EXCLUSIVE: Helena Christensen Returns to Her Roots as Global Artistic Director to Danish Furniture Brand BoConcept
“What took you so [expletive] long?” That was the response from Helena Christensen‘s inner circle when the globally recognized supermodel revealed she was taking a deeper plunge into the furniture world with BoConcept, the upscale Danish brand.
Born and raised in Denmark, the land of “hygge” and where design visionaries like Poul Henningsen and Carl Hansen shaped the country’s furniture legacy, it’s no surprise that the realm they helped build was a natural fit for Christensen’s creative ambitions.
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On Wednesday, she’ll unveil her debut project as global artistic director for BoConcept: the “Sweet Art” capsule collection. The debut was in collaboration with fellow Dane Charlotte H?ncke, an industrial designer-turned-furniture and lighting expert. In the role as global artistic director, Christensen has been tasked with working together with designers for all collaborations and releases and also curating and amplifying emerging Danish design talent. A spokesperson said the next collection will be both spotlighted and entirely designed by Christensen herself.
“I’ve always admired Danish designers and architects. They’ve been a huge inspiration throughout my life,” Christensen said. “So the collaboration just feels organic. Interiors have always been such a big part of me, and working with BoConcept, a Danish company, makes it even more special.”
Christensen said she worked closely with BoConcept in developing the aesthetic. “It’s a long, intense process, but I love it,” she mused.
BoConcept, which was founded in 1952 in Denmark, is today one of the world’s most global furniture retailers, with more than 300 stores spanning 64 countries. The brand works with award-winning designers to create collections of furniture, accessories and lighting for private homes and business spaces. Under the heading “Live Ekstraordin?r” [Live Extraordinarily] BoConcept also offers interior design and customization services for public and private spaces. BoConcept chief executive officer Mikael Kruse Jensen said the appointment of Christensen reflects its commitment to advancing Danish philosophy of design on a global scale.
“Helena Christensen is a globally recognized Dane who lives a truly ‘Ekstraordin?r’ life. Her creative vision and passion for Danish design and interiors make her the perfect fit for BoConcept,” he said.
Though Christensen’s own collections haven’t been released yet, her Danish and Peruvian heritage, she said, clearly influences her design process. “Growing up with a Danish father and a Peruvian mother, I find myself drawn to a mix of Nordic coolness and vibrant South American influences,” she enthused. “I love organic shapes. I am using soft fabrics, velour and boucle. You’ll see soft pastels in the collection.”
Her passion for photography also plays a key role in the design process. “My prints, inspired by the flora and fauna I’ve photographed over the years, will be featured in BoConcept stores’ galleries. They’ve influenced the collection’s rugs, vases, sculptures and pillows.”
Overall the collection takes inspiration from Danish bakery culture, with playful colors and textures aimed at creating statement pieces. The capsule features a swivel accent chair, two poufs and a rug, all showcasing confectionery-inspired details — think spongy materials, creamy textures and rich hues like cherry and blossom. The chair will launch at a price of 999 euros for a limited time only.
This is far from Christensen’s first foray into the creative world. In 1999 she cofounded Nylon magazine, launched the concept store Butik in New York, and collaborated with Habitat London on bestselling designs. Today, she is part of the lifestyle brand Staerkandchristensen alongside another fellow Dane, Camilla Staerk, who is known for her designs of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories. Together, the duo produces sculptural home objects and modern artisanal designs and has worked on collaborations with New York-based studio Bower and Danish designer Kasper Salto. They are currently working on a prefab house project with Los Angeles-based, Icelandic architect Gulla Jonsdottir.
One of the “supes,” the original supermodels who were crowned as such for their dominance in fashion and culture beginning in the ’80s, Christensen’s relevance in fashion today resonates as much as it did during the supermodel-era heyday. The industry still recalls the 2018 Versace finale, closed by Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer.
Like many other celebrities — from Drew Barrymore to John Legend — New York City-based Christensen is among a legion of famous people carving out a second act in the home design space. “For me, the home is a true extension of who I am,” she said. “BoConcept’s clean, timeless aesthetic really resonated with me. My own home is full of colors, textures and fabrics, and I love to change it up regularly. It’s important to feel excited every time you step into your space.”
The Sweet Art collection, exclusively designed by Charlotte H?ncke for the BoConcept + Helena Christensen collaboration, will be available for preorder starting Wednesday and in stores from March 5.
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