The Beginning

Margrethe School was founded by Grethe Glad in 1931 and is named after the school’s patroness Princess Margrethe of Bourbon-Parma. The background to the success of the Margrethe-Skolen was partly Grethe Glad’s social network in influential circles and partly her travels to Paris, which she initially visited to renew her wardrobe and later to buy models for production in Copenhagen.

In addition, her language skills and pedagogical abilities came in handy. During the period when the school was established, interest in textile subjects was also high in the existing schools, but Margrethe-Skolen’s teaching of pattern cutting and sewing elegant fashion with an international touch was something completely new. Likewise, the study trips she organized to Paris for the school’s students were unusual at the time.

In 1937, Grethe Glad moved to Frederiksholms Kanal, after which Margrethe-Skolen was permanently established in premises by the beach, and students learned cutting, sewing and draping according to the principles of French haute couture tailoring. After a few years, Grethe Glad retired from school work, and in 1945 Margrethe-Skolen moved to Badstuestræde under the leadership of Inga Madsen, who deceased in 2008, after which Christina Beckman took over the management of the school. The school has been located on Østergade since 1953, but moved back to larger and newer premises in Badstuestræde in 2012.

Development

The school’s history is an inseparable part of the Danish fashion heritage. It has witnessed a continuous flow of talent passing through the school’s doors, shaping the industry with their unique perspectives and visions. Education has not only been about creating skilled fashion designers, stylists and business professionals, but also about cultivating an understanding of fashion as an art form that expresses deeper meanings and aesthetics.

The school’s history is a story of dedication to creativity, innovation and educational excellence. In addition, the school has always been an epicenter of creativity and innovation, and the institution’s teaching methods reflect the commitment to maintaining the high standards for which the school has historically been known. Today, the school is internationally known and respected for, as formulated by Createur Erik Mortensen: “not only explaining and teaching about fashion, but also insisting on inspiring students to get to the heart of all creation, fashion and aesthetics. The school has maintained an admirable kind of prestige that is high for those who want to go the extra mile.”

Graduates

The school’s graduates have achieved great recognition and success both nationally and internationally, including: Margit Brandt, Henriette Zobel, Susanne Rützou, Benedikte Utzon, Lene Sand, René Gurskov, Louise Lynge Bjerregaard, Bitte Kai Rand, Laura Tønder, Anne Vestesen, Bente Lundquist, Elaine Hersby, Trice Tomsen, Princess Benedikte, Princess Elisabeth and others. The school’s goal is to educate fashion designers who, with their resources, will be able to develop a qualitative product containing identity and personality. Designers who have learned to analyze and observe our times so that they are able to meet consumer demands.

Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte is the school’s patroness and the school has established a foundation from which the Benedikte Prize is awarded. The school has had the pleasure and honor of educating Her Royal Highness, who has since maintained her connection to the place.

Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design · Margrethe-Skolen ·
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