by Ada Maria Francesca Romeo
Copenhagen Fashion Week 2026 marks its 20th anniversary with a dynamic lineup bringing together established Nordic labels, international guest brands (with the likes of Collina Strada and Institution) and a new generation of emerging talent. Here are the brands to keep firmly on your radar.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Copenhagen Fashion Week returns from 3–7 August with one of its strongest editions to date. The schedule features 34 runway shows and presentations, bringing together some of the most established names in Nordic fashion alongside international guest designers and a wave of exciting newcomers.
Emerging talent will once again take center stage through CPHFW NEWTALENT, the official initiative supporting Nordic brands that have been in business for fewer than five years. The programme provides mentorship, industry visibility, and long-term development opportunities, reinforcing Copenhagen Fashion Week‘s reputation as a global benchmark for nurturing the next generation of fashion designers.
Founded in Finland in 1951, Marimekko has become internationally renowned for its bold, instantly recognizable prints. For more than seventy years, the brand has championed optimism, creativity, and self-expression through colourful design. Today, its collections extend beyond ready-to-wear to include bags, accessories, and a wide range of homeware, from textiles to tableware, all reflecting the brand’s joyful design philosophy.
Founded in Copenhagen in 2015 by Sigurd Bank, mfpen has built a reputation for its understated Scandinavian aesthetic, reinterpreting classic menswear through relaxed tailoring and contemporary silhouettes. Sustainability is embedded in the brand’s design philosophy through its Responsible Hierarchy, which prioritizes high-quality European deadstock fabrics sourced from industry surplus. When deadstock materials are unavailable, recycled and biodegradable textiles take precedence, with certified organic cotton used only as a last resort.
Founded in New York in 2008 by Hillary Taymour, Collina Strada joins the Copenhagen schedule as one of this season’s international guest brands. Widely recognized for its progressive approach to inclusivity, sustainability and circular fashion, the label produces collections primarily using recycled and low-impact materials. Manufacturing is kept entirely in New York, helping reduce transportation emissions while supporting local production.
INSTITUTION is a Milan-based creative project founded by Georgian designer Galib Gassanoff. Deeply rooted in the founder’s personal heritage and cultural identity, the genderless brand approaches fashion through a sculptural lens, with each garment conceived as a unique object. Gassanoff describes his aesthetic as “Sartorial Monumentalism,” a philosophy centred on structure, permanence, and continuity. The collections are distinguished by a predominantly monochromatic palette of black and white and the innovative use of unconventional materials.
Danish designer Stine Goya launched her namesake label in 2006 as a deliberate alternative to the restrained Scandinavian aesthetic traditionally associated with minimalism and muted palettes. Instead, the brand is celebrated for its vibrant use of colour, joyful spirit, and hand-made prints inspired by art and culture. While visually expressive, each collection maintains a strong focus on craftsmanship and premium-quality fabrics.
Established in Copenhagen in 2020, Nicklas Skovgaard is a womenswear label defined by the tension between contrasting textiles, unexpected fabric combinations, and sculptural silhouettes. Each collection draws inspiration from a rich mix of references, including Baroque portraiture, childhood memories of watching the designer’s mother express herself through fashion, and the iconic visual language of Madonna’s music videos. The result is a layered dialogue between history, pop culture, and personal narrative.
Founded in 2003 by Danish designer Malene Birger, By Malene Birger is synonymous with refined Scandinavian minimalism infused with understated bohemian influences. Clean tailoring meets relaxed elegance through a sophisticated palette of black, white, grey, beige, warm browns, and earthy reds, creating timeless wardrobe essentials with effortless appeal.
Founded in London by Canadian designer Paolina Russo and French designer Lucile Guilmard, the label merges craftsmanship with technological innovation. Its collections blend futurism and nostalgia, creating a distinctive vision of contemporary womenswear and streetwear through bold knitwear, experimental textures and graphic patterns. This season’s collection tells the story of a young girl spending her summer holidays at her grandparents’ house, dividing her time between sewing patchwork quilts and hanging out with friends at the skatepark. The nostalgic narrative is translated into playful silhouettes, vibrant prints and handcrafted details, combining rural tradition with contemporary youth culture in the brand’s signature aesthetic.
Founded in Copenhagen in 2025, Anne-Sofie Madsen marks the designer’s return with a new vision of contemporary luxury. The brand challenges convention by balancing elegance with playfulness, creating garments that celebrate individuality and personal expression. Through innovative construction and a refined yet experimental aesthetic, the label offers a fresh perspective on modern womenswear.