2_9_ScanMag_74_March_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 09/03/2015 23:10 Page 19
Scan Magazine | Design | Cecilie Bernhard
Although all scarves are created from the same basic pattern, no two scarves feature the same combinations of materials. Each scarf becomes unique and takes on its own special character. “For each new scarf, I look around and find samples that I think will go well together,” Cecilie explains. “Then I lay them out on a table and give it some time, adding some and taking away others before I start putting it all together.” The scarves express themselves very differently. Some become classically elegant while others end up with a bohemian, gypsy-style feel. Some are colourful and others much quieter. The variety of expression means that the Cecilie Bernhard scarves appeal to all kinds of people, from ladies in their 70s to young men in their 20s. Stories to tell It is the uniqueness of her scarves which Cecilie treasures the most. Twice a year, she sets off to foreign lands to hunt down forgotten old treasures at markets, retro shops and fairs. An old lady’s tiny shop in Paris, which used to sell ribbon and pearl bands to the big fashion brands, is like a sweet shop to Cecilie: “I leave my credit card at home to stop myself from buying everything!” The materials she finds can be anything from old officer’s jackets to curtains to discarded ball gowns. She has rejected suggestions to transfer production overseas to match the increasing demand. She is adamant that each scarf should be crafted with time and care, and fears the unethical working conditions as well as the inevitable loss of quality and originality standardisation would bring. Instead, Cecilie continues to lovingly handcraft each scarf at her home workshop – which lies in the middle of a quiet forest in Vestbjerg. Fairy tale jewellery The fairy tale-like setting has clearly rubbed off, and it is possible to discern Cecilie’s background at the Royal Theatre in her new jewellery, which she only started making last year. The pieces are beautiful, theatrical and dream-like. Like the scarves, these pieces are a testi-
Cecilie started making her fairy-tale inspired jewellery last year, to rave reviews.
mony to their inventor’s creativity. Jewellery is usually designed for just one part of the body, but Cecilie’s creations can be used again and again: as hairpieces, on a belt, or as normal jewellery, but also around the house as decorative curtain tie-backs or table pieces. This ensures that the dramatic, fantastical creations can continue to shine outside the big, special occasions. They’re made with magnets which ensure they don’t damage clothes or the home. Only at the very end of the interview does Cecilie humbly mention that her jewellery has already been picked up by fashion photographers and stylists and used at redcarpet events. Cecilie, however, would be making them even if they weren’t. “I make these things because I just can’t help myself!”
For more information, please visit: www.ceciliebernhard.com
“The idea I constantly came back to was these scarves. I made some for my husband and then myself, and then our friends began asking about them. It just took off from there,” says Cecilie Bernhard de la Prada about her brand’s beginnings.
Issue 74 | March 2015 | 19