Copenhagen is Setting the Gold Standard for Global Fashion Weeks
Copenhagen shines as the role-model of sustainability, demonstrating that eco-conscious practices can seamlessly integrate into mainstream fashion without sacrificing creativity or craftsmanship. As the fashion industry grapples with the urgent need for environmental and social reform, many global fashion capitals like New York, London, Paris, and Milan lag behind in adapting to these demands. Meanwhile, Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) continues to be a leader, offering a comprehensive blueprint for how fashion weeks can evolve to champion sustainability and innovation.
The Uniqueness of Copenhagen’s Approach
Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainability is rooted in a holistic approach that considers the well-being of both people and the planet. CPHFW has established rigorous sustainability requirements that all participating brands must meet. These standards are actionable guidelines designed to reduce climate impact, conserve resources, and ensure the well-being of everyone involved, from attendees to models and behind-the-scenes workers.
In March 2024, CPHFW revised its Sustainability Requirements to align with recent industry developments and the impending EU policy landscape. This proactive stance underscores Copenhagen's dedication to remaining at the forefront of sustainable practices, continuously refining its approach based on learnings and observations.
The Power of a Platform
Copenhagen Fashion Week proves that sustainability holds a vital place in mainstream fashion. By centering sustainability, CPHFW not only showcases innovative and eco-friendly designs but also serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging other fashion weeks to prioritize sustainability and consider their environmental and social impacts.
The global fashion industry is aware of the policies and initiatives set to be implemented by 2030, yet many fashion capitals remain slow to adapt. It is crucial for fashion weeks to become platforms that prioritize sustainability for the industry’s future and for their audiences. By doing so, they can drive meaningful change at every level—from design to consumption.
Reforming Fashion Weeks
Fashion weeks face criticism for being unsustainable due to travel, waste, and the demanding nature of the events. However, these events do not need to be eradicated; instead, they require thoughtful reform. Fashion weeks should continue to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship but must also evolve to celebrate sustainable and innovative practices.
By adopting Copenhagen’s model, other fashion capitals can take significant steps to drive key decision makers within brands toward reform. This includes investing in material innovation, integrating sustainable practices into supply chains, and collaborating with responsible designers. These changes require investment and, most importantly, visible results that inspire further action.
Education, Representation, and Reform
To enact industry-wide change on environmental, social, and cultural levels, all stakeholders must be involved and aligned—from designers to manufacturers to consumers. This involves focusing on education, representation, and reform. By raising awareness and providing education on sustainable practices, the fashion industry can shift mindsets and behaviors toward a more sustainable future.
Copenhagen’s leadership in platforming sustainability at fashion week serves as a reminder of what is possible when innovation and care for the planet are prioritized. It calls for other fashion capitals to take notes and make the necessary changes to ensure a more sustainable future for the industry.
The future of fashion depends on our ability to embrace change and prioritize sustainability. As Copenhagen has shown, this change is possible and can be achieved without compromising the creativity and craftsmanship that make fashion so captivating. By following its example, fashion weeks worldwide can become platforms that drive positive change and inspire a new era of fashion that values people and the planet equally.
