Founder and creative director of DAY Birger et Mikkelsen,  Keld Mikkelsen, 
established the luxury bohemian brand in Denmark 18 years ago but it is  now bigger outside  that country. It was a huge risk starting a luxe ethnic brand that went against expectations of a clean, streamlined Scandi aesthetic. However, Mikkelsen has always swum against the stream and believes in trusting his instincts when it comes to design.

Keld Mikkelsen
Keld Mikkelsen
Image: Annalize Nel

It has certainly paid off as the company has grown from strength to strength and now has 20 stand-alone stores worldwide. It also supplies wholesale stock to various retailers.  Mikkelsen is an avid traveller and gains inspiration for his collections, which he calls “ethnic with an edge”,  from exotic destinations all over the world. Leather garments are produced in both India and Turkey, with high-end tailoring manufactured in Portugal.

He produces several big collections a year  and is constantly feeding in new styles.  The decor in their showroom eventually led to DAY Home, the interior and lifestyle range, which is designed by Mikkelsen’s wife, Marianne Brandi. Mikkelsen claims that “fashion is a state of mind” – and says that he is fortunate to be designing from the heart for a well-informed, sensual woman who reads international fashion magazines.


MIKKELSEN WEARS

Suit by Di Massimo Piombo (mpmassimopiombo.com). T-shirt by Rag & Bone (ragbone.com). Shoes by Etro (etro.com).


MIKKELSEN RECOMMENDS

Style icon? Any man who can combine classic, ethnic and modern styles to the fashion he likes. Favourite drink? Dry Martini (or Vesper). Favourite store? IG Home on Lake Como, Italy. Favourite restaurant? La Petite Maison, 54 Brooks Mews, London. Fragrance? Mark Birley.

Designer? Neil Barrett. Style tip? For winter, wear your light down jacket under your blazer – stylish yet warm. Leisure travel? My house in the Caribbean, St Barthelemy. It is always 28°C and there are lots of  opportunities for an excellent lunch!  Your utmost luxury? Sitting in the front in aeroplanes.


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