Copenhagen Fashion Week 2025, held from August 4th to 8th, showcased a significant shift in the fashion industry's approach, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. The event featured a range of initiatives and collaborations that highlighted these values.
One of the standout moments was the collaboration between designer Sinéad O'Dwyer and the non-profit organization Hair & Care. This partnership introduced audio descriptions and tactile fabric swatches, making the runway experience accessible to blind and low-vision attendees. Notably, blind activist Lucy Edwards made history by walking the runway with her guide dog, marking the first time a blind model participated in Copenhagen Fashion Week. This milestone underscores the industry's growing commitment to inclusivity.
In line with its dedication to sustainability, Copenhagen Fashion Week implemented stringent requirements for participating brands. These included the use of certified, preferred, or deadstock materials in at least 60% of collections, as well as the adoption of circular design principles. Brands like OpéraSPORT and Sól Hansdóttir exemplified these standards by presenting collections made from recycled and deadstock materials, respectively.
The event also highlighted the importance of size inclusivity. A panel discussion, in collaboration with Vogue Business, delved into the findings of the Size Inclusivity Report, emphasizing the need for structural and creative shifts to make size inclusivity a standard practice in the industry.
Overall, Copenhagen Fashion Week 2025 set a precedent for future fashion events by integrating inclusivity and sustainability into its core, reflecting a broader movement towards a more conscious and connected approach to fashion.