Behind the Brand | Charlotte Sparre

With her vibrant prints, passion for silk, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Charlotte Sparre has spent over three decades redefining timeless elegance. What began with a chance purchase of silk on a trip to China has grown into a globally admired brand worn by supermodels and style-conscious women alike. In our exclusive interview, the Danish designer shares her journey from scarves to ready-to-wear, her inspiration sources, and how she continues to marry artistry with sustainability in every piece.

Your journey into fashion started in an unconventional way, from selling hair accessories to designing scarves. What inspired you to make the leap into the fashion industry?

It was actually a coincidence. When I was 24, I bought some beautiful silk fabric on a journey to China. My original idea was to make hair accessories, but the silk was so beautiful that I decided to create scarves instead. At the time, there weren’t many silk scarves on the market, and I saw both a need and an opportunity to offer something colourful, luxurious, and of high quality. That was the beginning of my brand — and my journey into fashion.

Silk has always been a defining element of your collections. What draws you to this fabric, and how has your innovation in washable silk changed the way people wear it?

I have always loved silk — it’s the Rolls Royce of fabrics. It’s incredibly elegant, soft against the skin, naturally breathable, and adjusts to your body’s temperature. It warms you in winter and keeps you cool in summer. Silk also has a beautiful natural drape, making it perfect for both scarves and clothing. Today, many silk qualities can be washed, which makes it far more accessible, practical and sustainable. It allows women to wear silk more often — not just save it for special occasions.

Your brand is known for bold prints and striking colour combinations. Where do you find inspiration for your designs, and how do you develop your signature prints?

Inspiration can come from anywhere — a flower in the forest, the ceiling of an old church, or a detail in a painting. I always carry a sketchbook with me. I still draw and paint by hand, which is very important to me. I like working in a traditional way and combining it with the latest developments in printing technology. That’s how I create unique and expressive prints with a personal touch.

You’ve worked with some of the most famous supermodels in the world, including Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne. What was it like showcasing your designs on such a global stage?

It has always been exciting and inspiring to work with international models like Naomi, Helena, and Cara. Their presence adds something special to the brand, and it helps introduce my designs to a global audience. It’s also a lot of fun — they bring their own energy and personality into the clothes.

Sustainability is a growing concern in fashion. How does your commitment to high-quality, long-lasting fabrics and responsible sourcing contribute to a more sustainable industry?

For me, sustainability starts with quality. Silk is incredibly durable — a silk garment can last for decades, which makes it inherently sustainable. People tend to keep silk pieces, whereas fast fashion items are more disposable. I also work only with natural or manmade-natural fibres like silk, cashmere, linen, cotton, and viscose. In production, we make only what has been ordered — no surplus stock. And I don’t work with big online retailers or consignment models that encourage overproduction. This way, we minimise waste and keep things more conscious.

Your collections have expanded beyond scarves to include full clothing lines. How do you balance staying true to your brand’s origins while evolving with changing fashion trends?

The essence of the brand remains the same — colourful, artistic, feminine, and high-quality. The expansion into clothing happened gradually, and I have always made sure to stay true to the DNA I started with. Even though trends come and go, I focus on creating timeless pieces with a unique aesthetic. I want women to feel both comfortable and beautiful in my designs.

Charlotte Sparre pieces are sold in exclusive stores worldwide, including Le Bon Marché in Paris and Beams in Tokyo. How do you ensure your designs appeal to an international audience while maintaining your unique aesthetic?

I believe that women all over the world respond to colour, quality and authenticity. My designs are rooted in a personal style, but they resonate across cultures because they offer something different — a bold expression, a joyful colour palette, and a commitment to craftsmanship. I never try to imitate trends or other brands — I focus on being true to my own vision.

You’ve worked closely with suppliers to develop stronger, more durable silk and eco-friendly printing techniques. What challenges did you face in this process, and what are you most proud of?

It has taken time to find the right partners — smaller, family-owned factories that share my values and my aesthetic standards. I visit them four times a year, and we’ve developed a strong relationship. Together, we’ve focused on using the best grade A silk, the latest techniques in printing, and ensuring minimal fabric waste. I’m proud that we can produce at a high standard while still being responsible and personal in our approach.

As a designer and entrepreneur, what has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Having my own brand for more than 30 years is something I’m truly proud of. It’s been an incredible journey — filled with challenges, creativity, and constant evolution. The most rewarding part is seeing women all over the world wearing and loving my creations. I feel honoured every time someone chooses to wear a piece I’ve designed.

The Sahara customer appreciates artistic style with a unique point of view. What do you think they will love most about your designs?

I hope they will love the uniqueness — the colours, the prints, and the feeling that each piece is created with care and passion. My brand is small, independent, and driven by a deep love for design, fabric, and craftsmanship. There is something joyful and expressive in each garment, and I believe that resonates with women who want something both beautiful and meaningful.

With each collection, Charlotte invites women to express their individuality through bold prints, luxurious fabrics, and silhouettes that stand the test of time. For the Sahara woman who values artistry, quality and narrative, Charlotte’s creations offer something truly special.