Since 2018, the management team of Copenhagen Fashion Week has been leading the way in sustainable fashion and has significantly impacted the Nordic fashion scene. Compared to other globally recognised fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, Copenhagen Fashion Week has established itself as a platform that prioritises sustainability and innovation. In 2020, it released its first Sustainability Action Plan, which continues to evolve and improve. For the 23AW schedule, all participating brands must meet the minimum standards outlined in the latest Sustainability Action Plan.

Here are some highlights of CPHFW:

Six areas to guide the future of the fashion industry

There are six areas to focus on in the Sustainability Action Plan: strategic direction, design, material choice, working conditions, consumer engagement and runway sets. Designers must consider all stages of clothing production, from start to finish, to establish a sustainable environment.

So, this plan not only focuses on using eco-friendly materials or reducing waste like recycled or upcycled fabrics but also addresses important issues such as waste from runway sets, fair working conditions in both the supply chain and office, and also consumer attitudes towards sustainability.

By incorporating sustainability into every aspect of the fashion industry, this plan serves as a roadmap for brands to positively impact the environment. 

View about: CPHFW Sustainability Requirements

The Scandinavian style is leading a new era for the young generation

Not only does the Scandinavian style embody simplicity and minimalism, but it is also being infused with a fun, mix-and-match playful style by emerging brands. While the traditional Scandinavian aesthetic has been characterised by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality for a long time, younger brands are introducing bolder designs, bright colours, and unique elements to attract Gen Z consumers. For example, Ganni is known for its vibrant prints and eye-catching designs like big collars or puff sleeves. While Cecilie Bahnsen, a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2017, combines romantic details such as intricate tulle and voluminous ruffles to create a feminine style. 

And this season, there are more than just clean lines and functional details, but also fun and layering. This evolution of the Scandinavian eclectic style offers consumers a unique and dynamic take on traditional Nordic design.

Highlights of runways

Even though the four-fashion weeks officially start in New York, Copenhagen Fashion Week has been a significant fashion week for fashion insiders to see the clothes they show and the way and inspiration they present through their brands. 

These are some interesting moments at the Copenhagen Fashion Week: A. Roege Hove’s knitwear brand showcased a model dressed by two assistants with three transparent stretch wool pieces to open its show. At the Di)vision show, the model pretended to be a dinner guest, and at the end, she dragged a tablecloth which was part of her dress. Ganni collaborated with artist Esben Weile Kjær to release its new butterfly logo to lead a new generation of its design. And finally, Ukrainian designer Tatyana Chumak from TG Botanical showed a collection dyed with plant pigments.

Trends of CPHFW to watch out

The key trend at CPHFW 23AW is layering with a focus on mixing and matching different pieces like skirts over trousers or cropped jackets over turtle neck tops to achieve warmth and style. Various materials, such as sheers with knits, create a sexy or street-style look. On the other hand, all-over prints or matching tops and bottoms provide a strong, bold look. 

Another key trend at CPHFW 23AW is still clean lines with loose silhouettes, such as oversized blazers and coats. This style offers comfort to modern consumers and presents a contemporary and minimalistic aesthetic. 

Item

Puff jackets are a popular choice for adding volume to an outfit. Pairing them with straight-cut, wide trousers can create a street-style look. A cropped top paired with a midi-skirt can give an outfit a touch of sexiness, but it can also be made suitable for daily wear with the addition of a well-cut coat. Split skirts can also be layered over trousers to create a unique look. Fitted dresses with sequins are a great option for parties.

Colour

In the latest 23AW collection, black remains at the core, paired with neutral colours such as beige, olive green, and grey. However, bright colours like red, electric blue and pink are also used to add highlights to the collection, incorporating multi-coloured prints. Additionally, shades of purple and pink are becoming paler, creating a soft yet eye-catching touch. This combination of neutral and bold colours, along with the incorporation of playful prints, helps to bring a new dimension to the traditional Scandinavian style.

Material

In the 23AW collection, some designers incorporate sustainable materials by using upcycled and repurposed deadstock fabrics. It often results in patchwork and mix-and-match elements that add a unique touch to the collections. Neutral materials like cotton and wool are also used to create a solid, hand-feeling texture and to provide structure in oversized coats and blazers. Sheers are utilized to create layers and add a touch of sexiness to the designs. Shiny sequins, shimmering surfaces, and other eye-catching elements are also used to bring a party-like atmosphere. Additionally, denim remains a key player sustainably, focusing on simplicity and straight styles that are highly wearable.