Postcard

It is a brilliant read and the podcast with her is excellent too. The book is in a bad shape after til Christmas holidays, but I really enjoyed it. Her more known book Pachinko is next.

To learn more about the very inspiring Ruth Rogers listen to my favourite podcast Time Sensitive where Spenser Bailey interviews her.

My suitcase in the midst of being packed going home.

You have to book your visit well in advance, but seeing the American artist and writer Donald Judd’s space in New York on the corner of Mercer and Spring Street was an experience I will never forget. Made me consider becoming a minimalist – at least for a brief moment.

Food and visiting restaurants is a big part of travelling for me. But sometimes the quick and easy option is called for. Friend and style icon Sophia Roe recommend Leon’s Bagels to me, and she was right, it was great.

The Halloween dressed window from the shop next door to Balthazaar where you can pick up anything to do with bread and cakes.

I interviewed designer Jane Mayle for Vogue at Balthazaar more than twenty years ago when it had just opened. I still love everything about it: the food, the vibe, the waiters. I usually go for a big breakfast, but you can also simply enjoy a perfectly boiled egg.

You are not allowed to take pictures at Neue Galerie, however, I only found out after I had taken this one. It is now one of my favourite places in New York. The different exquisite exhibitions, the building itself and the café makes it truly special.

Indochine, The Odeon, Bar Pitti, Café Gitane and Il Buco are all restaurants where I have a ton of memories and highly recommend. Within recent years I have also come to like La Mercerie that has a great shop too, where I always pick up a book while I wait for my table.

LISTEN TO:
The only parties I ever dance to are the ones where Christian d’Or is the dj. So it was a thrill when he played at my birthday party in late August. Here is everything he played on the evening from a mellow start to a full dance floor late into the night. It’s perfect for La Bagatelle and I will be playing it in the Studio on repeat.

Listen here

The first two books in her trilogy about life in a very small town in Northern Sweden. The drama creeps under your skin and I never wanted to stop reading while I was at it.

Mrs Dalloway is iconic in tone and voice. The entire book spans over one day in the life of the main character and although there does not seem to be much drama, it all goes on on the inside.

In a Room of One’s Own she sets out the premise for female independence.

PAUL AUSTER, 4-3-2-1
I have read pretty much everything by Siri Hustvedt, and when her husband Paul Auster dyed in February this year it made me curious of this great American writer. So I have spent the Summer listening to him on audio books. 4321 is indeed a wonderful masterpiece about love and the modern life in America in the 20th century. Right now I am going through his New York Triology. 

HARUKI MURAKAMI, NORWEGIAN WOOD
I read Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood this summer and fell in love with Murakami all again. He is the kind of writer where you can consume one or two of his books at a time.

EVELYN McDONNELL, THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JOAN DIDION
I recommend anything by Joan Didion including the documentary on her running on Netflix called “The center will not hold”. And the book about her as a writer by Evelyn McDonnell is also quite interesting, although it is fan girling a bit too much at times.

SATOSHI YAGISAWA, DAYS AT THE MORISAKI BOOKSHOP
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a wonderful little read that stays with you. I made me dream of going to Japan once again.

If I could fit in one extra piece of furniture in my home (I can’t, it is jam packed) it would be this new beautiful rocking chair made by super talented Salem Charabi. The name alone “I waited a Thousand Moons” is the stuff dreams are made of.

Karoline Svarre wears Radziwill The Perfect T-shirt, Milos white organic cotton, Ali Jacket, navy cotton corduroy and Lou Skirt, Indian cotton block print


Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

As the Summer turns Indian I want to keep colours in my wardrobe bright as long as possible. They suit the season, and they suit the mood of the bustling city full of life after a summer of turists, and where I for one have been away.

School teacher Karoline Svarre was photographed in her home by her sister La Bagatelle favourite Frederikke Agnete Svarre. Her apartment is in the Award winning building The Linoleum House in Copenhagen that is built in a neo classical style.

I hope you will enjoy the sneak peak of the apartment in the historical building as well as the clothes on the beautiful Karoline.

Lots of love,
Malene Malling




Sophia Jacket, emerald silk velvet
Rampling Pants, ice sky silk velvet




Harbro Dress, Jaipur pink wavy pearl satin




Harbro Dress, Jaipur pink wavy pearl satin




Andrea Top, white wavy pearl satin
Bendix Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Lou Skirt, hand loomed Indian cotton block print




Jaipur Jacket, vintage white Chinese cotton
Radziwill The Perfect T-shirt, Arctic blue organic cotton
Lilli Pants, heavy black crepe satin




Virginia Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Selma Jacket, white Mikkusu cotton
Lilli Pants, petroleum blue French linen




Marseille Shirt, striped indian cotton
Ida Jacket, vintage check Chinese cotton, Small
Lilli Pants, petroleum blue French linen


Marseille Shirt, striped indian cotton
Lilli Pants, petroleum blue French linen




Vivianna Blouse, rose wavy pearl satin
Rampling Pants, strawberry sorbet silk velvet

Bendix Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Rampling Pants, saffron silk velvet
Mini Anemone Purse, Japanese vintage silk




Radziwill The Perfect T-shirt, Milos white organic cotton
Ali Jacket, navy cotton corduroy
Lou Skirt, Indian cotton block print




Andrea Top, petroleum wavy pearl satin
Bendix Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Rampling Pants, lavender silk velvet

Thank you Karoline Svarre, photographer Frederikke Agnete Svarreand Stylist Caroline Harbro

Sophia Jacket, lilac french silk velvet
Rampling Pants, lilac French silk velvet




Radziwill The Perfect T-shirt, Arctic blue organic cotton
Loulou Pencil Skirt, champagne white grosgrain silk




Emilie Top, champagne wavy pearl satin
Virginia Shirt, chalk Irish linen
Rampling Pants, black French silk velvet




Andrea Top, champagne wavy pearl satin
Didion Jacket, Phulkari Bagh Barfi in golden and white floss silk
Rampling Pants, black French silk velvet




Paloma Dress, black wavy pearls satin



Harbro Dress, black French silk velvet and antique Spanish Lace




Bendix Shirt, cotton lawn white
Bisset Vest, ribben French silk velvet and vintage trim
Didion Jacket, Indian shuttle khadi
Rampling Pants, azure French silk velvet




Virginia Shirt, Indian cotton block print
Bisset Vest, faded Oxford French silk velvet and vintage trim
Loulou Pencil Skirt, lilac grosgrain silk
Diane Jacket, vintage Chinese Cotton




Radziwill The Perfect T-shirt, Arctic blue organic cotton

Photographer Rasmus Skousen, Talent Marie Kluwe, Hair and Make up Rikke Dengsø, Styling Caroline Harbro.

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

This week we are celebrating La Bagatelle turning three years old. It might not seem like a big deal, but to me it really is. I am deeply grateful that you appreciate what I am trying to do: create pieces that are made with love and care, that are comfortable to wear and have a charm and personality of their own. It is a dream to work with the most interesting fabrics the world has to offer. Handwoven textiles, vintage textiles and textiles coloured with natural dye making them special to look at and easy on the skin.

As a special treat on the occasion of the birthday we have prepared a pink drop that I am calling the Jaipur drop, because it is an homage to all the shades of pink India, and Jaipur in particular, has to offer. Incidentally it also happens to be my favourite colour. I truly hope you will enjoy it, I loved making it.

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

A SHOT OF ESPRESSO:
The Franca Espresso Cup in Summer Lavender can hold just the right amount of caffein needed to get an afternoon going.

Bendix Shirt, papaya Indian jamdani
Amanda Jacket, Oxford Grey wool khadi
Rampling Pants, Twilight grey silk velvet

The tailoring on the Amanda is so impressive that you don’t need much else. However, a Bendix Shirt in an Indian Jamdani cotton and a pair of Rampling Pants in Velvet Silk Cotton don’t hurt.




Bendix Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Jane Skirt, needlecord in coral rose

Two La Bagatelle classics: a Jane skirt and a Bendix shirt is an easy way of looking well dressed.




Virginia Shirt, pale blue and white seersucker cotton
Lilli Pants, turquoise French linen

Lilli Pants with a Virginia Shirt in seersucker makes for a very crisp and Spring-ready look. Casual yet trés chic




Bendix Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Mini Benedikte Jacket, Tivoli wool
Rampling Pants, black silk velvet

The Mini Benedikte is a very versatile jacket. It looks good with a silk top underneath but a Bendix shirt adds a hippie feel that is most welcome. Add Rampling Pants for an air of sophistication.




Vivianna Blouse, black wavy pearl satin
Lou Skirt, hand loomed Indian cotton block print

The new Lou Skirt looks equally great in flats and heels. It’s a little longer than the Elise Skirt, so tuck in the top to emphasise the waist.



Carolyn Shirt, striped Indian cotton
Rampling Pants, saffron silk velvet

A Carolyn Shirt and Rampling Pants is such understated elegance, add a long necklace for fun.

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

Easter is one of my favourite times of the year, and I am decking out the Studio with Spring flowers and Easter eggs everywhere. Inspired by the season I have done a Spring drop in the colours of Easter: yellow and subtle pinks, greens and other accents of colour. When you live in the North it almost seems as if Easter is the reward you get for surviving Winter, as if to prove that all good things come to those who wait. I am looking forward to the gathering of the whole family, the Easter eggs, the paper cutting and decorating. And naturally the dressing up! We always travel for Easter and I can’t wait for the packing of my suitcase – it is going to be full of La Bagatelle beauties.

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

One very special place to visit on Frederiksberg is “Bakkehuset.” It is the oldest house on Frederiksberg and the intact home, now museum, of the highly intellectual and artistic family Rahbek, who lived there for decades in the beginning of the 19th century. We fell for the beautiful colours and interior perfect for an early Spring shoot – just like the most prominent intellectuals at the time liked to come here.

Visit frederiksbergmuseerne.dk for more information.

Lavender Madeleine, with a hint of Vanilla



For our launch event of the Franca Cups our very own parfumeur Emmanuel Martini baked a batch of 100 madeleine cakes infused with lavender flowers, a hint of honey vanilla, and the perfumer’s magic ingredient – a touch of Muscovado sugar Vetiver (which isn’t featured in the recipe below, as it's a bit complex to proceed with).

Ingredients for 24 madeleines
• 130 grams of flour
• 3 whole eggs (150 grams)
• 140 grams of white caster sugar
• 135 grams of unsalted butter
• 70 grams of semi-skimmed milk
If without the lavender flower infusion, reduce down to 50 grams
• 10 grams of organic lavender flowers (Natur Apotheek)
• 5 grams of baking powder (1 level teaspoon)
• 2 teaspoons of liquid honey
• 1/2 level teaspoon of fleur de sel (Salt flakes)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 1 and 1/2 vanilla pods
• 1 tablespoon of peanut oil or grapeseed oil
• Form for madeleine: Form for x 12 Madeleine, 7,5cm x 5 cm from the brand Gobel, (Kunst og Køkkentøj in Copenhagen)
• Perfumer's Trick: Add 1 drop of organic essential oil of French Lavande fine (Lavandula angustifolia) to the batter at the very end of the method before letting it cure in the fridge.

Method:
• Slightly heat the milk in a small saucepan (approximately 50°C), add the lavender flowers, stir gently, let it sit for 5 minutes, then pour it through a sifter, pressing with your hand to collect the infused milk in a bowl. Set aside. It should remain 50 grams of milk. Adjust by adding a bit more milk, if necessary, as the dry lavender flower can retain a bit of milk. This can be prepared the day before and left overnight in the fridge.
• Melt the butter (135 grams) in a light-colored pan until it starts turning slightly brown, then let it cool slightly.
• Scrape the vanilla pods and mix them with the 2 teaspoons of honey; set aside.
• In a bowl, beat the 3 eggs (150 grams) with the white caster sugar (140 grams), 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, ½ teaspoon of fleur de sel, and the honey with vanilla preparation until the mixture whitens.
• Add the tablespoon of grapeseed oil, sifted flour (130 grams) with baking powder (5 grams), and mix just enough to incorporate the flour.
• Take two tablespoons of melted butter and mix them with the pan of melted butter. Then add it back to the batter and mix. Slowly pour in the milk (50 grams) and mix.
• Place a circle of cling film on the surface of the mixture and chill for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight. Grease your madeleine molds with soft butter and flour using a pastry brush or a dusting pouch. Spoon the batter into a pipping bag (pastry bag) and fill the molds to 90%, then chill for 1 hour.
• Preheat your conventional oven (without hot air/convection) to 180°C. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven (the top of the bump should appear dry). Immediately unmold by gently tapping the mold vertically on the countertop, then transfer the madeleines onto a wire rack, or by tilting them sideways on the mold.
• The bump retains its shape and has a delicate texture, crispy edges, and a pronounced vanilla taste.

Tips how to use the piping bag:
Filling the piping bag: to make filling your piping bag easier, stand it upright in a mug or tall glass.
Using the piping bag: Don't overfill your piping bag, and squeeze from the top as you ice to prevent icing leaking out of the top.

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

Growing up in England it was inevitable that I became a big tea drinker. But with age I have come to appreciate a good café noisette too – one shot of espresso with a touch of full fat milk. I think a cup with a saucer is so much more elegant than a mug, and I never go to a flea market or an antique shop without looking for old cups.

One of the very wonderful things about La Bagatelle is that it is a universe that allows me to dream while playing. And it was that line of thinking that had me starting a conversation with ceramist Franca Christophersen early Autumn. I really wanted to do a La Bagatelle cup: one for tea and one for a noisette. Fairly early on we decided on the shape of the cup that Franca wheel throws, which mean that every single one is made by Franca’s hands. The cup had to be a pleasure to hold and to drink from, and it had to be elegant and scalable so it would work equally well for both cups. However, it was much more difficult to find the right glaze, it took months and quite a few tests to find the final ones. They are poetic, special and unlike any other, the kind of cup you want to keep and drink from forever. 

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

Ida Jacket, vintage striped Chinese cotton, Small
Sweatshirt and pants, Franca's own.

Beate Jacket, vintage striped Chinese cotton, Medium
Rampling Pants, black silk velvet

Beate Jacket, vintage striped Chinese cotton, Small
Bendix Shirt, cotton lawn grey
Lilli Pants, Ashes black French linen

Ali Jacket, black cotton corduroy
Bendix Shirt, double black cotton muslin
Rampling Pants, black silk velvet

Didion Jacket, vintage Japanese cotton
Rampling Pants, black silk velvet

Bendix Shirt, double creme cotton muslin
Sysser Vest, Vintage Japanese silk
Annie Pants, needlecord in Napoli blue

La Colombe d’Or Jacket, vanilla white wool and linen
Sysser Vest, Vintage Uzbek silk
Lilli Pants, heavy black crepe satin

Q&A WITH FRANCA CHRISTOPHERSEN:
The ceramist.

Franca Christophersen is a beauty of a 28 year old woman born and raised in New Zealand. She moved to Copenhagen in 2018 when she got a ceramist internship and stayed as she married Frama owner Niels Christophersen. We photographed Franca in her studio.

     MM: Why did you become a ceramist?
     FC: I had been working in fashion but started taking ceramic classes in the evening as I was stuck in front of the computer all day and missed working with my hands. That is where it started. In order to learn more about the many different approaches and techniques I ended up with an apprenticeship in Denmark for Eric Landon.

     MM: Tea or coffee?
     FC: I drink coffee in the morning, but keep it at two a day and I prefer my coffee weak and milky as I am pregnant. Tea is for my evenings and like tea from IO Tea or Sing tea house. I prefer something herbal and special.

     MM: What was your process for the making of the cups?
     FC: I started off by looking at classical visual references. The mindset was about creating something special and timeless. La Bagatelle has such a focus on craftsmanship and an appreciation of it and I wanted to honour that. So I decided to use a high grade coarse stoneware to make the cups with a porcelain coating which is unusual. However, I used it as it would give a refined look yet reveal the texture.
     I am into making things complicated at first and then trying to simplify them. These pieces for instance has been fired three times to give the right kind of effect of stoneware and porcelain. I tested different glazes again and again before it was right. The tea and the espresso cup have their own language but they go well together without being too much the same. Each cup is wheel thrown and it takes an absolute minimum of a week and a half to finish one cup.

     MM: What do you look forward to in Spring?
     FC: The Sun the most. And to drive my Volvo P1800ES in California White from 1972. I only drive it in the Summer.

Photographer Frederikke-Agnete Svarre
Stylist Caroline Harbro

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

When The New York Times asked if they could cover one of my dinners, and in particular a La Bagatelle dinner, I was quite humbled. Not only is it one of my favourite newspapers and the journalist Ellie Pithers who would conduct the interview is someone I respect, but it also seemed the perfect way of honouring La Bagatelle’s universe. Why? Because La Bagatelle is about life. The good life, a life enjoyed and a life well spent. And a dinner is a beautiful way of celebrating life. I love the dressing up part, the planning of the menu, the setting of the table, making a careful seating plan and inviting an interesting group of friends. It is always an advantage if some guests know each other well, but new faces are a treat too. 

The dinner became a very special celebration of La Bagatelle. The clothes and the feeling of them never really leave my mind, but I am also passionate about the textiles we use. They are all handpicked by me and quite magical which means that the essence of every piece of La Bagatelle is exceptional. It is also quite essential to the spirit of La Bagatelle that every single piece of La Bagatelle is tailor made in Copenhagen. The city where we live and where the dinner was hosted.

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

I am not necessarily a big fan of winter, but January feels different this year. The beautiful days with blue skies, snow and an almost magical light is having an affect on my mood. Skinny dipping in the icy cold sea, long walks with my dog Eddie in the morning and creative days in the Studio certainly help too. I really want to share this positive energy so today’s drop is meant to be soothing for the soul, full of dreams and with an air of new beginnings. These pieces are all held in blue tones which feels like a soft breeze for the soul. They are pieces for long days on the go and very short ones as well intended to be spent home in front of the fireplace going absolutely nowhere. 

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

It is the most festive time of year and I am thoroughly enjoying December this year. I am notoriously not very good with the lack of light in winter. However, something is different this year. I am seeing the beauty in the dark days. The lights that sparkle on the facades on Værnedamsvej help, as well as the people sitting outside drinking glögg chatting and laughing, and my Studio with all the beautiful clothes (if I have to say so myself) and candles lit in my antique Swedish chandelier and candlesticks that I have collected for years.

We’ve had the Studio for a year now and I have fallen in love with the neighbourhood. It really is the most charming and well edited area. So I am buying all presents online or in and around Værnedamsvej this year. To inspire I’ve made a little Værnedamsvej guide of favourite places to shop, eat and have a glass of glögg. We’re here in the Studio until the 22nd so pop by for a look and a glass of Port if you’re around.

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

Creams, soaps and lotion at Aesop, shoes at the newly opened A.P.C., tea at Sing Tehus – I buy the Sencha. For food look no further than Helges Ost where I buy lunch on a weekly basis and delicacies to bring home for an easy dinner. The gigantic mistletoe in the Studio is from Blomster Hjørnet where I buy flowers all the time. Get your port and champagne at Juul's Vin og Spiritus. It is impossible to leave Dora empty handed. I have bought vintage Christmas decorations and candles there recently. As well as beautiful tea towels for the Studio kitchen. Have breakfast at Granola, sandwiches and ris a la mande at Italo Café, wine and something hot to eat at Le Gourmand and coffee and everything else at Les Trois Cochons where the service is great, but I don’t come often as Eddie (my dog) isn’t allowed.

Le Gourmand, Værnedamsvej 3a
Sing Tehus, Værnedamsvej 4
Granola, Værnedamsvej 5
Dora, Værnedamsvej 6
Aesop, Værnedamsvej 7
A.P.C., Værnedamsvej 8
Blomster Hjørnet, Værnedamsvej 8
Helges Ost, Værnedamsvej 9
Italo Caffé, Værnedamsvej 10
Les Trois Cochons, Værnedamsvej 10
Juul’s Vin og Spiritus, Værnedamsvej 15

Sophia Roe wears Harbro Dress, black silk velvet

Dear friend of La Bagatelle,

I am intrigued by people who can turn pain into something beautiful that we can all learn from. The Danish writer Vita Andersen was such a person. She suffered throughout her childhood but grew to become a remarkable writer because she could transform her thoughts into words that would widen the world of many. She was also a style icon, a true original spirit. 

A little over a decade ago I met her daughter Tatiana Andersen Camre, a poetic designer who does the loveliest prints. And to me everything came together when Tatiana allowed us to take the very last pictures in her mother’s Copenhagen apartment only weeks before the keys were handed over to the new owner.

The photos are something of an homage to the extraordinary writer who lived there for decades. Another close friend of mine the photographer Philip Messmann took the pictures of his girlfriend the tastemaker Sophia Roe dressed only in La Bagatelle with a nod of respect to Vita Andersen’s style. Also how can you not love and respect a woman who lived in an all pink apartment for decades…? 

Lots of love,
Malene Malling

Many years ago I became friends with the photographer Philip Messmann. At the time he wasn’t a photographer but a good looking young man with an exceptional eye for details. We once spent a week in LA on a job and what I in particular remember from this shoot was the conversations we had about colour, textures and light. It turns out we are both aesthetic nerds. He also has a kind soul so it is no surprise the he has lost his heart to Sophia Roe who is stunning, hard working and wise way beyond her years. She has become a trusted friend too and I greatly appreciate the two of them collaborating on this shoot with Sophia wearing La Bagatelle. Thank you, I love it.

Vita Shirt, Cotton Pique Poplin
Sysser Vest, silver fox Italian wool
Rampling Pants, Twilight grey silk velvet

Jean Shirt, Cotton Pique Poplin

Vita Shirt, Cotton Pique Poplin
Sysser Vest, silver fox Italian wool
Rampling Pants, Twilight grey silk velvet

Didion Jacket, vintage Japanese silk
Lilli Pants, heavy black crepe satin

Lauren Shirt, Cotton Pique Poplin
Loulou Pencil Skirt, black grossrain silk

Andrea Top, white wavy pearl satin
Amanda Jacket, Oxford Grey wool khadi
Rampling Pants, Port silk velvet

Jean Shirt, Cotton Pique Poplin
Sysser Vest, silver fox Italian wool
Betty Skirt, silver fox Italian wool

Sophia Jacket, amethyst silk velvet
Marianne Skirt, amethyst silk velvet

Lee Shirt, white wavy pearl satin
Lilli Pants, Milan grey French linen

Jean Shirt, Cotton Pique Poplin
Betty Skirt, silver fox Italian wool

Vivianna Blouse, black wavy pearl satin
Kate Skirt, black heavy crepe satin

Lee Shirt, white wavy pearl satin
Benedikte Jacket, thick weave wool
Lilli Pants, Milan grey French linen

Thank you to Sophia Roe and Philip Messmann, stylist Caroline Harbro and hair and make-up Mads Stig.