Malene Birger has long been one of my designer icons. Why? Quite simply because she makes clothes I swoon over – beautiful, considered and eclectic buys that are as bohemian in feel as they are sophisticated, stylish and the product of a well travelled mind. Not your transitory seasonal types, these are clothes you fall in love with. I have treasured pieces from her previous labels, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen and By Malene Birger hanging in my wardrobe that I can’t EVER imagine tiring of, so when Malene parted ways with her signature label I hoped a new chapter would begin – cue A’Journey London. Born in July last year, the label is based and designed on the simple premise of packing a suitcase with clothing that combines beautiful style with functionality. It has the traveller at heart, but is also mindful of a woman who wants to combine work with cultural adventure. I chatted with Malene about the label, her favourite things and handpicked a few key pieces to show here. Bon voyage.
White top £170; trousers £280.
Dress £550.
Top £280; trousers £300.
Top £295.
TSS. Your new line A’Journey London is a beautiful collection of lust have pieces for the discerning, well travelled woman – it drips with wanderlust and exotic origins. What was your inspiration for the first collection?
MB. “My general inspiration is always my travelling, meeting new people and studying new cultures and sights, markets, museums among many other activities. I pack and design my suitcase according to the destination and purpose of the trip. The collections are created and coordinated with all those inspiring inputs in mind.”
TSS.Where do you most love to travel and do you have any secret addresses upon arrival there?
MB. “I love to go to Mexico, LA and Italy. Greece is also a great place to relax and reflect. The flea markets in Nice every Monday and Consell in Mallorca are great for for interesting finds and good bargains.”
TSS. What would be your must have pieces in a weekend away suitcase?
MB. “A black suit, white shirt, a kaftan, a sweater and plenty of coloured dresses, not forgetting tights.”
White top £170; black trousers £350.
TSS. What is the one piece of clothing you’ll never part with?
MB. My white tuxedo shirt.
Top £280.
TSS. What are your favourite pieces from the current collection?
MB. “Our No 2 JOURNEY COLLECTION is out in December, and its hard for me to pick. I love they yellow dresses as well as the Sun Flower printed one, the tunics, the blue striped kaftan and the leopard shirt with pants. The striped shirt and pants is probably my favourite outfit.”
Dress, £290, A’Journey London.
Dress £290.
Top £295.
Dress £550.
Black blazer £380; side stripe and fringed trousers £300.
TSS. Do you have a favourite book?
MB. “I’ m proud of my own two coffee table books – ‘LIFE and WORK’ and ‘MOVE and WORK’ published in 2010 and 2014. I collect vintage interior books from the 60’s and 70’s. They are all treasured – I cannot choose one.”
TSS. What is your favourite scent?
MB. “Kiehls Musk”
Beauty note: make up artist Frances Prescott used her signature product Tri.Balm to create the soft, dewy glow on Elle’s skin and then Bare Mineral’s Complexion Rescue tinted moisturiser to gently cover any blemishes.
White top £170.
Pretty pom pom detailing on the softest cotton blouse, as before.
All clothing available from A’Journey London. Click here for stockists and more information.
Photographs and styling Shelly Vella
Hair and make up Frances Prescott using Tri.Balm and Bare Essentials
Model Elle at Models 1
Thanks to Malene Majlund at Inexcess Fashion and Elizabeth Cocozza-McMordie at ECM Communications.