The Top 7 Sustainable Designers at Copenhagen Fashion Week

Parisian style used to be the envy of every British woman’s wardrobe. Simple and tailored, it had that je ne sais quoi which we all tried to emulate. In recent years, however, Scandinavian fashion houses have quietly become the toast of Europe in part thanks to the meteoric rise of Danish brands like Ganni and Baum und Pferdgarten.

This week, the fashion set has flocked to Copenhagen to view the Spring/ Summer 2026 collections. But for designers to even show at CPFW, they must meet minimum standards for sustainability and social practices. These include having a formally approved sustainability strategy in place and ensuring that at least 60% of their collections are certified, made of preferred materials or deadstock fabric. These are the seven sustainable designers making waves in Scandi fashion.

OpéraSPORT

OpéraSPORT made a splash this CPFW – literally, by having the front row on the edge of the Frederiksberg Badene indoor pool. Inspired by Founders Stephanie Gundelach and Awa Malina Stelter’s trip to Seoul last year, the collection is reflective of the South Korean capital’s cityscapes. Think tones of sage, butter yellow, soft pink and crisp white. Hero pieces include a statement trench coat adorned with 3D hibiscus flowers – the Korean national flower –  a sheer peplum top with embroidered floral appliques, and the first-ever 3D printed flip-flops made in collaboration with Havaiiana. 

Since its first collection, OpéraSPORT has used materials made from industrial waste, as well as excess fabric from weaving, factory cutting rooms, and unsold items. Pieces are designed with durability in mind, and production runs are limited to mitigate waste.

operasport.net

IAMSIGO

This year’s hotly tipped debut and recipient of the Zalando Visionary Award comes from Bubu Ogisi’s IAMSIGO. The slow design house is dedicated to preserving Africa’s cultural heritage through making wearable art. Craftsmanship was at the heart of the entirely artisanal collection, which was made using hand-weaving, glass blowing, fibre knotting and other traditional techniques. Critics have described the collection as a mix between “the Wizard of Oz and Jaquemus” thanks to the oversized wide-brim hats concealing models’ faces, and the use of colourful fringing and chainmail. Ogusi has embraced locally sourced natural fibres and discarded textiles to reduce the environmental impact of all her designs.

iamisigo.com

Cecile Bahnsen

Marking the brand’s tenth anniversary, Cecile Bahnsen drew influence from Japan in its “HANA-BI” show. Almost entirely white with plenty of floral pieces, Bahnsen details that it “feels like a canvas”. Each model also sported a pair of silver dad trainers as they walked across the industrial Refshaleøen peninsula.

Be it broderie anglaise dresses or sheer skirts over sequined bloomers, most looks are one of a kind and shaped by hand, designed to bring couture into the everyday. Efforts like these are what led to Cecile Bahnsen being awarded the Butterfly Mark – a well-respected certificate for meeting the highest sustainability standards in luxury.

ceciliebahnsen.com

Rotate

For SS26, Rotate’s muse was the ‘70s cool girl, making the new collection very wearable. Jeanette Madsen, one half of the Danish influencer duo behind the brand, says they “really just want to tap into what every woman wants to wear”. Romantic bell sleeves, silk shirts, and chain belts were the focal point of the collection, with fabrics chosen to evoke the freshness of summer.  

Part of the Birger Christensen Collective, which has been B Corp certified since 2021, sustainability is woven into the fabric of Rotate. Everything is made to be durable, recycled, and specific emphasis is placed on ensuring materials are non-harmful across their lifecycle.   

rotatebirgerchristensen.com

Deadwood

Leather-clad and climate-conscious, Deadwood began as a vintage store before evolving into a full-fledged label in Stockholm in 2012, helmed by Carl Ollson and Felix von Bahder. Exceeding Copenhagen Fashion Week’s 60% upcycling requirement by an extra 20%, the brand continues to reshape the narrative around leather. Its silhouettes are stitched from salvaged offcuts, deadstock and innovations like cactus leather, all without losing its punk edge.

For SS26, models stomped the runway in a spectacle best described as aliens abducting Lara Croft’s wardrobe. Amid the signature leathers and eyelets, the collection drifted into ethereal and androgynous territory—transcending clothing to become something closer to mythic art.

deadwoodstudios.com

Kettel Atelier

Labelled as “One to Watch” under the CPHFW NEWTALENT initiative, Kettel Atelier specialises in crafting delicate, one-of-a-kind garments that lovingly embrace the imperfections of discarded textiles. Founded by Danish designer Laura Tønder, the brand’s SS26 showcase, titled “Unravel”, revealed soft, angelic, crochet-like pieces handcrafted from lace and sheer vintage fabrics.

Several looks channelled the boho festival aesthetic of recent years, with circular woven patterns reminiscent of dreamcatchers, flowy trousers and low-waisted maxi skirts. Tastefully transparent and unapologetically boho, the collection brought new life to old fabric with an effortlessly romantic touch.

kettelatelier.com

TG Botanical

Rooted in nature and traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship, TG Botanical—founded by designer Tatyana Chumak—branches into sustainability through its use of eco-friendly materials like hemp, nettle and ramie. The brand is particularly innovative in its approach to non-toxic, plant-based dyes, cooking up pigments from natural sources such as acorns, coffee beans and onion husks, resulting in garments quite literally crafted from the earth.

For SS26, titled “The Garden of Awakening,” the focus shifted to figure-hugging, textural neutrals, butter yellows and vibrant greens. Techniques like smocking and elastic ruching sculpted three-dimensional ruffles along the edges of garments, blooming like flora with a kind of architectural resilience.

tgbotanical.com