Copenhagen Fashion Week announced that it will celebrate its 20th anniversary across 2026, marking two decades of growth for the Nordic fashion industry and the pivotal role Copenhagen Fashion Week has played in shaping its evolution.
“Celebrating 20 years is not only about looking back at how far we’ve come, but about reflecting on the role Copenhagen Fashion Week can continue to play in shaping the future of fashion," said Cecilie Thorsmark, ceo of Copenhagen Fashion Week. "The past few years have been extremely challenging for the industry, testing the resilience of everyone involved. Yet despite this, the Nordic fashion scene has continued to evolve into a global force, and I’m proud that Copenhagen Fashion Week has been part of chartering that journey.”
Both editions of fashion week in 2026 will be accompanied by a series of international projects to be announced throughout the year, underscoring its expanding global reach. The year will culminate in a unique activation honoring the impact of Nordic creatives on a global scale, accompanied by a book capturing the last 20 years of Copenhagen Fashion Week and its vision for the years ahead.
In recognition of the milestone year ahead, Copenhagen Fashion Week will commemorate its anniversary during the AW26 edition. Beginning with the official Opening Cocktail hosted on Monday evening, January 26, and ending with the official Anniversary Dinner on Thursday, January 29, the schedule will run from January 27 to 29, with a brand line-up that presents a curated cross-section of some of the most directional, globally celebrated brands in the Nordics and beyond. Among the highlights of the season are the return of the 2024 Zalando Visionary Award winner Paolina Russo, the 2024 FTA Franca Sozzani Debut Talent winner Nazzal Studio, as well as the debut of the Danish menswear brand O. Files.
For the AW26 edition, Copenhagen Fashion Week introduces the Homecoming slot, a special recognition awarded to a Nordic brand returning to the CPHFW schedule after seasons of showing abroad, symbolizing the strength and growth of Nordic fashion. For the AW26 edition, Copenhagen Fashion Week announced Holzweiler as the official Homecoming slot. Having showcased at Copenhagen Fashion Week from SS18 to AW23 before joining London Fashion Week, Holzweiler has come to signal not only a Norwegian success story but also a reputable fashion leader. The AW26 edition will mark their return to the Copenhagen Fashion Week schedule from hereforth.
For AW26, CPHFW Newtalent will welcome Stem to the scheme, joining Bonnetje and Anne Sofie Madsen. As part of the January edition, Studio Constance, Sson, and Taus will be awarded the One To Watch recognition. She will introduce their forthcoming collection through a combination of show and presentation formats.
Finally, the AW26 edition marks the implementation of the first set of updated Sustainability Requirements. Introduced in 2024 and piloted across the past two seasons, the revised framework represents a natural evolution and a strengthened version of the original framework, which was initially implemented in 2023. As such, all brands part of the AW26 official schedule have all been screened against the revised 19 Minimum Standards.
See the official schedule of Copenhagen Fashion Week FW 26/27
Image: Bonnetje
