for a pool – a balance the brand has always excelled at.
OpéraSport is one of those brands that steadily improves and gains confidence season after season, and they certainly did so with the new SS25 collection, which is among the best we’ve seen from them. However, a small note on the shoes… While sourcing vintage shoes is both popular and responsible, it doesn’t always translate well on the runway if the shoes don’t fit properly or the models struggle to walk in them. It’s a pity because it slightly detracted from an otherwise truly excellent overall experience.
This review has been translated using ChatGPT.
See a selection of the show looks below and see the entire collection here.
