Copenhagen Fashion Week, now recognized as one of the "Big 5" global fashion weeks alongside New York, Paris, Milan, and London, has grown into the largest fashion event in Northern Europe. Hosted biannually in January and August, it showcases the innovative spirit of Scandinavian design while setting new standards in sustainability for the global fashion industry.
While all eyes are on Copenhagen this week, we are here to celebrate this huge strive in the industry and share the history of Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Backstory
The origins of Copenhagen Fashion Week can be traced back to the 1950s when Danish clothing trading fairs Dansk Modeuge and Dansk Herremodeuge were established. These fairs served as the foundation for what would later become a major fashion event. In 2006, the two fairs merged to form the first official Copenhagen Fashion Week, marking the beginning of a new era in Danish fashion.
Designers are invited from all over the world, but the majority come from Denmark and Northern Europe. This fashion event takes on a unique sense of exclusivity due to the sustainability requirements every designer must follow to be invited.
Sustainability Practices
In 2020, Copenhagen Fashion Week launched its first Sustainability Action Plan, aimed at promoting long-term, impactful changes throughout the fashion value chain. This plan introduced a rigorous set of sustainability requirements that all contributing brands and designers must meet, making Copenhagen Fashion Week a leader in the movement towards a more responsible fashion industry.
Their sustainability initiatives include the complete ban on single-use plastics and the mandatory use of digital invitations, reflecting the event's commitment to reducing environmental impact. Moreover, all brands are required to implement circular design principles, which emphasize the repairability, recyclability, upgradability, reusability, and incorporation of recycled content in garment design.
Circular design has recently gained more recognition as a way to give garments and art a longer life cycle, eliminate overproduction and waste, and give products new life. At least 60% of each collection must consist of certified, preferred, or deadstock materials. The use of virgin fur, wild animal skins, or feathers is strictly prohibited, aligning with the event's ethical standards.
The event also emphasizes waste management and emission reduction. All waste generated during showcases must be sorted according to Danish waste sorting requirements, and brands are expected to engage in activities that reduce and offset emissions.
The Global Impact
Beyond its strict sustainability criteria, Copenhagen Fashion Week serves as a source of inspiration for the global fashion community. The event strives to lead by example, demonstrating how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the creative process without compromising on design or quality. The collections often reflect the Danish approach to work-life balance and happiness, adding a deeper, more meaningful dimension to the designs.
Some of Our Favorite Copenhagen Inspired Pieces
Adidas x Naked Samba ‘Copenhagen Lace’ and ‘Waves Pack’
Naked, a Copenhagen based brand whose mission is to unite communities through sustainability and footwear, partners with Adidas for their 7th collaboration featuring the Samba. These ultra neutral yet elevated Sambas add a touch of sophistication that parallels the mood of Copenhagen fashion. Simple, yet elegant and creative. Shop Naked’s line here.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 ‘Silver Off White’
Copenhagen Fashion Week prides themselves on their wide range of style and design. People aren’t afraid to think outside the box, and non-traditional design is encouraged. These metallic silver pair of Onitsuka Tigers definitely push fashion barriers with their bold color and style. Whether your goal is a complete maximalist look at the metalli stands a a basic, or your shoes are your statement piece surrounding basic garments, you are sure to fit in with these.
Comme De Garcons Apparel and Shoes
Japanese brand Comme De Garcons gives all of the Copenhagen vibes through their signature character like heart design. From their sweaters to their sneakers, they consistently produce high quality garments that not only add a touch of elegance, but playfulness and imagination.
