(di)vision), the Danish brand that is committed to sustainability, was founded in 2018 by Nanna Wick and Simon Wick. The label’s runway show, which featured a joyous catwalk show, set the tone at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022. Simon explained that he was inspired by Greg Lauren and other brands that use upcycling and reconstruction [techniques]. “So, when we started out I wanted to build a brand that was built on the same [ethos].”
How do you give something an existing perception and create a new one? Simon founded (di)vision in the aid of Nanna, his sister who was a designer and attended design school. He created a “split bomber jacket” from military surplus. “[We] combined two jackets into one and attached a zipper at the back.” The outerwear style was quickly adopted in Copenhagen.
Nearly three years later, the brand still follows the same philosophy of “creating with what is already there”, although it has a larger team and a new studio. “We want to make the world greener, but we are aware that our industry contributes to pollution”, says Simon. “We use materials we already own. Our zippers and trimmings are made of new materials. We still send lots of packages around the globe. We are still working on it, and hope to reduce our carbon footprint as we grow.”
(di)vision’s SS22 collection reflects that belief. It features 31 unisex looks and is exclusively made with deadstock fabrics. The brand’s largest yet collection is also made from upcycling vintage clothes. Staged on the rooftop level of a parking garage and set to live music performed by local rock band Woodpecker, the presentation on Tuesday morning featured a range of loungewear-meets-workwear ensembles, an aesthetic that references comfort-first lockdown style. “The collection mirrors the past year, but it also embraces the time to come,” the show note reads.
Cut-outs are used to create cute tops and dresses from old fabrics. The classic workwear jacket, which has the patina oil stains, paint splashes, and sun fade, is then deconstructed and reworked as small handbags or large totes. At the show, Longtime friends, Nina Marker (model) and Mona Tougaard (model), were dressed in new versions of the Slashed Bomber. One was in a cape-like silhouette.
Simon stated, “We are so happy that CPHFW gives young brands that do fashion differently a chance to showcase among the more established brands. It’s a great indicator about where the fashion industry is headed, and we are proud that it was included.”
