Copenhagen Fashion Week Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Record Attendance
After a demanding four-day run of shows, Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) concluded its spring 2027 season, marking a particularly significant event due to the week’s 20th anniversary celebrations and a record-breaking attendance.
CEO Highlights Industry Resilience
CEO Cecilie Thorsmark described the season as a “palette-cleanser,” a chance to celebrate the brands’ strengths. "Copenhagen Fashion Week is only as great as the brands and designers that make up our schedule," she stated at the anniversary gala, attended by prominent figures like models Alana Hadid and Adwoa Aboah, and DJ Louise Chen. Thorsmark emphasized the industry’s remarkable resilience, noting the challenges it has faced. "Our industry has had to navigate some incredibly challenging years, which have tested businesses and demanded extraordinary resilience. To me, the schedule is a testament to the resilience of our industry."
Notable Returns and New Talent
The season featured triumphant returns from brands pausing runway shows, strong debuts from Nordic and international talent, and a palpable buzz surrounding gifting suites, dinners, and side events alongside the main schedule. International guests made a significant impact, with brands like Finland’s Almada Label and Sweden’s Sson, alongside London-based Paolina Russo and Lagos-based Iamisigo, showcasing in Copenhagen.
Zalando Visionary Awards Shine
Paolina Russo, the 2023 Zalando Visionary Award winner, staged a memorable “battle of the bands” featuring Grace Ives and Haloplus+, drawing a crowd of 600. This year’s winner, Institution by Galib Gassanoff, presented a captivating show within Copenhagen’s Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), utilizing rich woven carpets sourced from Central Asia to celebrate Georgian and Azerbaijani crafts. Kelsey Lyle, a senior buyer at Moda Operandi, praised the collection’s “real point of view,” describing it as both directional and incredibly considered.
International Guest Slot Debut
CPHFW introduced an inaugural international guest slot, with New York-based Collina Strada taking center stage. The collection, entirely composed of upcycled one-off looks specifically designed for Copenhagen, showcased remarkable craftsmanship, including an intricate basket weave dress and tightly pleated denim jeans. Designer Hillary Taymour noted that her factory initially deemed the denim production impossible. Collina Strada’s presentation was supported by The Climate Pledge.
Sustainability Remains a Core Value
"I’ve always admired what Copenhagen has built. It feels like one of the few fashion weeks where sustainability isn’t treated as a trend or a marketing angle," remarked Taymour. While her upcoming New York show will be for sale, the Copenhagen event served as a unique storytelling opportunity, utilizing Collina Strada’s deadstock fabrics spanning the brand’s 18-year history.