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Friday Five with David Obel Rosenkvist of Fritz Hansen

David Obel Rosenkvist, is Vice-President of Sales, North America for Fritz Hansen , the renowned Danish furniture manufacturer. David joined Fritz Hansen in 2004 as Vice President of Branding and Communication where he employed his expertise in e-marketing, visual merchandising and public relations to revitalize and transform the company’s branding and communication strategies. Representing Fritz Hansen, David has worked to support Denmark’s INDEX Award, which is given to “Design to Improve Life.” Prior to joining Fritz Hansen, David served as Director of one of Scandinavia’s largest marketing agencies, Kunde & Co. and also worked in top marketing positions for other international brands such as Electrolux.

Fritz Hansen has just added an Oak veneer option to their classic Series 7 chair, designed in by Arne Jacobsen in 1955.

Here are five of David’s favorite things:

1. Strolz Ski boots
When I was studying I spent a few winters as a ski guide in Austria, where I saw these boots for the first time. Ever since, I have wanted a pair but never got them. Back then, they were too expensive for a poor ski guide. You can only buy them in a few places where they have the expertise of custom molding of the inner boot to match your feet to perfection. Last year I skied in Åre in Sweden and found a dealer that actually makes and sells them. But…. not in my size. Next year!

2. The 50th Anniversary of the Fritz Hansen Egg Chair
I am a big fan of Arne Jacobsen and this iconic design piece. Both from a design as well as brand perspective, I believe the Egg Chair is the strongest design symbol there is. My 4-year-old son seems to share my passion for the chair — for completely other reasons though. It is placed right outside his room where he loves to use it as a carousel and makes for the perfect platform for his toys. Of course he is not supposed to touch the chair at all, but I have chosen to see the scratches on the leather as memories of his childhood.

3. Mads Nørgaard Sweaters
I love these sweaters from Mads Nørgaard, the Danish fashion designer. I have them in all colors and for all types of weather — but my favorite would have to the one with the orange zipper.

4. Ilsa Espresso Maker
I am a coffee addict. I prefer it strong, Italian and making it myself. It’s a ritual and making it on the traditional stovetop espresso maker is the best. I got this one as a present from my wife who bought it in Berlin — she knows my passion. It is an Italian espresso maker for 2 cups: enough to share a cup with my wife in the morning. When I am lucky, she is having tea and I get a double.

5. Sailing
Each year at the end of summer the Fritz Hansen Management Group meets for a 76-hour sailing tour to kick off the annual Strategy Planning. We sail on the same boat every year named the “JET,” a 48 foot Swan — the dream boat of any sailor. As I am moving to NYC this year, I will miss this part of the strategy work the most.

Jaime Derringer, Founder + Executive Editor of Design Milk, is a Jersey girl living in SoCal. She dreams about funky, artistic jewelry + having enough free time to enjoy some of her favorite things—running, reading, making music, and drawing.