Democracy at work: where the public gets what the public wants

Functionality the key at the autumn-winter edition of Copenhagen Fashion Week

It’s hard to imagine a photo of an ultra-thin model provoking outrage among readers in the likes of Paris, Milan and New York, but Copenhagen isn’t your traditional fashion powerhouse.

The reaction of the thousands who took to social media to condemn fashion magazine Cover early last year typified the country’s wholesome, collective approach to fashion. The people spoke, the fashionistas listened, and the matter was resolved!

Festival for the people
High couture and luxury goods rarely get a look-in, but that doesn’t mean the Danish capital isn’t trendy. Far from it!

Instead designers embrace functionality, practicality and providing good value for money. And they are well served by the intimate nature of the biannual Copenhagen Fashion Week, which from Wednesday to Saturday this week is taking the capital by storm.

“Copenhagen Fashion Week is more intimate than other fashion weeks around the world. It really speaks to the people,” enthused Anne Christine Persson from the Danish Fashion Institute (DFI) last year to the Copenhagen Post Weekly.
“Everyone gets much more involved: you can see fashion week on the streets. The city is dressed in fashion and it becomes more alive during Fashion Week.”

Democracy at work
Whereas previous years have seen a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable products, this year’s buzz word is functionality. This week’s new lines will no doubt be fashionable, but they will also be mostly useable, available, sympathetic, efficient and functional.

According to Eva Kruse, the managing director of the DFI and the Copenhagen Fashion Week, this is evidence of a kind of democracy at work.

“It is democratic because it fits everyone and is accessible for everyone,” she told the Copenhagen Post Weekly.

“It is sufficiently simple and aimed at the middle and upper segments in society. Compared to many other fashion houses, it is neither high couture nor luxury fashion we are creating.”

Adapted to the conditions
After all, high couture does tend to clash with cycling, and Copenhagen is the number one city in the world for the two-wheeled form of transport. It also has to deal with adverse weather conditions, and don’t forget those pesky cobblestones!

“Danish people live their lives as normally as possible, no matter what the weather dictates,” asserted Kruse.

“We jump on our bikes to go to work no matter if it is raining or snowing, and therefore the clothes we wear need to be practical.”

Power to the people
While Danish designers are inspired by current fashion trends, they take care to consider modern Danes’ needs and daily routines. According to Kruse, the people wouldn’t stand for anything else.

“It isn’t the designers who dictate fashion for the Danes, but more likely, the other way round,” she said.

“When the designers unfold their ideas for new collections, I don’t think they have it in mind that the clothes have to fit into certain categories. Of course it is inspired by the surrounding culture, but I think it’s the Danes who are using the fashion in a more practical way to make it fit into their lifestyle – not the designers who design practical clothes.”

Kruse cites the growing popularity of the sneaker style, a footwear frowned upon in the fashion capitals of the world.

“Lately it has become really popular: practical sneakers combined with pretty dresses, skinny jeans or even a suit,” she said.

And good value too
price continues to be king. As London-based Danish designer Peter Jensen told the Copenhagen Post Weekly in 2012, Danish fashion companies tend to stand out for having a very strong approach to being commercial.

“They’re very price-orientated, and I think they know how to build a company. Basically, I think that is a strength,” he said.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.