In Conversation: Norse Projects

To celebrate 15 years of partnership, UP THERE & Norse Projects have come together in a limited edition capsule collection. Silhouettes are inspired by UP THERE’s favourite archival Norse styles made using a colour palette inspired by the Australian landscape.

Ahead of our launch, we had a quick chat with Mikkel Krath, Sales Manager for Norse and a longtime friend of UP THERE:

UP THERE: Hey Mikkel, it’s great to connect. How are things going in the Northern Hemisphere with Summer around the corner?

MK: Great to connect as always! Things are moving fast up here—as they tend to do this time of year. The days are getting longer, sun is shining, the city is waking up, and there's a renewed energy in the air. It’s an exciting time at Norse too, working on the new collection and creative projects like this one coming to life.

We’re releasing our first capsule collection this year, but Norse has worked on quite a few collaborations in the past. What makes you excited about this process and how fun was creating a collection inspired by the Australian landscape?

MK: Collaborations allow us to tell new stories and look at things from a different angle, which is always exciting. With this project, we loved the challenge of translating the textures, colours, and mood of the Australian landscape into a Norse context. It’s been especially rewarding because there’s a genuine connection between our two worlds—so the process has felt very natural. And of course, working with people who understand the brand and bring their own perspective is always a pleasure.

UP THERE and NP have been working together for almost 15 years, it’s a long time. How have you seen Norse change and evolve as a brand over the past few years?

MK: It’s wild to think it’s been that long! Over the years, Norse has matured in many ways. What started in 2004 as a smaller operation has grown into a brand with deeper design language and more refined collections. But at its core, it’s still very much about the same things: purpose-driven design, attention to detail and quality, and staying true to our Danish roots.

UT: I think it’s fair to say nature inspires a lot of the design process and concepts behind Norse collections. But how does nature play a role in everyday life for someone growing up in Denmark?

NP: Nature is deeply woven into everyday life here. Whether it's biking to work, swimming in the sea and the city canals—even in winter—or just the quiet simplicity of Danish landscapes, it shapes how we move through the world. It teaches an appreciation for things that last. Those values naturally find their way into what we design.

UT: Besides nature, what else is inspiring the team at Norse at the moment?

MK: We’re always looking at architecture, subcultural references, vintage technical gear, and shifts in urban life. Lately, we’ve been exploring contrasts—how modern materials meet traditional forms, or how function can shape aesthetics. There’s also a strong interest in craft and fabrication techniques, and how those can be both visible and subtle within a garment.

UT: It’s almost Winter in Melbourne, which means a lot of us are going to Europe soon for a little escape - what are your recommendations for someone wanting to spend a perfect day in Copenhagen and surroundings?

MK: Copenhagen in summer is magic. Start with coffee and a pastry from April Coffee, then just around the corner you will find our newly opened Norse Projects flagship store. Lunch at Apollo Bar or Torvehallerne. In the afternoon, head to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located right by the sea, just north of Copenhagen. Wrap the day with dinner at Jah Izakaya or Fabro, followed by a drink in the old Meatpacking District. 

UT: What’s been like working with the UP THERE crew for as long as you have? I’m sure you’ve got some stories!?

MK: Working with UP THERE has never felt transactional—it’s always been a relationship built on shared values. You guys have always had a great eye and a strong connection to your community, which makes it easy to collaborate. There’s definitely been a few memorable dinners, a missed flight or two… but let’s just say it’s always a good time when our paths cross.

The Norse Projects x UP THERE collaboration is available now online and in-store at our 69 Flinders Lane location.

With thanks to the team at Norse Projects