If avowed efforts toward sustainability are one thing that separates Copenhagen Fashion Week from its counterparts in New York, London, Milan and Paris, another is its youthful spirit. Because the so-called fifth fashion week is less institutionalized than others, it generally draws a younger and more diverse group of people who enthusiastically telegraph their idealism, excitement and cultural identity through clothes. On the streets, this often means that instead of one trend emerging as a headliner — whether it’s zebra stripes, polka dots or floral prints — everything can.
The runways at the latest Copenhagen Fashion Week were similarly dynamic. Cecilie Bahnsen’s show featured models parading outside in white dresses of various shapes and sizes as smoke bombs burned ominously in the distance. Marimekko’s collection of striped and patterned attire was also presented outdoors, on a paved runway peppered with small skate ramps, and styled with Adidas Tokyo sneakers. And Sunflower, a men’s wear brand in Copenhagen, revved up its show by having models share the runway with a souped-up sports car, which made the affair feel more like a drag race.
Compared with the tent-pole fashion weeks, Copenhagen’s seems to be able to do a lot with a lot less. But it does not feel like a lot less, which is kind of the trick to nailing sustainability.
Simbarashe Cha is a Times photographer and visual columnist documenting style and fashion around the world.
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