Florence, Paris, Berlin.

I'm back in Copenhagen after three or so weeks of travelling. 

We kicked off the SS13 tradeshows at Pitti Uomo in Florence. It was very hot (we're talking 35-38 degrees everyday) but fun all the same. Me and Mikkel were selling at the Norse Projects booth, whilst Kevin and Frey were out with us buying for the store. We had some great meals with friends (including a mean steak and wine combo) and a general good time, including a rather extravagant Baracuta release party.

Next stop was Paris. We drove from Copenhagen to Paris - it took 15 hours. My main duty was the drive through Belgium - nice roads. Paris was pretty special because we rented our very own showroom for 5 days. This means we could see a lot of existing customers and get their orders in early. Whilst Mikkel and Kenneth were there, I spent three days at the (capsule) show meeting existing customers and potential new ones at our stand. Being on my own was a great experience, but also very tiring. Nonetheless, 100% worth it. I strengthened friendships with those I met in February and met a lot of new people too. In accordance with tradition, we had one night at La Perle (the bar that everyone in the business goes to) and watched the football in the evenings when it was on.

We left Paris for Berlin (again, in the car with the collection in the back). It took 11 hours, so a bit shorter than last time. This time I did a stint on the German autobahn. Those four hours were pretty fun for me. On our 'day off' in Berlin, we had lunch at DUDU - an amazing Vietnamese / Asian restaurant which was top notch. We also visited some stores and went to the Penfield SS13 line launch in the evening, followed by a party at Cookies and Cream with the gang from Patta, Amsterdam. Mikkel and I had two successful days selling at the (capsule) show, which, like Paris, was in a cool new venue. 

Anyway, enough talking. Here's the photo reel.

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Liquor for breakfast:

Florence parade:

Needed a break half way through:

Cathedral:

Cathedral close-up:

Feeding time:

Italian food of course:

Pitti Uomo:

Scarecrows at Pitti:

Mikkel and Chris sporting the daisy shorts:

Pitti:

In pursuit of beer:

Dinner with Mark, Henry and Hannah. Terrible camera skills:

YMC at Pitti:

The big one:

Ferry Denmark to Germany:

They get their own area:

Showroom, Paris:

Socks and sandals, the only way:

(capsule), Paris:

My favourite picture of all. Saying goodbye with the low bow:

Us:

The venue:

Off for food:

Jag tucking into some lunch:

The lovely Michelle and Lucy:

We arrived in Berlin and the car gave up:

Civilist, Berlin:

SOTO, Berlin:

SOTO, Berlin:

An expensive shelf of footwear. visvim in Firmament, Berlin:

Dreamy:

Henrik and Niki enjoying Bread and Butter:

Smiles all around:

Oh dear:

Levi's Streetwear x Nike SB release party:

They built a mini ramp inside:

BBQ:

The collection:

I put my beer down and it got lost:

Big tricks:

Bumped into Jugga, my second favourite Swede (Björn being first of course):

(capsule), Berlin:

Thanks to Henry, Hannah and Mark for the shoes:

Trust the guy whose brand is called 'Naked and Famous Denim' to do this:

Think pink:

One from Mark's new collection. Once again, thanks Mark and Steve:

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All in all, my travels have been nothing short of brilliant.

In terms of clothing, I have seen some amazing new stuff wandering around these tradeshows when I've managed to get 20 mins off the stand. My highlights were... Arc'teryx Veilance, Post Overalls, Our Legacy, Mark McNairy New Amsterdam, Naked and Famous Denim, Anonymousism Socks and Engineered Garments. Norse Projects tops them all, of course. That goes without saying.

I booked my one way ticket back to the UK last night. Saturday 1st September I will be leaving Denmark for good (maybe). We'll see.