Image: Brøgger by Janine Sametzky
Somehow, against all odds, Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) is back with its SS21 presentations, running from August 14th – 16th. It’s been a challenging time for the industry, as fashion weeks everywhere explore digital and virtual options. Despite having some ability to present physically, Copenhagen has felt the impact of COVID-19 too, resulting in a lighter schedule than usual with plenty of brands opting for digital and hybrid presentations.
But with adversity comes creativity and the brands who are showing promise to deliver one of the most interesting fashion weeks for a while. From first time displays from London It-girl favorite RIXO to locally produced sustainable basics from Skall Studio, there’s plenty to watch out for.
These are the six designers to know for Copenhagen Fashion Week SS21:
Rixo
Show Type: Digital
London-based brand RIXO and darling of the London It girl for some time head to Copenhagen virtually for its first-ever Copenhagen Fashion Week show. Founded in 2015 by friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, RIXO focuses on transparency in the supply chain and building close relationships with suppliers when producing their vintage-inspired collections. Always inclusive, always empowering, they aim to “create a fusion of original hand-painted prints and timeless silhouettes to flatter every woman, irrespective of age, season, size, nationality or time of day.” Don’t miss their inaugural Copenhagen Fashion Week show!
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Brøgger
Show Type: Digital
Danish designer Julie Brøgger worked for major brands like Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Erdem before launching her epoynomous brand in 2016. Based in London but inspired by her home’s Scandi sensibilities, Brøgger creates eclectic and playful womenswear, juxtaposed with utility and function. The collections vary from sharp tailoring to soft silhouettes, consistently balanced on the edge between formal and day wear. Expect tailored jackets and ball gowns styled with trainers: the Copenhagen uniform.
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Skall Studio
Show Type: Hybrid
Skall Studio is a Danish sustainable fashion brand, established in 2014 by sisters Julie and Marie Skall. Located in the coastal area of North Jutland, the name “Skall” has come to be synonymous with the core values that the brand represents today: timeless design, high-quality materials, and expert craftsmanship create an evergreen wardrobe and prevents rampant consumption. Expect to see the perfect crisp white shirt, everyday knitwear that will have you longing for winter, and smock dresses worthy of a bucolic daydream.
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Mark Kenly Domino Tan
Show Type: Hybrid
A former designer for Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Sonia Rykiel, Mark Kenly Domino Tan launched his eponymous brand in 2012. He’s known for his ability to create aesthetic silhouettes anchored by structural tailoring and innovative use of fabrics. MKDT designs for the feminine yet stringent, creating collections with character that value craftsmanship and tradition. These are designs for the modern yet classic woman, with clients including HRH Crown Princess of Denmark, Mary.
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Helmstedt
Show Type: Hybrid
The whimsical world of Helmstedt is one that’s captured the attention of fashion giants internationally since launching at Copenhagen Fashion Week in 2018. The vibrant and playful designs look like they’ve stepped out the page of a children’s book, with every dynamic oil or watercolor print hand-painted by Emilie Helmstedt in Copenhagen. Sustainability is at the heart of Helmstedt, who uses organic fabrics and smart production methods. Previous collections have celebrated nature, from the mysteries of the ocean to honoring the humble bee. Expect toadstools, strawberries, winged-creatures, and anything else likely to be found in a fairy garden.
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Marimekko
Show Type: Digital
Finnish brand Marimekko virtually heads to Copenhagen Fashion Week after its traditional open-air show found a new home online. The ready-to-wear brand is known for its joyful flower prints, which originate from the founder’s rebellious attitude towards gendered expectations of women in the 50s. They’ll be presenting a video shot at the in-house printing factory at our HQ in Helsinki, which kicks off Marimekko’s 70th anniversary celebrations and focuses on their core: the art of printmaking.
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