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.

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