The city’s top designers are hemming their skirts, pressing their shirts and finalising their collections for Copenhagen Fashion Week. The event struts into town twice a year in August and February, giving Denmark a chance to show off its clean, modern style to the rest of the world.
But members of the public needn’t miss out on the glamour. The specially designed Copenhagen Fashion Festival, from August 8-12, has run alongside the industry event since 2008, giving every clothes-lover, shoe-fetishist and shopaholic the opportunity to get their fashion fix.
More than 200 events, including fashion exhibitions, street parties, concerts, competitions, trend shows and shopping-centric activities with killer discounts, will take over Copenhagen. And the best part – everyone is invited. Below is a taster of some of the chic activities happening around Copenhagen next week.
New Nordic Fashion
Looks from the NICE Design Challenge and the works of Danish designer David Andersen’s Zero Waste project are on show. Designmuseum Danmark and the Danish Fashion Institute collaborate on an exhibition that shows how Nordic designers can create wonderful and stylish fashion in a sustainable way.
Designmuseum Danmark; Bredgade 68; Cph K; Wed-Sun Aug 12 11:00-17:00
H&M – Donations Re-Designed
Five students from Kolding School of Design have each transformed second-hand H&M clothes into three new looks for a competition judged by Eurowoman. The looks will be on display at H&M’s Amagertorv store, and each will be sold, with proceeds going to the Danish Red Cross.
H&M; Amagertorv 23; Cph K; Wed-Fri Aug 10, 10:00-18:00; Sat Aug 11, 10:00-16:00
Stylish Show for the Ladies and Gents
You are invited to a red carpet event on the streets of central Copenhagen. Models will wear clothes from several fashion stores, strutting their stuff where Ny Østergade meets Grønnegade.
Grønnegade Neighbourhood, Grønnegade, Cph K; Sat Aug 11, from 13:00
Feed Your Shoe Cravings
If shoes are your thing, Apair is staging a footwear show at the front of their store, while DJ Flip spins some cool tracks.
Apair; Ny Østergade 3, Cph K; Sat Aug 11, 14:00 & 15:00
A Fair Trade
SwapAmok is holding a fashion show that reveals how fashionistas can look good while being eco-friendly. SwapAmok.dk is a website where you can trade your clothes with other fashion-lovers. Swap some garments for something one of the models is wearing during the show.
Kongens Nytorv (next to metro station); Sat Aug 11, 16:30
Stiletto Run
Veet is holding its famed stiletto run once again. Register to join this 100m sprint event if you think you have got what it takes.
Amagertorv; Cph K; Fri Aug 10, 17:30-19:30; register at www.veet.dk
Dark and Secret Universe
Fashion photographer Karina Jønson and designer Barbara Í Gongini join forces in a photo exhibition immortalising androgynous creatures and unresolved tensions.
Art Gallery; Ny Adelgade 7; Cph K; Wed-Fri Aug 10, 10:00-19:00, Sat Aug 11-Sun Aug 12, 11:00-18:00
Yourlook – Upcoming Designers of Denmark
This fashion show features the works of a handpicked selection of upcoming Danish designers. An after party will follow the show.
Fabrikken; Drechselsgade 10, Islands Brygge, Cph S; Thu 18:00; tickets: 100kr at billeto.dk/fashionweek
Huge Friday Evening Fashion Explosion
A garden party and street party all rolled into one. Grass will be rolled into Kronprinsensgade for a party that combines fashion, drinks, music and chocolate. There will be some free goodies on offer too.
Kronprinsensgade, Cph K; Fri Aug 10, 18:00-22:00
Blow Your Mind Party
Diesel celebrates its new 55DSL brand in collaboration with Cover magazine. Live music and DJs will supply tunes, with free Heinekens and hot dogs until 22:00 (for over 18s).
Kayak Republic; Børskaj 12 (Below Knippelsbro), Cph K; Fri Aug 10, 20:00-02:00
Sound Venue & Up! Party
With live performances from Purity Ring and Mø and a list of hot DJs, this event will be one rollicking party. The night will be held in collaboration with Bloggers Delight.
Skindergade 45, Cph K; Fri Aug 10, 22:00-05:00
The Closing Party
Scoop Models, Armani Collezioni and CPH Finest, and Gallery Fashion Fair come together to throw the final official party at Toldboden. Mingle with the crème de la crème of Copenhagen’s fashion scene.
Toldboden; Nordre Toldbod 24, Cph K; Sat Aug 10, 22:00-04:00; guestlist only – sign up at MN@CphFinest.com or phone 2851 4864
Copenhagen Fashion Festival
Various locations in the city; Starts Wed, Ends Aug 12; www.copenhagenfashionfestival.com
