About Last Night… ROTATE ICONS

A few years ago, the designers behind the beloved brand ROTATE, Jeanette Friis and Thora Valdimars took us along with them on a night out in Copenhagen. We had such a great time, we knew we had to party with them again as soon as we got the chance.

With the recent launch of the limited-edition ROTATE ICONS collection, we had the perfect excuse to celebrate with the stylish pair. From getting ready with them on The Club Floor of Browns Brook Street, to the ultimate morning-after luxury, here’s what went down at one of our favourite parties of the year.

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Before the night starts, let’s talk about your new ICONS collection…

How would you describe the collection in three words?
Glamorous, extravagant and daring.

What is the concept?
We wanted to create a truly memorable moment. Having created so many beautiful and successful pieces during ROTATE’s lifetime, it felt like the right time to pay homage to the most iconic of these designs - which led us to creating this 11-piece time capsule.

What’s the narrative you’re trying to tell through this collection? What inspired you?
The pieces we chose to re-design are the epitome of the ROTATE brand – they are sexy and elegant, and have something for all body shapes and tastes. The collection was really inspired by red carpet glamour, so we’d love to see the dresses on the red carpet.

Who is this collection dedicated to?
The ROTATE woman. Our most universal and popular styles have been crafted in the most exquisite and extravagant fabrics in order to create one-of-a-kind, investment pieces that you will wear and keep forever.

Why did you choose these specific fabrics?
We wanted to work with fabrics that have been at the core of ROTATE's designs - like sequins and shiny vinyl - but play with tradition and use them in unexpected ways.

You can clearly see this with the Newton mini blazer dress in black vinyl, with diamond cut-outs and crystal details. Also the Dawn dress, which features intricate sequin tasseling.

Which are your favourite pieces from the collection?
Thora: For me, it’s the Pearl Mesh Dress. It’s undeniably over-the-top, sexy and luxurious.

Jeanette: I love the Carlosa Crystal Tulle Dress. It’s like a dream, with many layers of puffy tulle fabric in soft pink. The crystal details reflect in the light and make it look like the dress is covered in diamonds.

Now it’s time to get ready in The Club Floor of Browns Brook Street!

You’re sipping on a Native cocktail - which one did you choose?
We’re both drinking a 'COMPOST-OLITAN' - it's delicious!

You’re getting your nails done by BHAM B nails - what designs have you chosen?
Tonight is all about ROTATE, so we will be going for the 'R' artwork.

Which pieces are you wearing from your collection?
Jeanette: I’m in the Nikoline dress. It features a long white cape which makes this simple gown a show-stopping piece.

Thora: The stunning Tadita dress, which is made from crystal netting and is completely sheer. This dress is all about being luxurious, bold and daring.

How are you accessorising your ensembles this evening?
For both of us, the dresses are taking centre stage, so we’re keeping the accessories minimal and monochrome.

And what about your handbags?
Thora: A very cute, ice cube style clutch bag that matches our ROTATE ice sculpture.

Jeanette: My favourite, patent Alaïa heart clutch for this evening.

The collection’s called ICONS, but who’s an icon in your eyes?
Anyone that’s daring, glamorous and bold is an Icon to us. We are constantly inspired by Zoë Kravitz, for her sexy, brave, cool and effortless appeal, and we wanted to convey this energy into our ICONS collection too.

What do you normally listen to whilst you’re getting ready?
We spend a lot of time getting ready together, so usually Thora is on DJ duty! Chris Brown: 'Under the Influence' is Thora's ultimate mood-boosting tune.

Have you got any rituals before a night out?
Thora: I always try to have a proper meal before heading out.

Jeanette: I place ice cubes under my eyes before I start the getting ready process. It really helps me feel refreshed before going out.

Now you’re ready… it’s off to The Maine for the after party!

What are the vibes tonight?
This is such a special collection launch, so we just want tonight to be all about letting loose and celebrating amongst friends.

What’s on the menu?
We’re looking forward to the amazing food - the seafood platter is a work of art.

What’s your tipple of choice?
Jeanette: Bubbles! It’s a night for celebration after all...

Thora: It's a margarita for me.

Who are you sitting next to?
Friends both new and old.

Who’s performing?
Lucy Ton is DJ-ing, we are so excited to see her take to the decks.

Which song gets you on the dance floor?
We love a bit of classic RnB! If Lumidee or Sean Paul are playing, we’ll be on the dance floor.

Where will we usually find you at the party?
Always and forever on the dance floor!

What do you love most about London?
Thora: Sometimes it can be daunting and lonely to travel to new cities by yourself, but I never feel this way here. The city is so bustling and energetic that you never feel alone and always feel inspired.

Jeanette: One thing I’m always excited about is taking a black cab. I’m still a London newbie really - I’ve been lucky enough to travel for work a few times, but it’s at the very top of my list to come and be a tourist.

Where’s your favourite place to go out in London?
We both love the classic institutions, like Chiltern Firehouse. These are the places we first visited in London and so will always be special to us. We’re also trying to check out East more, and love the vibe in Shoreditch.

Where will we find you the morning after the night before?
The ultimate morning-after luxury is ordering a big room service breakfast and eating it in bed.

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Photography: Beth Morrison
Video: Khadi King & Ben Hickman
Words: Sophy Davis Russell