Copenhagen-based fashion brand Saks Potts, known for its chic designs, is set to close in spring 2025 after more than a decade in business. Founders Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts announced the decision on Instagram, surprising many fans and industry insiders who viewed the brand as a key player in Copenhagen’s burgeoning fashion scene.
In their statement, Saks and Potts expressed their desire to either completely reinvent their brand or gracefully conclude it at its peak. They stated, “Now 10 years into our journey, it felt like we could either shake everything up completely or we could turn the page, say a beautiful farewell to our business… and start a new chapter of our lives.” They also mentioned plans to explore new career opportunities that build on their legacy beyond Saks Potts.
The duo launched their brand at ages 19 and 20, transforming it from a local favorite among Scandinavian fashionistas to an internationally recognized label. Their signature fur-cuffed coats have been embraced by many style-savvy women, particularly in New York City. Their clothing successfully balances chic aesthetics with practicality, reflecting the Copenhagen lifestyle where biking is common. “Everything needs to be quite practical,” Saks noted in a previous interview.
Saks and Potts cited financial challenges within the fashion industry as a factor in their decision to close. They highlighted difficulties faced by wholesale markets, noting that Matches Fashion, one of their largest retailers, had closed earlier this year. Despite these challenges, they reported strong direct-to-consumer sales, with an 80% increase in sales at their Copenhagen store and a 50% rise in e-commerce sales over the past year.
Last summer, instead of hosting a traditional fashion show during Copenhagen Fashion Week, Saks and Potts celebrated their ten-year milestone with an intimate dinner for friends and supporters. The event took place under a large tent by the waterfront of the Swiss Embassy in Denmark. Guests enjoyed a cake featuring childhood photos of the founders and concluded the evening with fireworks and a symbolic burning of a sign that read “Saks Potts.”
The closure of Saks Potts marks the end of an era for the community they fostered within the fashion industry. As fans reflect on the brand’s impact, many will miss its unique contributions to contemporary style.
Related topics:
