Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, TT_ invites locals and creatives to share their most cherished places at their favorite destinations. Today: a COPENHAGEN city guide by ESZTER ÁRON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR at AERON. Cover photo: courtesy of priszci
Eszter Áron, founder and creative director of the Budapest-based fashion brand AERON, fell in love with Copenhagen two years ago. Fashion was central to her upbringing, with a mom as a textile trader. Áron frequently joined her at fashion and art fairs as a child. “I was mesmerized by these experiences and her impeccable sense of personal style. I studied fashion design and business to understand the industry better. I look at fashion as a collaborative spirit, so when I launched AERON, establishing an in-house atelier was and still is the core foundation of our design process. For more than a decade now, I have aimed to dress women who want to feel confident in their bodies and build a wardrobe for the long term.”
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COPENHAGEN THROUGH THE LENS OF ESZTER ARON
Aron fondly remembers the first time she visited Scandinavia’s fashion capital. “A few years ago, we had a fabulous dinner with locals who are now friends of the brand. But it all started in our hometown, Budapest, with Veronica de Souza’s visit. She was a sustainability consultant at AERON during that time, and I remember we discussed Copenhagen and decided to start a dialogue with the local community. The first occasion was a dinner we hosted through Veronica and her connections. It was a memorable moment; the city was captivating. I met many wonderful people there, and I knew this was just the beginning.”
Since then, she’s visited the city uncountable times. It’s hard to call Áron a local because she hasn’t lived there, but it’s safe to say she knows every new restaurant and bar around the block. Besides the city’s fashion scene and buzzing energy, she feels at ease. “I feel safe here. There are a lot of strong women in the city, with kids, balancing work and life. It’s so powerful and energizing to me. I could imagine myself living in Copenhagen, surrounded by the remarkable Danish aesthetics rooted in everything, even in the smallest details. This is what I can truly and honestly connect with on a deep level; it feels like we speak the same language.” She’s made great memories there; her fashion shows were absolute highlights. “Those were huge moments for me and the brand. Anytime there is memorable because we do something unusual, an international moment with a fantastic community.”
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COPENHAGEN CITY GUIDE
Copenhagen’s energy feels dynamic, independent, and intimate to her. “I’m not a fan of big cities that are busy and noisy, but Copenhagen has this calm spirit.” People are relaxed when strutting through neighborhoods or strolling through busy shopping areas. They walk slow-paced, wait for red traffic lights, and watch after one another. According to the Oxford Dictionary, Copenhagen’s energy might be assigned to the country’s famous feeling of ‘hygge,’ meaning a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a sense of contentment or well-being.
BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS TO GO STRUTTING
“I usually come here for a very short period, most of the time for work. The whole city is one cozy neighborhood for me,” she laughs. “I can walk around anywhere and get back smoothly to the point where I started from. This is what cozy means to me, and big cities usually don’t have this homey feeling.”
WHERE DOES THE FASHION CROWD GO FOR A DRINK?
“I love the energy and vibe at Lidkoeb – a two-floored cocktail bar with a whisky bar on top. Located at a hidden alley, you must know the exact address to find it.”
BEST RESTAURANTS IN COPENHAGEN
“I’m a big fan of Marv & Ben; they serve great high-end dishes, and their bread is to die for. In the same category, Esmée is a must-go. The place’s energy is buzzing, the staff is friendly, and they make great cocktails. If you favor Italian food, visit Undici. It’s a cozy restaurant hidden at the waterfront near the city center. One of the spots that cannot be missed in my Copenhagen city guide.”
COPENHAGEN’S BEST COFFEE BARS
“Lille Bakery, for sure. But also Bakery Andersen & Maillard, whose spaces were designed by our great friend, Danielle Siggerud, serves great pastries and coffee. Another great coffee bar in Copenhagen is H A N S Coffee. They have two locations now and offer coffee, pastries, and breakfast.”
BEST BARS IN COPENHAGEN
“Anyone who likes a great glass of wine should visit Ved Straden 10. The staff offers the greatest advice and serves extraordinary wines by the glass. Another popular place is Balderash CPH, where the level of cocktail-making exceeds anything else.”
WHERE TO BRUNCH IN COPENHAGEN
“Copenhagen’s locals love brunch! So, it’s hard to pick the best brunch spots in Copenhagen since there are so many. Atelier September is always a great idea; their menu is simple, yet they offer anything you need. Sonny is great, too, with a slightly bigger offering made from local ingredients and fresh produce. At last, Louise Roe is great for anyone who loves brunch in style.”
COPENHAGEN’S BEST SHOPS
“FRAMA has a special place in my heart. We usually use their sophisticated furniture when we host an event here, and it is also worth just experiencing its unique interior, which was transformed into a design studio from a pharmacy. Carmen Copenhagen is another not-to-miss hotspot. The tiny shop offers great designer vintage and rare finds.”
PEOPLE WATCHING
“Copenhagen is a walkable city. Anytime I wander around, I see familiar faces, people I know from the industry, and interesting locals. It’s not like all the people hang out in a specific area; you must be very open and curious to find them by small coffee shops or just crossing the street. You can meet anyone in the most unexpected places.”
BEST DESIGNER VINTAGE SHOP
“Our friend Ferial Berri has a vintage shop called Paloma Vintage. She specializes in designer vintage from the 1920s, and it’s well worth popping by!”
WHERE DO LOCALS GO?
“We went to a nice authentic Thai restaurant, Ranees, in August after the opening event of our artist collaboration with Leïla Guinnefollau, which we had during Copenhagen Fashion Week. The place is more like a family kitchen where Danish top chefs such as Renée Redzepi from Noma go out for lunch.”
ONE PLACE NOT TO MISS…
“Etage Projects offers a stage for upcoming designers and artists, with frequently changing exhibitions. Last season, they collaborated with Copenhagen Fashion Week, dedicating their space to Fashion Week’s best design talent who need an extra push.”
