Copenhagen Fashion Week recap

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has long outgrown its status as a local event, transforming into a global platform that sets new standards for the industry. While Milan, Paris, and New York continue to balance commerce with creativity, Copenhagen focuses on sustainability, local identity, and experimental approaches.

Sustainability as CPHFW’s core mission

Since 2020, CPHFW has actively implemented measures to promote sustainable fashion, elevating eco-consciousness from a passing trend to an industry standard. In 2023, the event introduced updated sustainability requirements, and by 2025, compliance became a mandatory criterion for all participants. To be included in the official schedule, brands must meet strict environmental guidelines, including:

• A clear sustainability strategy – brands must prove that their business model minimizes environmental harm;
• At least 60% of certified or recycled materials – wool, cotton, synthetics, and leather must come from verified sustainable sources;
• A complete ban on fur, exotic skins, and feathers – brands using these materials are no longer eligible to participate;
• A commitment to zero waste – unsold inventory must be repurposed, donated, or recycled instead of being destroyed;
• Eco-conscious show productions – reduced carbon footprints, plastic-free events, and mindful use of staging materials.

photo: SPOTLIGHT

These game-changing policies have made CPHFW the first fashion week to not only talk about sustainability but fully integrate it into its framework.

Danish brands leading the CPHFW movement

This season, the spotlight was on brands that seamlessly blend sustainability with unique creative vision. Designers like Stine Goya, Filippa K, Skall Studio, Han Kjøbenhavn, and Gestuz showcased how Danish fashion is redefining contemporary style.

Stine Goya: breaking the Scandinavian minimalism forms

Since 2006, Stine Goya has been challenging the monochrome-heavy Scandinavian aesthetic with vibrant colors, bold prints, and fluid silhouettes. This season, instead of showing in Copenhagen, the brand staged its Fall/Winter 2025 collection at Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, enhancing the immersive experience. Inspired by seasonal transitions, the collection reflected summer’s delicacy through soft ruffles and floral prints, while autumn’s depth was expressed in structured silhouettes and darker tones.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Stine Goya

For fashion enthusiasts in Uzbekistan who are seeking to infuse more color and personality into their wardrobe, Stine Goya offers an artistic yet practical take on statement dressing – bold yet wearable pieces that stand out while remaining effortlessly comfortable.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Stine Goya

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Stine Goya

Filippa K: Scandinavian classics with a modern edge

Since 1993, Filippa K has been synonymous with timeless, minimalist Scandinavian fashion. However, for Fall/Winter 2025, creative director Anna Ternell reimagined the classic wardrobe, introducing more fluidity and experimental shapes. Long tailored coats, voluminous knitwear, and layered silhouettes defined the collection, striking a balance between practicality and artistic refinement.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Filippa K

Filippa K is the perfect choice for those investing in a timeless yet stylish wardrobe. These pieces seamlessly adapt to any season – layer them for warmth in colder months or style them effortlessly for a relaxed yet refined look during transitional weather. The brand is ideal for those who appreciate clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and high-quality materials.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Filippa K

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Filippa K

Gestuz: Romance blended with powerful femininity

Gestuz embodies a bold, rebellious take on femininity with a rock 'n' roll edge. Founded by Sanne Sehested in 2008, the brand draws inspiration from vintage aesthetics and past decades, crafting clothing that doesn’t emphasize fragility but rather celebrates strength. For the Fall-Winter 2025 collection, Gestuz continues to explore themes of deep emotions and transformation. The season’s muse is a woman of mystery – free, powerful, yet undeniably vulnerable. This narrative unfolds on the runway through striking contrasts: delicate lace juxtaposed with heavy leather, soft knits paired with structured tailoring, and biker jackets styled with elegant evening gowns.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Gestuz

Gestuz offers a break from conventional standards, infusing fashion with attitude, edge, and individuality. It’s a brand for those unafraid to experiment, blending femininity with raw strength in a single look.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Gestuz

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Gestuz

Skall Studio: Nature-inspired fashion

The brand Skall Studio, founded by sisters Julie and Marie Skall, embodies fashion inspired by nature, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for materials. They create clothing from 100% natural fibers, avoiding fur and leather, while their signature knitwear is produced in Denmark’s oldest factories, making each piece truly unique. For the Fall- Winter 2025 collection, the designers focused on femininity, weaving delicate lace, embroidery, and hand-sewn glass pearls into structured silhouettes and evening gowns. Tailored coats, voluminous knitwear, and romantic peasant dresses with ruffles evoke an atmosphere of warmth and timeless elegance.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Skall Studio

Skall Studio seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Their pieces are ideal for those who appreciate natural fabrics, clean lines, and effortless femininity without excess detail. Designed to transcend seasonal trends, their collections adapt easily to different climates while accentuating individual styles.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Skall Studio

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Skall Studio

Han Kjøbenhavn: Fashion as art and emotion

Han Kjøbenhavn pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion, creating bold and unconventional designs. Founded in 2008 by Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen, the brand merges sculptural silhouettes, industrial forms, and deep emotional storytelling. For the Fall-Winter 2025 collection, the designer turned to his childhood, the outskirts of Copenhagen, and the people who shaped his journey as sources of inspiration. This personal narrative was reflected on the runway through a juxtaposition of raw materials (faux fur, leather, denim) and sharp, exaggerated silhouettes, featuring structured shoulders, form-fitting dresses, and heavy boots. Amidst the dark color palette, a muted shade of purple emerged as a symbol of hope.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Han Kjøbenhavn

While Han Kjøbenhavn may not be the most practical choice for daily wear in Uzbekistan, it serves as a powerful source of inspiration. The brand’s aesthetic is a statement – an experiment in form and attitude. For those unafraid of unconventional fashion, elements of its style – dramatic silhouettes, textured fabrics, and striking contrasts can be reinterpreted in unique ways, adding an edge to any wardrobe.

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Han Kjøbenhavn

photo: SPOTLIGHT / Han Kjøbenhavn

The future of fashion is already here

CPHFW ushers in a new era where sustainability, self-expression, and innovation take center stage. The brands showcased this season reveal the many facets of Scandinavian fashion.

Danish design offers freedom in styling, a conscious approach to wardrobe curation, and a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality. While Copenhagen may not yet be a traditional fashion capital, its influence on the industry is undeniable and growing.