10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:19 Page 55
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children’s Universe
thing one step behind. Among the things that inspire me most are classic films and old photos because trends always return. For me it´s about looking back and then taking the styles to a new place,” explains Marlene. But even though it might look like you will spend hours dressing your little angels, it is actually made as simple as possible. When designing the collections, Marlene has practicality among her top priorities. “It has to be easy to pull over the head or close; of course sometimes I just have to make a shirt full of buttons because it is just too wonderful not to be made, but everything can’t be that way.” Practicality and sustainability This year, MarMar is launching a string of new products including premature clothing, UV protection swim wear and waterresistant snowsuits. Though this entails very specific demands to the clothes’ technical performance, it is still produced without the use of harmful chemicals, stresses Marlene. “Almost all of our clothes are made of Oeko-tex certified materials and whenever possible we use natural materials. Our premature range, for instance, is made in cotton and modal, it is great because it transports moisture away from the body and gives softness and flexibility without elastane.”
As the mother of two ten-year old girls and a 13-year old boy, Marlene is also acutely aware of the differences in kids’ tastes and characters. But being dressed with care is, the designer believes, something that everyone appreciates. “Kids need to be free, but our clothes are equally suitable for someone who loves BMX’ing through the mud as someone who prefers to play with dolls inside. My own girls are very different, one always has to climb the highest tree and the other one prefers to stay inside drawing, but that does not mean that they can’t both look lovely,” points Marlene. She rounds off: “I think that it’s important for kids to wear something nice which works, makes them feel at ease and allows them to express themselves, and that someone put some thought into. Of course your life is not defined or changed by clothing, but it makes a difference knowing someone made an effort.” MarMar Copenhagen is traded all over Europe and parts of Asia as well as the USA, where it has just moved into the luxury department store Barneys.
For more information, please visit: www.MarMar.dk
Marlene Holmboe likes to play with distinct colours; this summer she has added a dash of strong yellow to her collection.
Issue 76 | May 2015 | 55