Copenhagen Fashion Week

What Copenhagen Fashion Week does

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) is a Danish non-profit foundation established in 2006 and headquartered in Copenhagen, recognized as the world's fifth major fashion week alongside New York, London, Milan, and Paris. The organization hosts biannual runway events in January/February (AW season) and August (SS season), with the AW25 edition featuring 50 brands across 9 nationalities and the SS27 edition comprising 36 shows and presentations. Under CEO Cecilie Thorsmark (appointed 2018), CPHFW pivoted to a sustainability-led strategy and in 2020 became the first fashion week to implement binding minimum sustainability standards — a 19-standard framework fully effective since AW23 and now adopted by five major international fashion councils (British Fashion Council, Fashion Council Germany, Oslo Runway, Norwegian Fashion Hub, Amsterdam Fashion Week), covering 1,600+ brands.

The organization's product portfolio includes the Official Show & Presentation Schedule (curated by a Show & Presentation Committee and sustainability committee), the CPHFW NEWTALENT talent incubator supporting emerging Nordic designers under five years old across three consecutive seasons, the annual Zalando Visionary Award (€50,000 prize plus show production), International Guest Slot and Homecoming Slot programming, the CPHFW Talk Program (with Vogue Business), a digital image bank via Presscloud/Vocast, and the Danish Fashion Ethical Charter addressing model wellbeing with mandatory health checks.

CPHFW operates as a foundation funded by industry contributions and commercial partnerships, with Zalando as the main financial contributor and Strategic Partner. The organization runs on 11-50 employees, operates from Store Strandstræde 20 in Copenhagen (CVR 41627212), and serves four primary customer segments: fashion brands seeking international runway visibility, international wholesale buyers, fashion press and media, and emerging Nordic designers. Geographic operations are anchored in the Nordic region (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland) but exert global reach through international press coverage and cross-border sustainability framework adoption.

Name

Copenhagen Fashion Week

Legal name

Copenhagen Fashion Week

Website

https://copenhagenfashionweek.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Copenhagen Fashion Week is a Danish non-profit foundation and the world's fifth major fashion week, hosting biannual runway events in Copenhagen for Nordic and international brands while operating a sustainability framework, talent incubator (NEWTALENT), and award programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fashion Events

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Event Program Management (Annual Planning, Calendaring & Budgeting) (THAHAIAJ)

Keywords

• Fashion week events
• Fashion industry platform
• Sustainability standards
• Talent development
• Brand showcase

Headquarters

HQ city

Copenhagen

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Foundation Funding: Copenhagen Fashion Week is a foundation funded by industry contributions and commercial partnerships. Strategic Partner Zalando is the main financial contributor.
2. Commercial Partnerships: Partnerships with brands and companies providing financial support in exchange for visibility and association with the fashion week. All commercial posts are marked with mandatory disclaimer of sponsored content per Danish law.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) is a nonprofit foundation that organizes biannual fashion week events in Copenhagen, Denmark, showcasing Scandinavian and international fashion brands on an official schedule to industry buyers, press, and the public. It complements the runway program with talent development initiatives (CPHFW NEWTALENT), a Sustainability Requirements Framework, and the Danish Fashion Ethical Charter, positioning itself as the fifth major global fashion week.

Product overview

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) operates as the biggest fashion week in Northern Europe and the world's fifth major fashion week, held biannually in January/February and August. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected programs: the core Official Show & Presentation Schedule featuring runway shows and presentations; the CPHFW NEWTALENT talent incubator program supporting emerging Nordic designers with mentorship, bursaries, and showroom activations; and the Zalando Visionary Award recognizing design excellence. CPHFW also provides sustainability frameworks (Sustainability Requirements and Danish Fashion Ethical Charter), international guest slots, talk programs, and image bank services. The SS27 edition (August 3-7, 2026) features 36 shows and presentations as part of CPHFW's 20th anniversary celebration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) Seasonal Event Biannual fashion week event in Copenhagen showcasing Scandinavian and international brands on the official schedule, targeted at industry buyers, press, and the public.
• CPHFW NEWTALENT Talent development program supporting emerging fashion designers, providing them exposure through the Copenhagen Fashion Week platform.
• CPHFW Sustainability Requirements Framework Mandatory sustainability compliance framework that brand participants must meet to be included in the official Copenhagen Fashion Week schedule.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sustainability Requirements adopted by 5 major fashion councils internationally
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• 1664minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2026Official Beer Partner returning for multiple seasons. Present at shows, presentations, and official events, creating memorable moments and keeping guests refreshed throughout fashion week.
• ModemminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 2026Global B2B information and communication platform connecting press, buyers, showrooms, and creatives. MODEM Dialogues series brings together industry figures to explore fashion's role in societal shifts.
• L'Oréal ParisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 December 2025Official Make-Up Partner for AW26 season. Co-hosts the special commencement dinner with Copenhagen Fashion Week, supporting representation, empowerment, and authentic self-expression.
• PerwollminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 December 2025Official partner continuing partnership. Perwoll encourages #RethinkNew promoting slow fashion with Triple Renew Technology. Activated official show venue and supports emerging creative talent.
• Bang & OlufsenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 December 2025Co-host for Copenhagen Fashion Week's 20-year anniversary dinner during AW26 edition. Partners in commemorating two decades of Nordic fashion, culture, and iconic design.
• SIXTminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 June 2025Provides electric cars for Copenhagen Fashion Week's official hospitality program, ensuring smooth and eco-friendly journeys for international guests.
• instaxminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2025Partnership reflecting shared values of creativity and artistry. instax combines analog photography with immersive storytelling. Partnership includes highlighting instax mini 41 instant camera.
• Victoria and Albert MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2025Fashion in Motion collaboration showcasing five CPHFW NEWTALENT designers and Stem (Wessel & Vett Prize winner) at V&A in May 2025. Three showings held in Raphael Court featuring six key looks from each designer.
• Wessel & Vett Fashion PrizecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2025Strategic Partner formerly known as Magasin du Nord Fashion Prize. Celebrates Danish design talent and innovation, honoring legacy of Magasin du Nord and Wessel & Vett Foundation's commitment to supporting local designers.
• DazedminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 January 2025Co-host of CPHFW x Pandora official dinner. Brought together top press, buyers, and key opinion leaders to celebrate Nordic creative industry.
• SAPminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 January 2025Official partner for AW25 season. Global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, strengthening connection between business, technology, and creativity.
• WedogreensminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 January 2025Provides nourishing food options for Copenhagen Fashion Week community with convenient locations across Copenhagen during fashion week.
• PolestarminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025Official Car partner providing safe, silent, and comfortable electric rides for international guests. Hosts the official CPHFW Talk Program in collaboration with Vogue Business at Polestar Space.
• ROTATEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2025New patron of CPHFW NEWTALENT scheme. ROTATE Birger Christensen provides financial backing and brings Denise Christensen to the mentor panel.
• 25hours Hotel CopenhagenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 December 2024Official Hotel Partner providing accommodation for international guests during fashion week. Serves as central hub of activity, welcoming industry leaders from around the world.
• OnceMore from SödraminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2024Produces high-quality dissolving pulp from blended textile waste and wood from sustainably managed Swedish forests. Partnership supports CPHFW NEWTALENT scheme during SS26.
• Fashion in HelsinkicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2023Knowledge Partner supporting emerging Finnish talent. Platform for showcasing Finnish creativity, artistic practice, and unique craftsmanship. Co-hosts opening reception for AW25 edition.
• Birger Christensen CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2023Patron of CPHFW NEWTALENT offering financial support via bursaries for showcases and advice through the mentor programme. Represents 150+ years of heritage as a leading Danish brand actively supporting emerging talent.
• DysonminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 May 2023Official Hair Partner using pioneering technology and products to ensure professional styling backstage at showcases for SS24 edition.
• ZalandocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic Partner and main financial contributor to Copenhagen Fashion Week. Zalando co-sponsors the Zalando Visionary Award, providing €50,000 prize and show production support to winning emerging designers. Partnership underscores shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and social impact in fashion.
• PandoracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeadline partner of CPHFW NEWTALENT talent incubator program. Provides financial bursaries to emerging designers and supports the CPHFW NEWTALENT showroom. Pandora is the world's largest jewelry brand, headquartered in Copenhagen.
• CIFFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor bi-annual trade show and patron of CPHFW NEWTALENT scheme. CIFF has become a major destination for the international fashion industry and merged with Revolver in 2023.
• The Climate PledgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew partnership launching AW26 season. The Climate Pledge is a global commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. CPHFW collaboration includes International Guest Slot for Collina Strada, activations, workshops, and debuts aimed at advancing sustainability.
• GANNIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPatron of CPHFW NEWTALENT supporting emerging talent in the Nordic region. Contributed to showroom breakfast and collaborative initiatives.
• ALPHAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNordic non-profit Knowledge Partner supporting, championing and showcasing Nordic fashion talents with high levels of originality, creativity, craftsmanship and responsibility. Ane Lynge-Jorlén serves as Special Advisor.
• British Fashion CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdopted CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements framework, embedding Minimum Standards across BFC NEWGEN. First major fashion council to adopt CPHFW's sustainability framework.
• Amsterdam Fashion WeekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdopted CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements framework for sustainability collaboration.
• Fashion Council GermanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdopted CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements framework, implementing sustainability standards for Berlin Fashion Week with €180,000 in government funding.
• Oslo RunwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing CPHFW's 2023 Sustainability Requirements as part of international partnership network.
• Norwegian Fashion HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing CPHFW's 2023 Sustainability Requirements as part of international partnership network.
• Vogue BusinessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial media partner for CPHFW Talk Program. Partnership bringing industry discussions and thought leadership content to fashion professionals.
• VanguardscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuxury group and Knowledge Partner for CPHFW NEWTALENT, supporting emerging Nordic talent with industry expertise and resources.
• Dansk Fashion & TextilecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry and employers' association for Danish textile and clothing companies. Service Partner providing industry support across law, customs, taxation, international trade and innovation. Represents 350+ companies.
• Pitti ImmaginecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian trade show organization. Sunflower presented as CPHFW Special Project at Pitti Immagine Uomo 110 in Florence as part of CPHFW's 20th anniversary celebrations.
• Swedish Fashion CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting CPHFW NEWTALENT and Nordic talent representation internationally. Extensive experience in talent development enhances Nordic designers' global presence.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Japan Fashion Week Organization (Tokyo Fashion Week): Operates Tokyo Fashion Week and represents Japanese designers internationally. Direct peer in organizing international runway schedules and supporting emerging Asian talent.
• Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (Paris Fashion Week): Governing body of Paris Fashion Week, the global benchmark for fashion weeks. Direct peer in curating runway schedules, hosting international press and buyers, and managing a council/foundation structure.
• British Fashion Council (London Fashion Week): Operates London Fashion Week and was the first major fashion council to formally adopt CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements framework. Direct peer in organizing biannual fashion week schedules, talent development programs, and buyer/press engagement.
• Oslo Runway: Norway's flagship fashion week platform and a direct Nordic peer. Implements CPHFW's 2023 Sustainability Requirements as part of an international partnership network, mirroring CPHFW's format at a smaller scale.
• Seoul Fashion Week: Korea's flagship fashion week platform. Direct peer as an international fashion week organizer attracting global press, buyers, and emerging designers from the Asian market.
• Amsterdam Fashion Week: Dutch fashion week platform that has adopted CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements framework for cross-border sustainability collaboration. Direct peer as a European fashion week operator at smaller scale.
• Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (Milan Fashion Week): Governing body of Milan Fashion Week and one of the four traditional 'Big Four' fashion weeks alongside Paris, London, and New York. Direct peer in organizing international fashion week schedules and supporting emerging Italian talent.
• Fashion Council Germany (Berlin Fashion Week): Organizes Berlin Fashion Week and adopted CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements framework with €180,000 in government funding. Direct peer in curating a national fashion week with sustainability-focused positioning.
• Council of Fashion Designers of America (New York Fashion Week): Organizes New York Fashion Week and represents American designers. Direct peer as a fashion industry association curating biannual runway schedules and supporting emerging talent.

Others

• Pitti Immagine: Italian trade show organizer that hosted CPHFW's Sunflower as a Special Project at Pitti Uomo 110. Adjacent peer - not a direct fashion week competitor but a sister event operator collaborating with CPHFW on international Nordic designer showcasing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCnoMHiIR9YWixvZZ3omGHyg
• Facebookfacebook.com/CopenhagenFashionWeek
• Instagraminstagram.com/cphfw

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Copenhagen Fashion Week