Ganni
L Catterton (majority), Reffstrup family · Denmark
Ganni is a Copenhagen contemporary fashion brand founded in 2000 and transformed after Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup took it over in 2009. Private equity firm L Catterton holds a majority stake, and the brand has become a leading name in Scandinavian fashion with a strong focus on responsibility.
| Founded | 2000, Copenhagen |
|---|---|
| Founder | Frans Truelsen |
| Owners | L Catterton (51%), Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup |
| Creative director | Ditte Reffstrup (since 2009) |
| Chief executive | Laura du Rusquec (appointed 2024) |
| Website | ganni.com |
What is Ganni?
Ganni is a Danish ready-to-wear and accessories brand known for playful, colourful womenswear that helped define the Scandinavian contemporary look of the late 2010s. Its range covers dresses, knitwear, denim, swimwear, shoes and bags such as the Bou bag.
History
Ganni was founded in Copenhagen in 2000 by gallerist Frans Truelsen as a cashmere label. In 2009 Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup took over the company, with Ditte as creative director and Nicolaj as chief executive. Under them Ganni grew into an international brand and became one of the best-selling labels on Net-a-Porter.
Private equity firm L Catterton holds 51%, with the Reffstrups as co-owners. In 2024 Laura du Rusquec, formerly deputy chief executive of Balenciaga, was appointed chief executive.
Products and positioning
- Ready-to-wear including dresses, knitwear and denim
- Bags, a growing category
- Shoes, including trainers and boots
- Collaborations with brands such as New Balance, Hunter and Melissa
Business model and distribution
Ganni combines wholesale with leading department stores and online retailers, own stores in Copenhagen, other European cities and the United States, and its own e-commerce site serving around 70 markets. The company publishes an annual responsibility report and promotes its B Corp certification.
In 2019 Ganni launched Ganni Repeat, a rental programme in Copenhagen that was later extended to Europe and the US, including a rental-only upcycled denim collection with Levi's in 2020.
Why it matters
Ganni showed that a Scandinavian contemporary brand could achieve global reach through a strong community, social media and wholesale partnerships. It is also frequently cited for testing circular models such as rental and for its transparency on sustainability targets. The combination of Ditte Reffstrup's creative leadership, the 2024 appointment of a former Balenciaga executive as chief executive and private equity backing position the brand for further international growth.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Ganni?
Private equity firm L Catterton owns 51% of Ganni. Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup, who took over the brand in 2009, are co-owners.
Where is Ganni from?
Ganni is a Danish brand founded in Copenhagen in 2000. The company is still headquartered in Copenhagen.