MOTHER'S DAY 2026: REFLECTIONS FROM LENE

[El Amor de Mamá] 

As a female-led brand, we’ve always been shaped by the women around us. And motherhood, in all its forms, is such a big part of that.

So for this Mother’s Day, we’re turning the spotlight towards our community, sharing a series of personal reflections on motherhood and the women who raised us, shaped us, and continue to inspire us every day. 

This ‘El Amor de Mamá’, and next up is, Lene Rottensten.

There are many titles you could add to Lene’s CV. She coordinates research in childhood cancer, holds an MSc in Biotechnology and a BA in Greenlandic and Arctic Studies, and spent a decade working alongside Danish visual artist John Kørner.

But beyond all that, she is also a daughter to Birgitte, a mother to Oda and Iris, and to the family dog Dafi — who is just as much a part of the love-filled circle.

Lene’s deep curiosity for people, science, and design shine through every time you meet her. She moves through the world with a rare attentiveness to both people and surroundings. Step into her home in Østerbro, and you’ll find that every corner has been transformed into a creative space — filled with small stickers, art, personal images, and objects collected over the years.

This is Lene’s reflections - on motherhood and flowers.

When you think about motherhood, what comes to mind?

Being physically and mentally close, like a hug, warmth and a feeling of safety. I often wonder how my mother felt about me, now that I experience the intensity of loving my own daughters. It makes me a little sad not to have had that understanding while she was still alive.

What did your mom teach you about love or family?

For better or worse, I think she taught me to be less self-conscious and more self-aware in relationships. It is both a strength and a weakness, I believe. I honestly never expect anything from anyone, but I feel truly sad when I am misunderstood or treated with suspicion.

Is there a flower that reminds you of her? Why?

Definitely tulips. When she was alive, we often had a bouquet on the sofa table, kept until the flowers had turned themselves inside out and lay across it. After her death, I also remember how the tulips at the cemetery stayed almost provocatively fresh long after her funeral, which was at the end of winter.

A special memory of being in nature together?

This one is more difficult to answer - not because being in nature was unusual for us, almost the opposite - but because specific memories have faded over the years. I have now lived more of my life without my mother than with her, and I am only 42. Still, I always feel her presence strongly when I am near the North Sea (Vesterhavet).

I also have many fond memories of being in our garden with her while I was growing up, especially when we rode our horse home, led it through the garage into the backyard, and let it roam freely with our dog while we had lunch nearby.

Thank you for reading with us <33

El Amor de Mamá!