Latest news with #CecilieThorsmark
Elle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Inside the Runway Moments Everyone's Talking About at Copenhagen Fashion Week
Is it just me, or does everyone get a glimmer of excitement (hope?) for the future of fashion when they see the runways of Copenhagen Fashion Week? For all the commentary that may stem from other cities, it seems as though CPHFW—with its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, in addition to its remarkable talent—has become a favorite among fashion editors and industry insiders (no doubt in part due to its CEO, Cecilie Thorsmark). According to Chloe King, director of fashion and lifestyle at Saks Fifth Avenue, two overarching aesthetic themes stood out this season: the classic tropes of 'Danish summer' (easy poplin, lace and crochet, florals, and layered knits) and a Danish twist on the 1980s—think strong shoulders, polka dots and graphic prints, moto details, balloon pants, and micro minis. And, of course, there's also the street style, where showgoers lean into the effortlessly cool (with a hint of kitsch) Scandi girl aesthetic. 'On the street, the flip-flop was clearly the shoe of the week—classic and effortless in both a leather kitten-heel version and a sporty rubber take,' King says. The pastel palette we saw on February runways came alive on the Danish fashion set in soft blues, butter yellows, and hazy grays. 'Polka dots were the standout print, and crochet hats or handkerchiefs emerged as the must-have hair accessories,' she adds. While no major fashion houses call the Danish capital home, there are, without a doubt, designers who have made a name for themselves—and for the city they reside in—generating buzz for what's to come. Established players, like Cecilie Bahnsen—who has shown in Paris for the last five years—made a triumphant return home to present a collection in honor of her 10th anniversary, showing iterations of her signature pieces, including ethereal dresses made of fabrics that float with each step. Newer names, like Stem—a zero-waste fashion brand—hosted a makers' workshop, where attendees participated in basket-weaving techniques as part of the show. King also pointed to the debut of Nigerian newcomer Iamisigo, praising the 'fantastic cutting, emotionally rich silhouettes, and the way African craft complexity was brought into a contemporary context.' With such innovative minds behind these labels, it's easy to see why the trends that emerge from CPHFW continue to lead the charge. If you're one to stay on top of the latest trends, study up on these—they're sure to make a lasting impact on the seasons ahead. Light as Air Open Gallery I'm beginning to think of sheer materials as the new neutral—and if you ask me why, it's because I see it every season. King noted a clear styling shift this week toward layering. 'There was experimentation with sheer layering—embellished skirts over trousers and slips over knits—that added a femininity and ethereal quality to otherwise classic wardrobe pieces.' Sheer materials also dominated, from beautifully draped dresses and trousers as seen in Freya Dalsjø and The Garment to more unexpected takes (like a floral appliquéd dress at Cecilie Bahnsen or the sheer popover as a styling piece for Munthe). It's official: Sheer is a mainstay. Spotlights on Stripes Open Gallery Polka dots may have been the print of the street style set, but the spring/summer 2026 season is all about its cousin, the stripe. Big, bold stripes made their way down the runways at Marimekko, Baum und Pferdgarden, and Munthe, but if you prefer them in their narrower form, they also made an appearance at Alis and Henrik Vibskov (for both the minimalists and maximalists alike). A Touch of Lace Open Gallery Head-turning textures are nothing new for Copenhagen Fashion Week, but something I found particularly intriguing this season was the use of lace. More often than not, designers featured the fabric as a trim for an added hint of romance, whether it was on the edge of a pair of track shorts (like the pair that walked down the runway of The Garment), the hemline or seams of a dress (at Bonnetje and OpéraSPORT), or as unique detail for a top (at Rave Review). 'Crochet and lace brought an artisinal touch, even to the most minimal collections,' King says. 'I loved the oversized, relaxed trouser shape—not too exaggerated, but with a perfect low rise and just the right amount of pooling at the ankle to evoke a sense of ease.' The Power of the Scarf Open Gallery Small but mighty, the scarf is having a major moment as a styling piece. We've been seeing this as a viral trend among It girls already, but Copenhagen Fashion Week has just solidified it as a bona fide trend—particularly in the form of a silk option tied around the waist, as seen on a model at Baum und Pferdgarten. The scarf has literally become your accessory's favorite accessory. 'Beyond the flip-flops and crochet hats, the east-west shoulder bag—already popular in other fashion capitals—was the key silhouette in Copenhagen, and accessories like scarves added even more personality to looks,' King says. Buttercream Delight Open Gallery Tired of butter yellow yet? Fashion sure isn't. And maybe, like shades of green, this creamy, pale shade of the sunshine-y hue has been a neutral all along. Either way, you couldn't miss this on the Copenhagen catwalks. King tied it to the week's trend du jour. 'The pastel palette we saw on February runways came alive on the Danish fashion set in soft blues, butter yellows, and hazy grays.' King explains. This creamy hue in particular was spotted on MKDT Studio, Iamisigo, Skall Studio, Freya Dalsjø, list goes on, but I'll stop right there. You just need to see for yourself. The Return of Red Open Gallery Another color that dominated the runways? Red. Yes, red has been in many a trend story before, but after a short hiatus (perhaps to make room for all the butter yellow and icy blue out there), red is back—and it's the pop of color that I so desperately needed. Make a statement in head-to-toe red like the models of Niklas Skovgaard, Forza Collective, or Gestuze. Or, let it be one of the focal points of your look with a trench coat as seen at Skall Studio or Herskind. No matter what you decide, it's bound to clock with someone. Eclectic Romance Open Gallery I can only speak for myself, but if I'm going to dress in any way that feels overtly romantic, it'll be the Scandi girl way. Undeniably whimsical without wasting a drop of streetwear cool, this season proved that yes, you can find equilibrium between the two—and one of the best ways to do that is with updated textures. Case in point: Cecilie Bahnsen's take on a sweatshirt and maxi skirt paired with the latest sneakers from her Asics collaboration. Another example is the textured open cardigan styled with cargo pants spotted at OpéraSPORT. Of course, if you want a more straightforward example, Gestuz styled a flowy bohemian-inspired dress with snakeskin-print boots. Bigger Bags Open Gallery To be honest, I never fully understood the microbag trend—especially as a woman who schleps through New York City with her whole life in her bag. So you can imagine my delight when I noticed that extra-large bags continue to be a trend on the CPHFW runways. Totes positioned as oversized, slouchy clutches in the crook of a model's arm were the name of the game here, so you best get those arms ready. Schlep on, my friends. 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Elle
01-08-2025
- Business
- Elle
How Cecilie Thorsmark Made Copenhagen a Must-Visit Stop on the Fashion Calendar
In ELLE's monthly series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we sat down with Cecilie Thorsmark, the CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW), which has experienced a meteoric rise under her leadership. 'The reason I applied to be CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week was that I saw huge potential to challenge the status quo—not just of fashion weeks in general, but their very purpose,' she says. 'The industry lives in its own bubble, and very little attention is paid to the world around us. I wanted to see how we could use our platform as a force for change.' Here, she shares how she developed CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements, a set of environmental standards for brands; highlights emerging designers she's excited about; and reveals how she unwinds after a (very) busy week. My first job was at a local fashion shop in Hornbæk, a seaside town in Denmark known for its summer residences. I must have been around 13 years old—eager to earn my first paycheck. I folded clothes, helped customers, and essentially learned the basics of retail. It was my introduction to the fashion world—and probably the only clothing store in that small town! Ironically, the two worst jobs I've had were outside the fashion industry at advertising agencies—and in both cases, the culture was so male-dominated it bordered on harassment. At the first agency, there was a very ill-tempered CEO and an all-female staff, and the atmosphere was patronizing and demoralizing. At the second, I was the only female among all-male colleagues. It was definitely a strange and uncomfortable culture to be part of. Those experiences taught me what kind of work environment I never want to be in again. For me, work culture has always been—and remains—extremely important. It goes back to my childhood. I grew up in a family of creatives from all sorts of fields—furniture designers, architects, professional ballet dancers, and costume designers. My grandmother was a seamstress, and my appreciation for aesthetics is grounded in our family legacy. I remember my grandmother's closet—she had the most amazing handmade garments and the most breathtaking collection of silk pumps in every color. The reason I applied to be CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week was that I saw huge potential to challenge the status quo—not just of fashion weeks in general, but their very purpose. I've always been very dedicated to environmental issues and climate issues. My father worked in the Ministry of the Environment for over 30 years, so these were the kinds of conversations we always had around the dinner table—about how to be more conscious. The industry lives in its own bubble, and very little attention is paid to the world around us. We face some very big challenges, especially with our environmental footprint. I wanted to see how we could use our platform as a force for change. That's why we developed our Sustainability Requirements. My proudest moment has definitely been the successful implementation [of the Sustainability Requirements]. We started developing the framework and creating criteria based on various sustainability elements back in 2019. In 2020, we announced that by 2023 these Sustainability Requirements would come into effect. We had three years to get the support of the industry to make such radical change, but more importantly, we focused on making sure that brands had the knowledge and tools needed to live up to the standards. Because, ultimately, it would've failed big time if we'd only been able to approve five brands—we probably wouldn't have even had a fashion week at all. If we want to drive change in the industry, then we need to work broadly with the industry. And in 2023, we pulled it off—we had a full fashion week schedule with brands that all met our Sustainability Requirements. It's very much focused on functionality and quality, paired with a great level of aesthetics. Our culture is influenced by democratic values—we're all equal, we all bike to work, we all take our kids to their institutions—and I think that requires a wardrobe that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. A quote I've always adhered to throughout my career is by Maya Angelou: 'People will not remember what you said or what you did; they will remember how you made them feel.' That's been a kind of moral compass for me, both in my relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, and especially as a leader with my team. Leadership, to me, is just as much about emotional intelligence as it is about strategy and decision-making. As cliché as it sounds, standing up for what you believe in is crucial. If you decide to work with purpose, you have to anchor everything around that purpose and let it inform every decision—big or small. Don't be afraid of criticism or of people who think they know better. Trust your instincts. One crucial element we need to focus on in order to make real change in the fashion industry is implementing circular business models. Overproduction remains our biggest challenge, so we have to find ways to combat it—either by lowering volumes or adopting more circular principles in how we operate and produce. There are more established names like OpéraSport, The Garment, ROTATE, and Forza Collective, as well as emerging designers from our NEWTALENT program, including Bonnetje, Berner Kühl, and Anne Sofie Madsen. Have no plans at all and just be with my kids and family. Ideally, we'd be at our summer house in Rørvig, near the beach and the woods—soaking up nature and getting as far away from the fashion world as possible. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Fashion Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Copenhagen Fashion Week and CIFF join forces to support Nordic talent
Two major players in the promotion of Copenhagen's fashion scene are joining forces to promote Scandinavian designers. Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) and CIFF (Copenhagen International Fashion Fair) have announced a long-term strategic alliance. The two pillars of Danish fashion are moving forward with the CPHFW Newtalent program, dedicated to supporting the region's most promising emerging Nordic brands. As part of this alliance, CIFF becomes an official sponsor of the program and will now host a selection of Newtalent brands in a permanent showroom in the CIFF Village. The young designers will also benefit from a dedicated space at the show, alongside fashion week, as well as enhanced access to an international network of buyers, press, and industry professionals. Support in terms of visibility, business development, and mentoring is planned throughout their journey, the value of which has not been communicated. "This collaboration with CIFF is a natural step in our mission to support Nordic talent. It enables us to combine cultural visibility with commercial impact at a decisive moment in their development," said Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week. Although a natural dynamic already existed between CPHFW and CIFF, the two players operated in parallel but complemented each other. While fashion week focused on runway shows and showcasing designers, CIFF provided the BtoB and commercial dimension, presenting over 1,000 brands twice a year in the pavilions of the Bella Center, on the outskirts of the Danish capital. This alliance marks a desire to pool resources and expertise to consolidate Copenhagen's position as the capital of Nordic fashion. "We are proud to formalize this collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week. CIFF is more than just a show, it's an ecosystem where talent can grow, connect, and plan for the long term," said Sofie Dolva, the show's managing director, in a press release. This year's Newtalent program includes Anne Sofie Madsen, Bonnetjes and Berner Kühl, as well as start-ups Kettle Atelier, Stem, and Taus in the One to Watch category. A first glimpse of a generation of designers that this alliance intends to promote far beyond Scandinavia's borders.
Fashion Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Copenhagen Fashion Week and CIFF join forces to support Nordic talent
Home › News › Catwalks Download Print Two major players in the promotion of Copenhagen's fashion scene are joining forces to promote Scandinavian designers. Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) and CIFF (Copenhagen International Fashion Fair) have announced a long-term strategic alliance. The two pillars of Danish fashion are moving forward with the CPHFW Newtalent program, dedicated to supporting the region's most promising emerging Nordic brands. Sofie Dolva and Cecilie Thorsmark, Managing Directors of CIFF and Copenhagen Fashion Week respectively - DR As part of this alliance, CIFF becomes an official sponsor of the program and will now host a selection of Newtalent brands in a permanent showroom in the CIFF Village. The young designers will also benefit from a dedicated space at the show, alongside fashion week, as well as enhanced access to an international network of buyers, press, and industry professionals. Support in terms of visibility, business development, and mentoring is planned throughout their journey, the value of which has not been communicated. "This collaboration with CIFF is a natural step in our mission to support Nordic talent. It enables us to combine cultural visibility with commercial impact at a decisive moment in their development," said Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion a natural dynamic already existed between CPHFW and CIFF, the two players operated in parallel but complemented each other. While fashion week focused on runway shows and showcasing designers, CIFF provided the BtoB and commercial dimension, presenting over 1,000 brands twice a year in the pavilions of the Bella Center, on the outskirts of the Danish capital. This alliance marks a desire to pool resources and expertise to consolidate Copenhagen's position as the capital of Nordic fashion."We are proud to formalize this collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week. CIFF is more than just a show, it's an ecosystem where talent can grow, connect, and plan for the long term," said Sofie Dolva, the show's managing director, in a press release. This year's Newtalent program includes Anne Sofie Madsen, Bonnetjes and Berner Kühl, as well as start-ups Kettle Atelier, Stem, and Taus in the One to Watch category. A first glimpse of a generation of designers that this alliance intends to promote far beyond Scandinavia's borders. news_translation_auto Click here to read the original article. Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Copenhagen Fashion Week Just Announced Its Spring 2026 Lineup—Here's What to Look Out For
Not only has Copenhagen Fashion Week always been a champion of vibrant street style, but it has also consistently dedicated its platform to sustainability and independent design. If you haven't tuned in before, you still might be familiar with some of the city's cult-favorites-turned-powerhouses, including Ganni, Rotate, Marimekko, Filippa K, and more. Now from August 4-8, CPHFW will welcome 45 participating designers and brands for the week's annual kick-off to fashion month. 'Despite the headwinds facing our industry, it's both meaningful and encouraging to see growing participation and support—a clear reminder of how vital a platform like this becomes in challenging times,' Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of CPHFW, said in a statement. 'I look forward to seeing the season unfold and to presenting the most relevant voices in the Nordic creative industry to our global community coming together to support, spotlight, and celebrate.' Cecilie Bahnsen will return from the Parisian fashion circuit as the city's inaugural guest designer. As a Copenhagen native who founded the eponymous label in her hometown after graduating from the Royal College of Art in London, the runway will commemorate the beloved designer's 10-year anniversary. Moving forward, the guest slot will serve as a key tool for shining a light on outstanding Nordic independent talent. In addition to the guest slot, the CPHFW 'Newtalent' scheme, which provides monetary support for up to three consecutive runway seasons, will welcome Anne Sofie Madsen alongside returning designers Berner Kühl and Bonnetje. The support for young talent does not stop there. The Zalando Visionary Award is back for its third year, granting €50,000 to a visionary designer that advocates for meaningful and sustainable change within the industry. The past winners include IAMISIGO and Sinéad O'Dwyer, who is known for her size-inclusive runways. CPHFW has also updated the environmental standards each participating brand must follow, and all those on the spring 2026 lineup will be implementing the revised sustainability requirements. Said framework will officially go into effect in 2026. You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
