Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26
CPHFW: Where Nordic Style Meets Global Sustainability
4-8th August 2025
Twice a year, the Danish capital transforms into one of the fashion world's most exciting epicentres for Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Forget Paris and Milan - Copenhagen hosts the most important fashion week in the Nordics, and the 5th most importantly globally. It also has a reputation for a focus on sustainability and responsible fashion, away from the current trends of ‘fast fashion’, focusing on innovation, style and how to influence the industry positively with sustainable themes.
Photos courtesty of Copenhagen Fashion Week
Arriving in the city this August is the Spring /Summer (SS26) Season (you know they are always ahead!): a week for all fashion lovers to gather in the city and check out what the industry innovators are bringing to life for next year. Along with exclusive VIP events and runway shows, there are also workshops and events that normal people can take part in - check out the programme here for what you can get tickets to.
Running from August 4 to 8, 2025, Spring/Summer 2026 will bring together top international buyers, editors, experts, models, influencers, and designers for four packed days of runway shows, installations, events, and the CIFF trade show. It’s a glamorous event but also a great place to see street fashion. There are also some great workshops for people looking to get into the industry or learn more about ‘fast fashion’ and CPHFW’s commitment to sustainability.
Why Copenhagen Fashion Week Stands Out
Along with all the glitz and glamour of the designers and runway shows, CPHFW stands out for addressing the climate crisis. Since its reinvention in 2018 under CEO Cecilie Thorsmark, CPHFW has led the event with an emphasis on sustainability that addresses climate action!
The core value of CPHFW is beyond fashion - there is actually a Sustainability Action Plan - an innovative set of requirements that brands must meet to show on the official schedule. The initiative, launched in 2020 and updated every three years, makes CPHFW the world’s most sustainability-focused fashion week.
“Sustainability is the core tenet to our vision of Copenhagen Fashion Week as a forward-thinking representation of Nordic talent to our global community.” Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week
Climate Conscious Fashion
Brands on the official calendar for Fashion Week must now meet strict environmental and ethical standards, making every show not only a creative statement but a climate-conscious one. CPHFW partners with Zalando and other ethically aligned organisations to support this vision.
Featured Talent
Each year CPHFW showcases rising talent and up and coming new designers along with some seasoned favourites. The line up includes some Nordic favourites such as Sunflower, Henrik Vibskov, Freya Dalsjø, Marimekko (famous for the boldest flower prints and patterns), Ranra, and Rave Review, each different with their style and approach. This is the place to see style in action!
Some highlights to look out for -
- Cecilie Bahnsen – First-ever recipient of the new CPHFW Guest Slot, celebrating 10 years of Nordic design excellence with a dedicated runway showcase.
- Anne Sofie Madsen – Newly inducted into the CPHFW NEWTALENT program alongside Berner Kühl and Bonnetje. Known for avant-garde craftsmanship and global creative influence.
- IAMISIGO – The winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2025, presenting a bold collection rooted in African craftsmanship and cultural identity.
CPHFW NEWTALENT – Rising Stars to Watch
Three designers awarded "One To Watch" status at SS26 and invited to present collections on the official schedule:
Kettel Atelier – Sustainable “artisanwear” created from vintage, upcycled home textiles (Mallorca-based Danish brand). This brand follows the sustainable theme using upcycling and incorporating used textiles into their designs. Their summer collection used plenty of lace and crochet for some beautiful dresses.
Stem – Zero-waste woven clothing designed using production methods that are part of the circular economy - a great way to keep fashion sustainable. They have some really exciting menswear including shirts and tasseled denim.
Taus – Copenhagen-based ready-to-wear/ “demi-couture” studio exploring identity and intentional craftsmanship. And exciting ‘one to watch’. We love their tailoring and upcycled leather skirts (but they are not budget friendly!)
As the world turns its eyes toward Copenhagen this August, expect creativity, consciousness, and a climate-first fashion revolution.
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