As the primary cease on the worldwide trend calendar, it units greater than tendencies—it units requirements. With a fierce dedication to sustainability and a status for easy Scandinavian type, CPHFW is the place trendy minimalism meets moral innovation. Dubbed the “fifth trend week,” Copenhagen isn’t chasing relevance—it’s defining it.
Suppose recycled materials, gender-fluid tailoring, and runways that truly care concerning the planet. Suppose cutting-edge innovation in “Nordic” type, progressive insurance policies, and unmatched help for each established and rising designers.
Copenhagen Trend Week (CPHFW) is presently underway from August 4th to August eighth, 2025.
Trade’s Conscience In A Couture Coat
As Copenhagen Trend Week (CPHFW) unfolds, it reaffirms its standing because the world’s most sustainable trend week—a title earned via motion, not aesthetics alone. With daring tendencies, inclusive runways, and Nordic type evolution on full show, CPHFW continues to set the tone for the season forward.
The Historical past of Copenhagen Trend Week: From Commerce Gala’s to International Affect
CFW’s roots attain again to the Nineteen Fifties, when Danish clothes commerce gala’s like Dansk Modeuge laid the inspiration for the fashionable occasion. By 2006, Eva Kruse—together with the Danish Trend Institute (DAFI)—reworked these gala’s right into a unified, worldwide trend week. Her imaginative and prescient: make Scandinavian design globally aggressive and present that “accountable manufacturing and groundbreaking creativity aren’t mutually unique.“
Kruse’s work with DAFI included launching the Copenhagen Trend Summit in 2009 alongside the UN Local weather Change Convention (COP15), establishing CFW as a world chief in sustainable trend. Kruse’s advocacy for moral practices culminated in initiatives just like the Nordic Initiative, Clear and Moral (NICE), which promoted sustainable supplies and shopper schooling.
Kruse’s imaginative and prescient positioned CFW as a pioneer in eco-conscious practices, with obligatory sustainability requirements launched in 2020 (absolutely applied by 2023) below her successor, Cecilie Thorsmark. Since taking on as CEO, Cecilie Thorsmark has elevated CPHFW’s world affect, forging partnerships with London’s British Trend Council and Amsterdam Trend Week to export its sustainability framework. Her 2024 replace to the Sustainability Motion Plan has additional tightened requirements, making certain CPHFW stays a beacon of moral trend.
These requirements, requiring manufacturers to make use of no less than 60% licensed, recycled, or deadstock supplies and cling to round design ideas, made CFW the primary trend week to implement such measures. This dedication has influenced world trend weeks and resonated with Gen Z’s demand for authenticity.
CIFF’s Function:
The Copenhagen Worldwide Trend Truthful (CIFF), operating alongside CPHFW, amplifies the week’s influence with 1,000 manufacturers throughout 20,000 sqm. This industrial hub attracts world consumers and press, making Copenhagen a key vacation spot for business networking and Nordic design discovery.
These strikes cemented CFW’s status as a pacesetter in sustainable trend, whereas mixing Danish values of modesty, collaboration, and accessibility.
Sustainability on the Core
CPHFW’s 2020 Sustainability Motion Plan has been a game-changer, setting 19 minimal requirements for all manufacturers to take part within the occasion. They’re supposed to drive environmental and social accountability all through each model’s operations.
- No less than 60% of each assortment should use licensed, recycled, most popular, or deadstock supplies.
- Strict bans on virgin fur, wild animal skins, feathers, and destruction of unsold items or samples.
- Necessary use of round design ideas—clothes should be repairable, recyclable, reusable, and embody recycled content material.
- No single-use plastics in packaging or showcase manufacturing; Necessary digital invites for all visitors and press to get rid of paper waste and reduce the occasion’s carbon footprint.
- All occasion and manufacturing waste should be sorted as per Danish laws and repurposed when doable.
- Manufacturers should implement and publicly share a complete sustainability/ESG technique, reviewed by management.
- Equal-opportunity hiring and clear range pointers, particularly for administration roles, are required.
- Common workers sustainability coaching and clear communication of eco-practices to customers on no less than two public platforms.
- Moral provider code of conduct and compliance with worldwide labor requirements are obligatory.
- Secure, discrimination-free workplaces with grievance mechanisms and common audits.
- All props for reveals should be rented or reused, with plans for second-life utilization post-event.
- Emissions from showcases should be tracked, diminished, and offset in partnership with CPHFW.
- Manufacturers should use eco-friendly, minimized packaging for each on-line and in-store gross sales.
- Product high quality and longevity should be prioritized, with efforts to gather and act on buyer suggestions.
- Most well-liked supplies and restricted substances lists should be maintained and enforced; EU REACH compliance required.
- Buying and manufacturing practices should be designed to forestall provider hurt or late funds.
- All collaborating manufacturers should signal and uphold the Danish Trend Moral Constitution.
- Public schooling via workshops, take-back or restore schemes, and detailed product care info is required.
- Full accountability via annual reporting, coverage updates, and lively workers/board involvement in sustainability.
These rigorous insurance policies have impressed different trend weeks, together with London’s NEWGEN and applications in Berlin and Amsterdam.
Why CPHFW Kicks Off Trend Month
Set every August (Spring/Summer time) and January (Autumn/Winter), CPHFW launches world trend month, previous New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Its accessible location, deal with Nordic expertise, and community-driven environment distinction with the high-stakes environments of different cities. This lets CPHFW foster collaboration over elitism—a mirrored image of Danish tradition and the Legislation of Jante (the place humility, not hierarchy, guidelines).
Scandinavian Model Evolution
CFHFW is understood for its trademark “Copenhagen Look”—a mix of:
- Relaxed tailoring and practicality with a liberal dose of layering.
- Practical magnificence and wearable artistic experimentation.
Main manufacturers like Ganni, Stine Goya, and Rotate Birger Christensen embody this fusion, providing all the pieces from Y2K influences to playful denim, floral minidresses, and upcycled partywear. Gen Z’s demand for authenticity and flexibility is obvious: right here, consolation and individuality are trendsetters.
“Consolation and design go hand in hand at CFW—it is best to really feel empowered no matter what you select to put on.”
— Stine Goya
2025: What’s Occurring at CPHFW SS26
Dates & Venues
- This season’s CPHFW SS26 takes place from August 4 to August 8, 2025, bringing 45 manufacturers to town, from heritage names like Marimekko and Henrik Vibskov to rising expertise like IAMISIGO (winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2025).
- Furthermore, the occasion showcases a broader Nordic presence, with Swedish manufacturers like Rave Evaluate and Filippa Ok, Norwegian label Holzweiler, and Icelandic outerwear model 66°North becoming a member of Danish stars.
- Key venues span from historic landmarks to trendy artistic hubs round Copenhagen, making a dynamic, city-wide celebration of trend and sustainability.
Don’t-Miss Exhibits & Designers
Sustainability champions with a playful Y2K edge. Strive resale platforms like The Luxurious Closet for signature shearling coats and printed dresses.
- Stine Goya: Colour-forward minimalism, showcased at Aalborg’s Kunsten Museum.
- Cecilie Bahnsen, a Copenhagen native, returns from Paris Trend Week to rejoice her model’s tenth anniversary with a retrospective present, mixing archival items together with her signature ethereal designs.
- Rotate: On a regular basis boldness and party-ready items—search for denim robes and mini florals on eBay.
- A. Roege Hove: Experimental, no-waste knitwear, with Depop because the go-to for related kinds.
- Bonnetje (upcycling, ladies’s tailoring) and Berner Kühl (austere menswear) lead the up-and-coming designer listing.
Standout Traits on the SS26 Runway
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- Pastel tailoring and “palette cleaning” neutrals
- See-through layering (mesh and sheer materials)
- Relaxed, elevated loungewear
- Nature-inspired motifs and earthy colours
- Practical magnificence: Utility meets stylish minimalism
Copenhagen Avenue Model: The Runway Outdoor
On town’s streets, the CPHFW crowd mixes classic, thrifted items, and luxurious—outsized knits, leopard-print coats, and assertion boots are in every single place. Trendsetters layer Ganni beanies, Rotate fringed jackets, and thrifted denim.
Scandi Staples to Resell or Rewear:
How CPHFW is Main Trend Ahead
CPHFW’s sustainability necessities have change into the template for accountable trend worldwide. Each model is audited on sustainability, equity, and transparency. Exhibits are zero-waste, upcycled seems to be are celebrated, and types educate customers on garment care and rewear.
Berlin Trend Week is drawing inspiration from CPHFW’s sustainability requirements, alongside London’s NEWGEN and Amsterdam’s applications accelerating trend’s shift towards circularity and authenticity.
The CFW Impact: Why Trend’s Future is Nordic
From coverage to palette, CPHFW is setting the worldwide agenda. The business’s most enjoyable tendencies—minimalist genderless tailoring, resale booms, and genuine communication—could be traced to Copenhagen’s forward-thinking tradition. With practical magnificence and sustainability on the core, town proves you don’t have to sacrifice enjoyable or aptitude to do trend proper.
Subsequent month’s New York Trend Week will draw closely from Copenhagen’s accountable and joyful precedents. Already, consumers are stocking up on the Scandinavian gems that everybody desires subsequent season.
Bonus: Packing for Copenhagen Trend Week 2026
- Layers: Raincoats, boots, and outsized scarves for unpredictable climate.
- Operate > Fussy: Items you’ll be able to cycle in and put on all day.
- Mix all of it: Classic, trendy, and something that channels your distinctive Nordic aptitude.
Day 1 Highlights: August 4th, 2025
- Opening Ceremony & Reception: CPHFW launched with a classy opening ceremony and an unique dinner in partnership with Bang & Olufsen, welcoming world trend leaders and creatives. The night marked the start of a daring, globally related trend week.
- Rising Designers & NEWTALENT: Ganni, via its continued mentorship, spotlighted rising Nordic abilities like Bonnetje, Berner Kühl, and Anne Sofie Madsen. These designers acquired runway publicity, artistic steering, and monetary help via the NEWTALENT initiative.
- Runway Highlights: The day opened with OpéraSport’s official SS26 debut, that includes gender-fluid silhouettes and eco-conscious materials. Freya Dalsjø’s return was a standout—her daring tailoring and considerate building captured the season’s high-concept spirit.
- Sustainability on Show: All collaborating manufacturers met CPHFW’s Minimal Requirements, with collections rooted in accountable materials sourcing, upcycling, and moral manufacturing.
- Trade Buzz: CIFF (Copenhagen Worldwide Trend Truthful) amplified the week’s momentum with 1,000 manufacturers unfold throughout 20,000 sqm, making a dynamic hub for consumers, editors, and influencers.
- Avenue Model Moments: On the sidewalks, Copenhagen’s signature trend identification got here alive—easy layering, vintage-luxury mixtures, daring equipment, and outsized silhouettes flooded social media feeds.
- Inclusive Trend Tradition: With livestreams, panel talks, and city-wide open occasions, Day 1 emphasised group engagement—making excessive trend extra democratic and globally accessible.
General, Day 1 of CPHFW SS26 delivered on all fronts—sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity—providing a glimpse of the place trend is heading: collaborative, acutely aware, and creatively fearless.
How The Luxurious Closet Champions the Identical Ethos
Like CPHFW, The Luxurious Closet is altering how trend lovers store—championing pre-owned luxurious and the round economic system. From Chanel to Hermès, each authenticated, pre-loved merchandise retains trend out of landfills and extends the lifetime of beloved items, letting type and sustainability go hand in hand.
Whether or not you’re giving a classic LV bag a brand new life, or discovering a designer costume from seasons previous, you’re not simply investing in type—you’re becoming a member of a world motion for aware, trendy trend.
Store pre-owned Ganni on The Luxurious Closet to affix the round trend motion” and in addition observe CPHFW’s livestreams on copenhagenfashionweek.com for real-time updates.”
Store On-line at TLC | Real Ganni Product
FAQs:
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What’s Copenhagen Trend Week?
A bi-annual world trend occasion in Denmark showcasing Nordic design, sustainable trend, and rising expertise.
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When does Copenhagen Trend Week happen?
It takes place twice yearly—in January/February (Autumn/Winter collections) and August (Spring/Summer time collections).
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Is Copenhagen Trend Week open to the general public?
Some occasions are open to the general public, together with pop-ups and installations, however most runway reveals are invite-only. Many designers livestream their reveals.
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What makes Copenhagen Trend Week distinctive?
It’s acknowledged because the world’s most sustainable trend week with obligatory sustainability requirements that each one collaborating manufacturers should observe.
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What are the principle sustainability initiatives at CPHFW?
They embody strict materials sourcing, round design ideas, zero-waste present manufacturing, banning single-use plastics, and provide chain transparency.
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Who’re some key designers to observe at Copenhagen Trend Week?
Notable designers embody Ganni, Stine Goya, Rotate Birger Christensen, Nicklas Skovgaard and rising designers like Bonnetje.
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How can I watch Copenhagen Trend Week reveals if I can’t attend?
Many reveals are livestreamed on-line through CPHFW’s official channels or designers’ social media.
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What are the highest tendencies at Copenhagen Trend Week SS26?
Pastel tailoring, sheer layering, elevated loungewear, nature-inspired prints, and practical magnificence.
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How does Copenhagen Trend Week influence world trend?
CPHFW units tendencies and sustainability requirements that affect New York, Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam Trend Weeks.
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What’s the costume code for attending Copenhagen Trend Week?
Consolation, layering, and a mix of classic with trendy items reflecting Scandinavian minimalism and private type.