Their level of ambition is, of course, sky-high, and it happens that pillars and lintels
are raised by means of such dangerous acrobatic stunts that applause is elicited
from their fellow conventioneers. After the risky ordeal, they take on the delicate
task of arranging flower decorations and the likes.The trade fair booths become
J and P’s pride and joy, and thereafter, they make it their personal mission to
create the most inventive and eye-catching booths.
“First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.”
The plan is to get a foothold in the hippest, most
fashionable stores in the world. J and P are convinced
that if they succeed in closing MoMA in NewYork
or Cibone in Tokyo, then the doors to the rest of the
world will fly open. Exhaustive research work is required
to locate the most trend-setting shops, but ultimately,
their efforts bear fruit, and they succeed in building up
a strong dealer network.With inspiration from these
cutting-edge design stores, in 2005 they open up a 1700m2 lifestyle store in
Copenhagen. In the premises of an old cinema, they create a state-of-the-art
design store, earning awards and publicity from magazines and travel guides
around the world.
In 2009, Normann Copenhagen exhibits in Milan. Under the headline of “New
Danish Modern”, a number of attention-grabbing furniture pieces are presented.
An oversized neon green bookshelf and an equally
voluminous armchair designed by Ole Jensen.
A daybed, lounge chair and table crafted in
full-grain leather wicker on molded beech and a
series of bright yellow children’s furniture with a
matching soapbox car, all by Jesper K.Thomsen.
The arty furniture launches in the midst of the
financial crisis, too bold and expensive for its time,