Margit Bjorlow Brandt Danish fashion designer Date of Birth: 27.01.1945 Country: Denmark

Biography of Margit Bjørlo Brandt

Margit Bjørlo Brandt, a Danish fashion designer, is considered one of the greatest designers of our time. She began her career working with renowned French couturiers Pierre Balmain and Louis Féraud. Born on January 27, 1945, Margit attended Margretheskolen from 1961 to 1964 and Københavns Tilskærerakademi in 1964, where she honed her tailoring skills.

Margit's international career started in Paris in 1965 when she became an apprentice to the French designer Pierre Balmain. Her creativity and confidence in her own style quickly gained recognition, and in 1966, she continued her career at the fashion house of Louis Féraud on Rue du Fauborg Saint Honore.

In 1966, Margit married Erik Brandt, who worked with the French company 'Mendes' owned by Pierre Mendes France, the nephew of former French President Pierre Mendes France. The company produced ready-to-wear collections for renowned brands such as 'Lanvin,' 'Guy La Roche,' and 'Yves Saint Laurent.' The marriage of Margit and Erik led to the creation of one of the most successful Scandinavian designer couples.

After their wedding, the Brandt family returned to Denmark, and in 1966, Margit presented her own collection at the Copenhagen Fashion Fair. Her line was characterized by form-fitting designs and shorter lengths, appealing to a wide range of customers, from teenagers to sophisticated women. Margit and Erik started producing various fashion items essential for trendy ladies, including lingerie, furs, sportswear, watches, personal hygiene products, and accessories.

Their trendsetting approach, introducing fashion trends to a specific target group, found success in prestigious department stores such as 'Harrods,' 'Bendels,' 'Takashimaya,' 'Saks,' and 'Bloomingdales.' The couple also opened their own flagship stores worldwide, starting from London, Paris, and Barcelona and expanding to Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York.

As part of the elite society, Margit and Erik cultivated relationships with an eccentric group of friends who frequented the famous New York club 'Studio 54.' This allowed them to form close connections with superstars such as Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Diana Vreeland, and Truman Capote.

In the early 1980s, the Brandts announced their permanent relocation to New York. However, in 2005, they returned to Denmark, resuming their design development and clothing production. In 2007, Margit was honored with the Cross of Dannebrog by Danish Queen Margrethe II. In the book 'Fashion Genius of the World' (1979) by Serena Sinclair, Margit Brandt occupies the second place, second only to the iconic British designer Mary Quant.