Autumn notes with Helene

Meet Helene, one of project AJ117’s Danish agents and a familiar face within the brand. Having known and worked with project AJ117 for many years, she knows the collections, the customers and the world around the brand closely.

For Journal 03, we caught up with Helene to talk personal style, her life in fashion and the small things she looks forward to as autumn arrives.

A little about Helene
I’m 54 and live in Hjørring, where I work as an independent fashion agent. I’ve worked with fashion for most of my life and love the combination of people, relationships and being close to the stores and their customers.
Outside work, I love running, reformer Pilates, dinners with family and friends, traveling and discovering new places.

Personal style
Classic, feminine and simple, but always with a twist.
For me, it’s about good materials, the right fit and pieces that can be worn in different ways. I would rather have fewer good pieces that I can wear again and again.

Pieces to keep
It has to feel good, fit well and be easy to style. I love pieces that work for both everyday life and an evening out.
The best ones are those you never get tired of and that often become even better the more you wear them.

My wardrobe essentials
My wardrobe is built around good basics: jeans, well-fitting trousers, organic cotton shirts, knits and a good blazer or jacket.
I like to keep an outfit simple, but always with something feminine, whether it is a small heel, accessories or a mix of different materials and textures.
Autumn is a favorite because it is the perfect time to start layering again.

Life as a fashion agent 
There really isn’t such a thing as a typical working day, and that’s what I love about my job. 
I might be visiting customers, working in the showroom, attending sales meetings or handling orders. The relationships with my customers are the most important part. I want to understand their stores, their customers and what they need from me. A part of project AJ117
I was introduced to project AJ117 through my work as an agent and had already known the owners through the industry for many years.
I really liked the understated expression and the attention to detail. I also appreciate that the majority of the collection is produced in Europe.

The AJ woman
I like that she doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. She has her own style, knows what she likes and chooses quality and personality rather than simply following trends.
For me, it’s about finding your own style and standing by it.

My motto: Freedom to choose your style.

HELENE’S AUTUMN 

The perfect autumn day
A slow morning with a good cup of coffee and maybe a run before the day begins. Then a good day at work, followed by coming home, lighting candles and enjoying a slower evening.
I also love walks by the North Sea. It’s good for both body and soul.

A change of season
I love bringing out knits, boots and jackets again. The wardrobe gets more depth when you can start layering.
And then the darker evenings at home with good food, a film and a cozy atmosphere. Autumn brings a different sense of calm.
Autumn favorites
Dinners with family and friends, long walks, coffee at a good café and weekends without too many plans.
A good playlist is always a favorite too, and my autumn skincare must-have is SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E for a fresh glow going into winter.

Sources of inspiration
Everywhere. On Instagram, when I travel, from people on the street and through my work.
I love Victoria Beckham’s understated style, but I’m also inspired by interiors, restaurants, art and travel. For me, fashion and lifestyle are closely connected.
Find Helene’s AW26 favorites from project AJ117 here.