The fashion industry’s substantial role in exacerbating the climate crisis has placed sustainability at the forefront of our concerns. In this context, Copenhagen Fashion Week stands out as a beacon of hope, actively championing environmentally conscious fashion practices.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this event is its dedication to sustainability, as evident in the Sustainability Action Plan launched in 2020. This three-year plan imposes strict sustainability requirements on participating brands, which are periodically revised to keep up with the evolving sustainability landscape.
Three emerging designers showcased during this year’s Copenhagen Fashion Week exemplify the event’s core focus on innovation and sustainability.
A. ROEGE HOVE: a finalist for the Woolmark Prize, kicked off the event with a groundbreaking show. Specializing in knitwear, the brand is known for its innovative approach, challenging traditional knitwear techniques. They exclusively produce in Europe, ensuring quality, responsibility, and fair working conditions. Each piece is meticulously designed to minimize waste, emphasizing durability and longevity. For this collection, the brand introduced Circulose, a material made from 100% textile waste, further underscoring their commitment to sustainability.
Henrik Vibskov: Henrik Vibskov, a brand founded by Danish fashion designer Henrik Vibskov, demonstrated its alignment with sustainability values during Copenhagen Fashion Week. Vibskov adheres to seven codes of conduct, encompassing respect for diversity and ensuring 90% of production in Europe. The brand emphasizes ecologically aware fabrics, upcycling unused materials, and using recycled packaging while ensuring fair working conditions. The runway showcased garments made from recycled polyester and outerwear crafted from recycled PET bottles, contributing to water and energy conservation.
Paolina Russo: Another International Woolmark Prize finalist and winner of the Zalando Visionary Award, the London-based brand Paolina Russo, is making waves with its innovative and sustainable approach. Inspired by Russo’s Canadian upbringing and Guilmard’s French folklore beliefs, the brand’s unique ethos blends folklore with thought-out craftsmanship. The Copenhagen Fashion Week collection drew inspiration from escapist daydreams and stone circles. Sustainability is central to the brand’s philosophy, utilizing deadstock materials, low water-intensity fabrics, and emphasizing transparency and traceability. They design with a focus on an item’s post-consumer journey, using biodegradable natural fibers, and striving to harmonize fashion and environmental responsibility seamlessly.
