Tête-à-Tête with Margrethe Vestager
12.19.2024
We had the pleasure of welcoming Danish politician and former European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, to the MKDT Studio Boutique in St. Strandstræde for an inspiring one-on-one. Known for her sharp intellect and bold vision, Margrethe seamlessly weaves creativity, compassion, and a relentless drive for change into every aspect of her life.
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In our conversation, she shares her thoughts on personal values, the intentionality behind her vibrant, approachable style, and the meaningful stories her wardrobe tells. From her passion for mindful fashion to crafting her own knitwear, Margrethe invites us into a world where individuality and purpose shine. Read on to discover how she champions change—with both needle and policy in hand.-
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//Please introduce yourself?
I am the proud mother of 3 daughters and happily married for more that 30 years. I like a lot of things - knitting, running, ceramics, cooking. I my working life I am driven to trying to make an impact for other people: Everybody should have a fair chance and education; health and social security is a right.
I am the proud mother of 3 daughters and happily married for more that 30 years. I like a lot of things - knitting, running, ceramics, cooking. I my working life I am driven to trying to make an impact for other people: Everybody should have a fair chance and education; health and social security is a right.
//What personal values guide your professional work?
Transparency, predictability - kindness is a superpower :)
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//If you could champion just one political agenda closest to your heart, what would it be?
Fighting climate change and technology for humans. Actually, the two reinforces each other - we can use tech to fight climate change but only if we know that we as humans always decide.
Fighting climate change and technology for humans. Actually, the two reinforces each other - we can use tech to fight climate change but only if we know that we as humans always decide.
//How does your identity reflect in your personal style?
It is often quite colorful- but not always. It is approachable - I rarely wear black since I find that it creates a distance. I don’t want to hide; I want to express myself and connect with other people.
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//Is there an intentional, communicative aspect to how you dress, particularly in your professional life?
I have been exercising power one way or another for most of my life. It is important for me that the people - on whose behalf I exercise power - can have a sense of who I am. In a world where we cannot talk with everyone but must rely on first impressions, it is important how you dress. I like natural fibers, textures, colors and dislike uniforms if the distance you/shield you from a critical or questioning view.
I have been exercising power one way or another for most of my life. It is important for me that the people - on whose behalf I exercise power - can have a sense of who I am. In a world where we cannot talk with everyone but must rely on first impressions, it is important how you dress. I like natural fibers, textures, colors and dislike uniforms if the distance you/shield you from a critical or questioning view.
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//As someone in a position to influence change, what is your vision for how we perceive and consume fashion?
We need to change. Being chick and smart is not about being in something new/just bought. It is about how you combine, how you wear it. I have clothes that I had sown for me 30 years ago and pieces I have bought pre-loved mixed with a few new items that I hope will last me a decade.
We need to change. Being chick and smart is not about being in something new/just bought. It is about how you combine, how you wear it. I have clothes that I had sown for me 30 years ago and pieces I have bought pre-loved mixed with a few new items that I hope will last me a decade.
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//As an avid knitter, what does the process of creating with your hands bring to your life?
Grounding. Seeing something being produced - I work so much with words! I prefer wool; it is warm, elastic and these days it doesn’t scratch at all!
Grounding. Seeing something being produced - I work so much with words! I prefer wool; it is warm, elastic and these days it doesn’t scratch at all!
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//Are there any particular craft projects you’re currently working on?
I have just said goodbye to my team in Bruxelles. For many years it has developed into a thing that I knit elephants. If you work with me, you can get on it you have a round birthday, have a child, get married or get a new job - and there are exemptions:) So since those who did not have an elephant already now should have one for their new jobs - and one for a baby - I have been knitting SO many elephants. Probably 30 since early summer. Now I have an elephant break. So, I’m just making a simple sweater for Frederik Cilius. He really would like to have one and I found that really charming!
I have just said goodbye to my team in Bruxelles. For many years it has developed into a thing that I knit elephants. If you work with me, you can get on it you have a round birthday, have a child, get married or get a new job - and there are exemptions:) So since those who did not have an elephant already now should have one for their new jobs - and one for a baby - I have been knitting SO many elephants. Probably 30 since early summer. Now I have an elephant break. So, I’m just making a simple sweater for Frederik Cilius. He really would like to have one and I found that really charming!
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//Do you have a cherished piece of clothing—perhaps from MKDT Studio—that holds special meaning for you?
Yes. A bailee blouse that I wore for the portrait for Susanne Juhl’s campaign for Red Cross “What we do today make a better tomorrow”. The blouse is so serene and elegant, I simply feel elevated ready to do something!
Yes. A bailee blouse that I wore for the portrait for Susanne Juhl’s campaign for Red Cross “What we do today make a better tomorrow”. The blouse is so serene and elegant, I simply feel elevated ready to do something!
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//Could you recommend a piece of culture to enjoy during the holidays?
It could be a book, movie, podcast, or theater production—preferably one available in English. If possible, the musical “the book of Mormons”. Saw it recently again - super fun! Also board games - don’t underestimate the fun. Also, I am reading Noah Harari “Nexus”, important book about AI. What to do as humans?
It could be a book, movie, podcast, or theater production—preferably one available in English. If possible, the musical “the book of Mormons”. Saw it recently again - super fun! Also board games - don’t underestimate the fun. Also, I am reading Noah Harari “Nexus”, important book about AI. What to do as humans?
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