Copenhagen Fashion Week Marks 20 Years with a Forward-Looking AW26 Showcase

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) is set to embark on a significant milestone, celebrating its 20th anniversary year with the Autumn/Winter 2026 (AW26) edition. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from January 27 to 29, promising a curated showcase of both established and emerging talent from the Nordic region and beyond.

The AW26 lineup will feature a diverse selection of brands, including the notable return of Paolina Russo, the recipient of the 2024 Zalando Visionary Award, and Nazzal Studio, winner of the 2024 FTA Franca Sozzani Debut Talent award. This season also marks an exciting debut for Danish menswear label O. Files, adding a fresh perspective to the schedule. Attendees can expect an engaging mix of runway shows and presentations throughout the three-day event.

Further bolstering its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the CPHFW NewTalent programme will welcome Stem to its roster for AW26, joining returning designers Bonnetje and Anne Sofie Madsen. Additionally, Studio Constance, Sson, and Taus have been recognized with the coveted "One To Watch" acknowledgment, providing them a platform to introduce their upcoming collections through various engaging formats.

In a notable new initiative, Copenhagen Fashion Week has introduced the "Homecoming" slot, designed to honor Nordic brands that are returning to the CPHFW schedule after gaining international experience by showcasing abroad for several seasons. For January 2026, Norwegian fashion house Holzweiler has been named the inaugural recipient, marking a significant moment for the brand and the new program.

Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, emphasized the broader vision behind the 20th-anniversary celebrations. She stated, "Celebrating 20 years is not only about looking back at how far we've come, but about reflecting on the role Copenhagen Fashion Week can continue to play in shaping the future of fashion.” Thorsmark acknowledged the industry's recent challenges, highlighting the resilience and continued global evolution of the Nordic fashion scene, expressing pride in CPHFW's role in charting this journey.

Adding to the excitement, Copenhagen Fashion Week and Zalando have unveiled the finalists for the prestigious 2026 Zalando Visionary Award. The shortlisted brands are Institution from Georgia, Kyle Ho from the UK, and Milk of Lime, a collaborative brand from Belgium and Germany. These finalists were selected based on their forward-thinking approaches to social impact, innovation, and distinctive design.

The highly anticipated winner of the Zalando Visionary Award will be announced on January 28 during Fashion Week. The event will include a curated showcase of the finalists' work and a dynamic panel talk moderated by Giuliano Calza, founder and creative director of GCDS. The winning brand will then have the esteemed opportunity to present its Spring/Summer 2027 collection on the runway during the August 2026 edition of Copenhagen Fashion Week.