The Nordic Fashion Industry, prominently showcased at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) Autumn/Winter 2024, is a captivating blend of creativity, sustainability, and individual expression. Established brands like J.LINDBERG returning to Danish Fashion Week, alongside iconic names like Henrik Vibskov, demonstrate the increasing attainability of sustainable practices for Nordic designers. FORZA COLLECTIVE, founded by Creative Director Kristoffer Kongshaug, exemplifies this new wave of sustainable luxury.
Kongshaug’s brand philosophy emphasizes responsible production, utilizing recycled nylon from Italy. His debut collection transcends fleeting trends, showcasing a personal vision that merges couture with ready-to-wear. FORZA’s commitment to sustainability underscores Copenhagen Fashion Week’s transformative role in the industry. Their Spring/Summer 2024 collection, encompassing women’s, men’s, and unisex pieces, reflects a dedication to quality and ethical manufacturing.
Kongshaug’s global experience, honed in Paris and New York, brings a fresh perspective to Danish design, adding new layers to womenswear and evening wear. His innovative designs, such as a utilitarian wool shooting jacket with unique detailing in various fabrics, exemplify this approach.
The established Won Hundred team, with two decades in the industry, echoes Copenhagen’s fashion evolution. Their unisex and neutral gender pieces align with the city’s growing emphasis on professionalism and collaborative change. The use of enduring materials like shearling reflects their commitment to longevity in design.
Won Hundred emphasizes cooperation among smaller brands to achieve meaningful change in the industry. Their focus on durable, sustainable pieces like shearling coats demonstrates a commitment to long-lasting fashion.
Stine Goya, known for authenticity and human connection, reveals a unique artistic journey. By engaging employees in artistic endeavors, Goya personalizes her brand. Her vibrant designs, like a red leather jacket with bold hardware, challenge Scandinavian style stereotypes, infusing the fashion landscape with color and artistry.
Goya’s colorful approach, inspired by her time in London, fills a void in Danish fashion, offering a vibrant alternative to traditional minimalist aesthetics. Her brand philosophy extends beyond clothing, encouraging a colorful lifestyle.
Stamm founder Elizabeth Stamm invigorates Scandinavian design with unconventional down jackets. Exploring Scandinavian color palettes in gray, navy, and black, Stamm creates a unique narrative. The brand’s integration of sound and music adds an immersive dimension to the fashion experience.
Stamm challenges the ubiquitous black and navy down jackets prevalent in Scandinavian fashion, offering a fresh perspective on this classic garment with unique silhouettes and color variations. Her designs provide a refreshing alternative to the conventional.
Rolf Ekroth acknowledges Copenhagen Fashion Week’s support for emerging designers through financial aid and media exposure. His collection features handmade knits, inviting consumer participation in the creative process and aligning with the event’s sustainability focus. Consumers can purchase instructions and yarn to recreate runway knits, fostering a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship.
Marimekko’s Copenhagen-based creative director, Rebekka Bay, emphasizes CPHFW’s Sustainability Criteria. Their denim collection embodies circular economy principles, utilizing organic and recycled cotton, laser-etched patterns, and minimal hardware for enhanced recyclability.
Marimekko’s collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation ensures adherence to circularity principles in their denim line, minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
The ALPHA platform, showcasing emerging Nordic designers, highlights creative freedom, critical thinking, and sustainable methodologies. Anni Salonen, a graduate from Finland, exemplifies this, using upcycled materials like her mother’s and grandmother’s knitwear and recycled leather jackets.
Salonen’s rose bomber, crafted from upcycled leather jackets, earned her the Browns award, demonstrating the potential of sustainable design. She challenges the label of “sustainable designer,” acknowledging the inherent limitations of working with existing materials. Copenhagen Fashion Week continues to champion innovation, sustainability, and individual expression within the Nordic fashion industry, redefining luxury for a conscious era.
