ABOUT SKAGEN DESIGN

ABOUT SKAGEN DESIGN
In 1989, Henrik and Charlotte Jorst came to the United States from their native Denmark to follow a dream: that of owning and running their own business, to introduce the Danish lifestyle and philosophy into the lives of many. Skagen Designs was founded by these two natives of Copenhagen on the principle that beautifully designed high-quality objects can be created at reasonable prices.

The Skagen Denmark Collections reflect owners Charlotte and Henrik Jorst's creative Danish spirit with clean, elegant designs, skillful craftsmanship and technical perfection. The Jorsts have a hand in designing each piece of the Skagen Collection, from watches to jewelry to sunglasses.

Vision Statement
By 2015, Skagen Designs will be the first choice among suppliers, customers, consumers, and employees as the most innovative and profitable design goods company within our chosen strategic segments, products and markets.


Mission Statement
Skagen Designs strives to create a global community of enthusiasts with our commitment to designing an impressive and unique yet attainable product while offering outstanding customer service to our customers and consumers.


About Skagen Denmark
For centuries, the little village of Skagen, Denmark, and its kilometers of white sandy beaches have been visited by artists seeking the magnificent light; artists who by the 19th Century had spread Skagen's beauty on canvasses that today are traded at leading auction houses. It is here where the natural purity and beauty of Danish design found its unique qualities. The small village on the edge of the sea continues to be the inspiration for all Skagen Denmark products.

About Charlotte Jorst, co-owner
As a wife and mother of two (teenage) daughters, Charlotte perfectly balances her family life with her success. And, as a champion equestrian, she manages to pursue and excel at one of her greatest passions. Today, we so often hear of women "doing it all" and Charlotte Jorst is indeed one of these women.


"I don't believe in big breaks," Charlotte explains. "I get up everyday and try to do my best. It is hard work, yes, but it's what makes 99.9% of people successful and, at the end of the day, is ultimately the most rewarding kind of success there is."

Charlotte's Danish roots instilled her with a love of nature that seamlessly links all aspects of her life together. Outside of the office, Charlotte embraces her love of everything outdoors, including regular competition at the highest levels (short of the Olympic team) of horse dressage, in addition to owning and running Skagen Stables, a small horse farm located in Reno.

Charlotte's motto for living life perfectly sums up her ability to do so much: "There is no reason not to try everything that interests you. Be patient, start at the beginning, remain positive and solve problems as they come."

About Henrik Jorst, co-owner
"While overseeing the design of all of our Skagen products, I find inspiration from many different arenas, continually pushing the brand to the next level, keeping our image current and yet maintaining our true identity."

A highly competitive tennis player, Henrik now acts as a member of the The International Tennis Club of Denmark and continues to represent Denmark in international matches.

Off the court and on the greens, Henrik also pursues his passion for golf. In addition, Henrik is an avid collector of classic cars. With 21 cars currently in his collection, including rare Jaguars, a Porsche, a Ferrari "Dino" and two Cadillacs, Henrik's fascination with mechanics, from timepieces to cars, is apparent.

Henrik's ability to excel when faced with challenge, whether in his professional or personal life, is grounded in his distinctly Danish philosophy: "Keep it simple. Seek out what you love and doggedly pursue your passions."



International Business
Skagen Designs has offices in the US, Denmark and Hong Kong. Skagen's business is expanding exponentially in Europe and even more so throughout the Asia Pacific region. Skagen operates two flagship stores in Denmark, one in the inspirational starting point of Skagen, Denmark and the other in the bustling, modern downtown Copenhagen. Additionally, independent Skagen concept stores are located in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan with new openings in Korea planned for later this year. The Skagen Denmark product proves to be a top-seller in many markets from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, and more store openings are planned in the next few years.