They were born in Jutland, the peninsula that forms the mainland part of Denmark.
In other words, feet in the water.
It is in this peaceful atmosphere, close to nature and the essential, that the two sisters Julie Skall (40 years old) and Marie Skall (36 years old) developed a passion for fashion.
In 2014, this inseparable duo launched Skall Studio, a brand that has its roots in Copenhagen and offers all that is best in Danish fashion: a daring spirit, noble and natural materials, contemporary cuts.
In ten years, the two sisters' label has stood out for its high-end and responsible pieces, designed to be worn for a lifetime.
Enough to place the brand's name in the official calendar of Copenhagen Fashion Week, an event which, over time, has conquered the fashion world.
This March, Skall Studio is opening a pop-up store at 22 rue Debelleyme in Paris.
The opportunity for
Madame Figaro
to meet the two designers who dream of showing in the French capital.
To discover
Exclusive visit to Art Paris: reserve your place
Madame Figaro.- How does it feel to be at the head of a brand that is celebrating its 10th anniversary?
Julie Skall.-
It's an incredible feeling.
This brand has always been our dream, our passion, and so we can say that our dream has come true.
We live with the joy of being able to do what we love every day, and celebrating ten years of the brand proves that we are in the right place.
When starting a brand, the beginnings can be really difficult.
We've worked hard to get where we are today, and it still feels like we're just getting started.
How do we work as a duo? What are the challenges, the daily challenges?
Julie Skall.-
For us it's simple, because we are sisters.
We grew up together and evolved with the same mindset when it comes to creation.
It's a family thing with us: we like being together.
Running a business with your sister is a huge dream, and a great gift.
Marie Skall.-
We are often asked this question, but yes it is very simple for us.
Would you say that it's a chance to manage a fashion brand with your family?
Julie Skall.-
Yes, especially since the fashion industry is intense.
As much as we love it, it's a little crazy sometimes, so working together reminds us how important family is.
It helps us keep our feet on the Earth.
Danish fashion is very trendy at the moment. How does Skall Studio stand out? What makes the difference?
Julie Skall.-
There are many very well-known brands in Denmark, but also younger brands.
Like Skall Studio, these are infused with creativity and energy.
Often, young brands have a fresh, new point of view.
At Skall Studio, we have very strong designs and that's what sets us apart.
Skall Studio fall-winter 2024-2025 show.
(Copenhagen, January 2024.) Imaxtree
Your fashion has a very slow, refined, cozy side. Finally, were you “quiet luxury” before your time?
Marie Skall.-
We grew up in the countryside in northern Jutland.
A very calm, uncluttered space.
We're not really attracted to logos.
We like quality clothes, noble fabrics, so yes we can say that “quiet luxury” suits us well.
Julie Skall.-
I also think that traditional Scandinavian and Danish designs are very minimalist, and there is often this focus on materials.
It is through this association of strong materials and calm design that we identify ourselves.
Without forgetting the functional side, and this need to create clothes that can be worn throughout life.
This is what I prefer with “quiet luxury”, the fact of having this mixture of classic and timeless codes with the love of beautiful materials.
This is what makes a product premium.
Marie Skall.-
Buy less to buy better, that’s a bit of our philosophy.
Also read: Why the CEO of Loro Piana refuses to allow the brand to be associated with the “quiet luxury” trend
You have just opened a pop-up store in Paris, in the heart of the Marais, and are increasingly present on the French market. For what ?
Julie Skall.-
We have always loved France, and obviously Paris.
This country has such a strong history with fashion and its historic designers.
We grew up in a small town in the north of Denmark, with the images of designer Erik Mortensen, who became artistic director of the collections at Balmain.
He inspired us a lot, attracted us to Paris.
Then we fell in love with France and its lifestyle, the people, the art.
But also more remote regions, the south of France, the seaside...
You have always been very attracted to nature: you also imagined a collection that paid homage to the Scottish Highlands.
Julie Skall.-
When we design a collection we work with natural materials like cotton, wool... We have a very strong connection with nature.
This is also reflected in the natural colors omnipresent in our collections.
One of your projects is to find a permanent store in the French capital. Do you also dream of putting your name on the Paris Fashion Week calendar?
Marie Skall.-
Obviously, we love presenting our collections during Copenhagen Fashion Week, but Paris would be a dream.
It makes sense to see more and more Danish brands presenting their collections in Paris: for us it would be a logical continuation.
Julie Skall.-
Denmark is a small country with just over 5 million inhabitants.
Copenhagen is a small city compared to others, which is why many Danish brands open points of sale all over the world.
Many brands see Paris as the heart of fashion, and a city that buyers travel to regularly.
Marie Skall.-
We also learned French in Denmark, but we are not yet very good at it (laughs).
In Denmark, people travel a lot and find inspiration all over the world to bring it back to Copenhagen and create something new.
Julie Skall, co-founder of Skall Studio
What does Paris have to learn from Danish fashion?
Marie Skall.-
Denmark is a small country which has this “safe place” aspect.
We have a very simple lifestyle, and we notice it in our clothes.
The Danes have this “easy” side in their way of dressing, something very relaxed, always with clothes made from noble materials.
This is perhaps this state of mind that we would like to bring to Paris.
Julie Skall.-
We are free thinkers, we like to look beyond our comfort zone, especially our generation.
In Denmark, people travel a lot and find inspiration all over the world to bring it back to Copenhagen and create something new.
We could share our eclecticism.