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Farvel to fashion’s Danish queen
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November 3rd, 2011
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Margit Brandt put Danish fashion on the map in the ‘60s
The passing of Danish fashion icon Margit Brandt has left the fashion world here and abroad in mourning. After a five-year battle with lung cancer, the 66-year-old long-term smoker passed away on October 24 in the company of her husband and two daughters.
Brandt is credited with putting Danish fashion on the international stage in the 1960s after her simple cuts and mini-skirts became a hit in France, Britain and America.
Following an apprenticeship in tailoring, Brandt shot to international fame after presenting her collection at the 1965 Copenhagen Fashion Fair under the B-age label. Consisting of simple designs with short and close fitting cuts, her collection grabbed the attention of teenagers and B-age became the essence of fashion for the first generation of young Scandinavian women.
A year later she was employed by the Parisian couture house of Louis Feraud, and in that same year married designer Erik Brandt who was working for French rival Mendes – their marriage became the catalyst for one of the most successful Scandinavian designer couples.
Meanwhile, B-age stores were quickly opening in Paris, Barcelona, Tokyo, San Francisco, New York and London, producing everything from ladies fashion to lingerie, furs, sportswear, watches, household items and accessories.
In 1997 Brandt designed the gala uniform for the Royal Danish Air Force, and in 2007 she was presented with the Cross of the Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe.
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