Copenhagen Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025: Sustainability and Scandinavian Style Redefined

Copenhagen Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025: A Showcase of Creativity, Sustainability, and Evolution

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has established itself as a vibrant force in the fashion world, seamlessly combining regionality with global appeal and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. The Autumn/Winter 2025 edition, kicking off on January 27, promises to reinforce this reputation with a schedule filled with innovation, diversity, and opportunities for emerging talent.

While some iconic brands, such as Ganni, Saks Potts, and (Di)vision, are notably absent this season, this gap has created room for fresh perspectives and an expanded range of creativity. The 27 shows, eight presentations, and a variety of events lined up highlight CPHFW’s adaptability and depth.

A Fresh and Varied Lineup

Among the returning heavyweights are familiar names like Rotate, Baum und Pferdgarten, and Gestuz. Rotate, owned by Birger Christensen Collective, will showcase its signature style, while sibling brand Remain opts for a more intimate format with a collection preview and breakfast on January 29, marking its transition period after creative director Martin Asbjørn’s exit in late 2024.

New additions to the calendar have sparked excitement. Swedish brand Filippa K and Icelandic outerwear label 66 North will make their debuts with distinctive presentations, the latter celebrating its 99th anniversary with a dinner. Malmö-based Cmmn Swdn, known for its gender-neutral designs, will also debut on the schedule, fulfilling a vision of pan-Scandinavian representation.

Equally intriguing is the relaunch of Alis, a skate brand rooted in Copenhagen’s anarchist commune Freetown Christiania. Under the creative direction of Tobias Birk Nielsen and backed by the founders of Rains, Alis will unveil its new identity as a streetwear brand. Similarly, Astrid Andersen’s Stel will host its first runway show after generating buzz with a large-scale launch event last season.

Emerging designers are also stepping into the spotlight. Bonnetje, an unconventional upcycled women’s tailoring label, moves from a low-fi presentation last season to a full runway show. Likewise, Nicklas Skovgaard, who made waves with his designs during Ganni’s Paris debut, will present his collection on the runway.

Expanding the Fashion Experience

Danish designer Anne Sofie Madsen offers an intimate, off-calendar presentation on January 28, while Han Kjøbenhavn takes the opposite route by opening its January 30 show to the public, welcoming up to 3,000 guests. This bold move reflects a growing desire to break fashion’s exclusivity and engage directly with audiences.

Another notable collaboration is between Danish homeware label Niko June and American sportswear brand New Balance. Together, they are transforming a 700-square-meter space into a custom-built skatepark featuring gigantic installations. Open for two days, the skatepark will host events and competitions, adding an interactive element to CPHFW.

Celebrating Nordic Talent

Sustainability and emerging talent remain at the heart of CPHFW. The New Talent programme, supported by Ganni and now Rotate, provides bursaries to promising designers, including Alectra Rothschild/Masculina, Berner Kühl, Bonnetje, Stamm, and Frederik Taus. A breakfast co-hosted by CPHFW and Ganni on January 31 will celebrate this season’s cohort, emphasizing the platform’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of creatives.

Adding to the excitement, Zalando’s Visionary Showcase Award will spotlight the finalists—Feben, Iamsigo, and Rave Review. The winner will receive support to present their collection in Copenhagen next season, further underscoring CPHFW’s role as a launchpad for global talent.

A Regional and Sustainable Vision

Stine Goya will close the week with a groundbreaking show at the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, 190 miles from Copenhagen. This move highlights a commitment to expanding fashion beyond the capital, reflecting the diversity and reach of Danish creativity.

Copenhagen Fashion Week’s sustainability requirements continue to lead the industry. All participating brands must adhere to these stringent guidelines, a framework that has inspired London Fashion Week to implement similar measures for its Newgen designers. This integration of environmental consciousness with cutting-edge design has become a defining feature of CPHFW.

Trends to Watch

From outerwear innovations to cozy knitwear and lightweight layering pieces, the collections are expected to reflect Denmark’s pragmatic yet artistic approach to fashion. Bruce Pask, senior editorial director at Neiman Marcus, highlights the balance between functionality and creativity that defines Danish design, a quality rooted in the region’s weather-driven practicality.

Ida Petersson, founder of creative brand agency Good Eggs and mentor for the New Talent programme, notes the growing presence of streetwear and menswear. This shift adds a dynamic edge to the traditionally contemporary market represented at CPHFW, offering something fresh for global buyers and editors.

A Global Leader in Fashion Innovation

Despite the absence of brands like Ganni, CPHFW continues to thrive, providing a platform for the next tier of talent to shine. Its dual pillars of regionality and sustainability have cemented its identity as a leader in the fashion industry. The week’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and eco-consciousness sets a standard for other fashion weeks worldwide.

Bruce Pask sums up the sentiment:

“I’ve been attending CPHFW for quite a few years now, and it is exciting to follow its development and success, with increasing numbers of attendees, brands presenting, and global coverage. Its innovative focus on eco-consciousness has led the way and set the standard for other fashion weeks around the world.”

Copenhagen Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025: Sustainability and Scandinavian Style Redefined

As Copenhagen Fashion Week continues to evolve, it reaffirms its position not just as a regional event but as a global hub for creativity, sustainability, and cultural exchange. The Autumn/Winter 2025 edition is a testament to its resilience and commitment to shaping the future of fashion.

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