Interview with Signe Rødbro: The name and designer behind by Signe

In the mythical Aegean region of Turkey, surrounded by the sea and organic cotton fields, By Signe’s timeless designs are brought to life - each piece crafted with care, quality and intention. We met the name and designer behind the brand, Danish-born Signe Rødbro, for a chat about craftsmanship, materials and honest, long-lasting fashion. Signe also shares her favourite places in Copenhagen to work, read and indulge and explains why the female representation in literature is a never-ending source of inspiration to her.

In December you styled the most beautiful window at tété - it was simple yet extravagant at the same time. How would you describe the aesthetic universe of By Signe, and what do you hope your customers feel when they wear your designs?
I like to think of my designs as timeless and minimalist, often featuring small yet distinctive details that enhance a sense of quiet luxury. My aim is to offer beautiful and comfortable garments without compromising on quality, aesthetics or the well-being of the people involved in the entire production process.

I hope that the customer feels the luxury of wearing natural, healthy materials, and senses that the pieces are handcrafted with close attention to detail and fit.

Where do you typically go in search of inspiration?
Literature has always been my greatest source of inspiration. I love reading, and I am continually inspired by stories about women; how they are described, observed, how they feel, and how they move through their environments. My own emotions and state of mind also play an important role in my design process, as I often create what I dream of wearing myself in a given setting, sentiment or imagined universe.

The majority of your styles are produced in the brand’s own atelier in Turkey. Why Turkey, and what motivated you to establish your own manufacturing facility?
After years of traveling, sourcing organic and high-quality materials, I chose to establish my own manufacturing atelier in the centre of the Aegean region. The Aegean region is a mythical area dating way back to Ancient Greek history. But it is also an area with thousands of years of history in textile production and tailoring, and here we are surrounded by organic cotton fields and suppliers of every detail in garment manufacturing.

With a skilled team of artisans and tailors, Kopenhag Studio is a socially responsible manufacturing atelier built on European principles. Applying positive changes directly to the lives of my team, while honouring the handcraft of manufacturing in a safe and healthy environment, the atelier brings control and transparency to everything that we do. Additionally, being able to work closely together with a team of colleagues with whom I have now worked with for many years means a lot to me; I love the sense of familiarity that it brings into the making of every piece.

Sustainability is a vital part of By Signe’s narrative and practice. Can you walk us through the materials you choose and why they play such a central role in your designs?
We are committed to creating long-lasting, high-quality garments. Therefore, material selection is essential, and we select primarily natural and organic fibres for their inherent luxurious qualities. Our most used fibre is by far organic cotton, but we also use other natural fibres such as silk and wool, and a small part of the collections sometimes features deadstock materials.

Organic cotton offers exceptional comfort, as it is a naturally soft, clean and durable fibre. The cotton is grown using methods that have a low impact on the environment, the plants are harvested by hand to preserve the stems and soil carefully and avoiding pollution from the machines in the fields. Organic cotton is really a long-lasting material, easy to care for and gentle on the skin.

Silk and wool are other natural fibres that have always been a part of my repertoire. These types of luxurious fibres make long-lasting garment with a truly clean and luxurious feel. Both silk and wool offer natural benefits such as hydration, temperature regulation and the ability to clean itself over time.

You were born and raised in the northernmost part of Denmark but live in Copenhagen today. Can you share three of your favourite spots in the city?
My favourite places in Copenhagen are Bibliotekshaven for reading on a bench, the old study hall at the Royal Library for working in silence, and La Glace for a morning meeting or an afternoon slice of cake.

Discover our full selection of designs by Signe here