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Copenhagen Fashion Week Diary by Nerija Kanapkaite

Copenhagen Fashion Week is always a thrilling experience, showcasing a unique blend of bright colors, the contrast between maximalism and minimalism, diverse styles, innovative show concepts, high-quality collections, and emerging designers who are reshaping the fashion landscape.

Each major fashion week has its distinct vibe and aesthetic—Milan and Paris are known for their sophistication and elegance, London is celebrated for its diversity and boldness, and Copenhagen strikes a balance that encompasses a little bit of every style.

This was my second time attending Copenhagen Fashion Week, and although it wasn't as exhilarating as my first time attending at 18 during the Fall/Winter season, it was still a memorable experience. I was particularly excited to be invited to shows by some high-end and popular Scandinavian brands like Lovechild 1979, Stamm, and Opera Sport, with many of them seating me in the front row.

This was a stark contrast to my experience last year when I received fewer invitations, mostly to smaller brands, and was often given standing seats only. It felt like my hard work since last season had paid off—writing more articles for magazines and organizing the “Young Fashion” event with my talented team were both inspired by my experiences at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

What sets Copenhagen Fashion Week apart is its commitment to sustainability, its focus on non-commercial shows, and its partnerships with other fashion weeks like Berlin Fashion Week. Every designer who wants to participate must meet strict sustainability requirements, demonstrating the event's dedication to environmental issues. This unique approach, combined with other aspects I've observed while attending various fashion weeks this year, gives Copenhagen its distinct charm.

Reflecting on my experience at London Fashion Week, where many guests seemed more interested in filming themselves and staring at their phones throughout the shows, Copenhagen Fashion Week offered a refreshing change. The people I met were genuinely interested in the shows, the concepts, the designers’ thought processes, and the garments themselves.

On the third day of CPHFW, I met two girls from Helsinki—one a famous influencer and DJ, the other an actress. It was a heartwarming moment when they shared their thoughts on Rolf Ekroth’s show, especially how he used a traditional Finnish folk song that every Finn knows by heart. They were moved to tears, demonstrating how deeply people care about the brands they support and what fashion week is truly about—experiencing each designer's emotions and vision through their presentations and connecting with the art on a profound level.

This season, I attended 18 shows and events, ranging from renowned Scandinavian brands to smaller, emerging labels. However, only a few truly left a lasting impression on me, giving me goosebumps and a sense of awe.

Opera Sport

I was thrilled to be invited to the Opera Sport show, and it did not disappoint. Before the show, a well-known and talented writer, Lidia from Paris, mentioned that her friend had composed the music for the show. Afterward, everyone was talking about how authentic the music felt, perfectly complementing the riverside location near the Opera House. As a fashion event organizer and an artist who has showcased my collections, analyzing these shows is vital for drawing inspiration for future projects. I was captivated by the choreography of the models, the flow of the catwalk, and the thoughtful seating arrangement. The clothing was in line with current trends, yet it maintained a chic and timeless elegance — a rare thing to see.

Rolf Ekroth

Last season, I attended Rolf Ekroth’s show from a standing position; this year, I was honored with a front-row seat on stage. This season, Ekroth drew inspiration from “Lavatanssit,” capturing the mysterious allure of traditional Finnish dance pavilions scattered across the countryside. Understanding the cultural significance behind this collection deepened my appreciation for the show: While Finnish people may appear stoic, beneath their reserve burns a blend of romance and melancholy. In “Lavatanssit,” Rolf Ekroth unveils his most Finnish collection to date. Every detail — from hand-painted prints to meticulously chosen materials and thoughtfully designed garments — reveals a deep connection to Finnish culture.

Stamm

The Stamm show held a special place in my heart, partly because a young Lithuanian model I had met during my “Young Fashion” event opened the show. It was a touching moment to see him on the runway. The show began with a performance where children released pigeons from boxes, and the models started walking as the birds flew away. This unique element added a magical touch to the show. The clothing was ready-to-wear — a hallmark of Copenhagen Fashion Week, where every collection feels accessible yet unique. Stamm, with its globetrotter family background and visionary approach, balances strong versus sensitive elements, high fashion with a low-key approach, truck versus couture, and calm versus dynamic.

Copenhagen is always full of inspiration, interesting and open-minded people, and a vibrant, diverse style. The entire experience left me inspired and eager to work on my future projects ⭐️

Some of the photos are sourced from voguescandinavia.com

Author

Nerija Kanapkaite

Nerija Kanapkaite is a passionate writer and fashion enthusiast who began her career at just 13 years old. With a strong background in writing for various magazines, she has explored different facets of the fashion industry. Nerija also runs her own PR agency, 'PR PR PR...', which is dedicated to the world of fashion. Additionally, she is the organizer of 'Young Fashion,' an event aimed at supporting and promoting young designers in their growth and development.