Can you please provide a self-introduction, please?
Yes, my name is Majken Kalhave
and I'm the Executive Director of Creative Denmark
What do you do in your company or NGO?
Creative Denmark is a not-for-profit public-private setup in Denmark
and we work to promote and create awareness about the creative potential
So that means that we represent all of the creative industries in Denmark
and look into how they can actually promote quality of life and sustainability
Creative Denmark plays a crucial role in uncovering and promoting creative and innovative solutions
developed from Denmark to a global audience
Could you please elaborate on the primary activities undertaken in both these industries?
We work very much to create platforms where we can foster relations
between international stakeholders
for example, here in South Korea
and the Danish stakeholders representing the creative industries
So now today you are in the Living Fair in Korea
Could you please share what motivated you to participate in this Seoul Living Fair?
Yes, I mean there are so many similarities between Denmark and South Korea
and I think a lot of Danish brands look towards South Korea
because it's such an interesting market
Great, so would you kindly introduce the Danish brand participating in the Seoul Living Design Fair today?
You have a beautiful group
Thank you so much, thank you so much
Yes, we have nine brands represented here today
We have Carl Hansen and Fritz Hansen
which is two of the most iconic design companies and brands in Denmark for over 150 years
We have Quilts of Denmark and Georg Jensen Damask
which represent luxurious bedding and textiles
We have Umeå NATURES Collection and DANISH LEGACY
which is contemporary Danish design brands
We have VOLA, which is iconic and beautiful bathroom fixtures
And then we have Fog & Venø, which is decorative acoustic panels used in interior design
Sounds really great
House of Danish design features booth where like
Korean aesthetics and blends harmoniously with Danish designs
Are there any distinctive design features unique to Danish brands?
Yes, I think there is
I think one of them might be simplicity and minimalism
Clean lines, functionality, focusing on form and uncluttered elegance, that being one
A second one would be the human-centric approach,
where we always cater for human needs
and want to create that sense of belonging, the sense of being catered for
And maybe the third one would be craftsmanship,
which I think is something that you know a lot about here in Korea as well
So, Creative Denmark is actively involved in various projects
aimed at sustainability and improving quality of life, as our research
What drives your organization's focus on sustainability?
I mean, sustainability and the green agenda, the green transition is a burning platform
We cannot not work with it
And here I believe that the creative industries play a massive role
in promoting and driving forward the green transition
Because we need to make it the obvious choice
We need to focus on making it irresistible for all to do that sustainable choice
So that's what we want
So you play a role in promoting the activities of Danish brands striving for a sustainable future
Could you explain the initiatives of Danish brands leading sustainability?
Yes, I think that they work in many different ways with both sustainability but also responsibility
One of the things could be design for disassembly
One of the things could be searching for
sustainable materials, smart sustainable choices, circular business models
It could be responsible manufacturing, but also long lasting design
Last but not least, what are your insights and what are your organization's insights
into the lifestyle trend anticipated for 2024?
Yes, I think again minimalism within design is going to be a major one in 2024
Sustainability both in terms of responsible choices and sustainable choices
And then the last one, enhancing user experience
We need to have that human-centric approach into design again as an overall theme
We appreciate for your time, and I hope you enjoy time in fair
Thank you so much