Inside the Runway Moments Everyone’s Talking About at Copenhagen Fashion Week

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Is it just me, or does everyone get a glimmer of excitement (hope?) for the future of fashion when they see the runways of Copenhagen Fashion Week? For all the commentary that may stem from other cities, it seems as though CPHFW—with its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, in addition to its remarkable talent—has become a favorite among fashion editors and industry insiders (no doubt in part due to its CEO, Cecilie Thorsmark). According to Chloe King, director of fashion and lifestyle at Saks Fifth Avenue, two overarching aesthetic themes stood out this season: the classic tropes of “Danish summer” (easy poplin, lace and crochet, florals, and layered knits) and a Danish twist on the 1980s—think strong shoulders, polka dots and graphic prints, moto details, balloon pants, and micro minis.

And, of course, there’s also the street style, where showgoers lean into the effortlessly cool (with a hint of kitsch) Scandi girl aesthetic. “On the street, the flip-flop was clearly the shoe of the week—classic and effortless in both a leather kitten-heel version and a sporty rubber take,” King says. The pastel palette we saw on February runways came alive on the Danish fashion set in soft blues, butter yellows, and hazy grays. “Polka dots were the standout print, and crochet hats or handkerchiefs emerged as the must-have hair accessories,” she adds. While no major fashion houses call the Danish capital home, there are, without a doubt, designers who have made a name for themselves—and for the city they reside in—generating buzz for what’s to come. Established players, like Cecilie Bahnsen—who has shown in Paris for the last five years—made a triumphant return home to present a collection in honor of her 10th anniversary, showing iterations of her signature pieces, including ethereal dresses made of fabrics that float with each step.

Newer names, like Stem—a zero-waste fashion brand—hosted a makers’ workshop, where attendees participated in basket-weaving techniques as part of the show. King also pointed to the debut of Nigerian newcomer Iamisigo, praising the “fantastic cutting, emotionally rich silhouettes, and the way African craft complexity was brought into a contemporary context.” With such innovative minds behind these labels, it’s easy to see why the trends that emerge from CPHFW continue to lead the charge.

If you’re one to stay on top of the latest trends, study up on these—they’re sure to make a lasting impact on the seasons ahead.

Light as Air

Cecilie Bahnsen Spring/Summer 2026

Freya Dalsjø Spring/Summer 2026

Forza Collective Spring/Summer 2026

Munthe Spring/Summer 2026

Niklas Skovgaard Spring/Summer 2026

The Garment Spring/Summer 2026

I’m beginning to think of transparent materials as the new neutral—and if you ask me why, it’s because I see it every season. King noted a clear styling shift this week toward layering. “There was experimentation with transparent layering—embellished skirts over trousers and slips over knits—that added a femininity and ethereal quality to otherwise classic wardrobe pieces.” transparent materials also dominated, from beautifully draped dresses and trousers as seen in Freya Dalsjø and The Garment to more unexpected takes (like a floral appliquéd dress at Cecilie Bahnsen or the transparent popover as a styling piece for Munthe). It’s official: transparent is a mainstay.

Peri transparent Silk-Blend Midi Skirt

$180.00 at Mytheresa

The Organza Shirt

$318.00 at Donni

Silk-Blend Organza Wide-Leg Pants

$350.00 at Moda Operandi

Open-Back transparent Lace Maxi Dress

$445.00 at Mytheresa

Alfie Floral Embroidered Top

$930.00 at nordstrom.com

Spotlights on Stripes

Alis Spring/Summer 2026

Baum und Pferdgarten Spring/Summer 2026

Marimekko Spring/Summer 2026

Munthe Spring/Summer 2026

Henrik Vibskov Spring/Summer 2026

Polka dots may have been the print of the street style set, but the spring/summer 2026 season is all about its cousin, the stripe. Big, bold stripes made their way down the runways at Marimekko, Baum und Pferdgarden, and Munthe, but if you prefer them in their narrower form, they also made an appearance at Alis and Henrik Vibskov (for both the minimalists and maximalists alike).

Ruoste Puhveli Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt

$315.00 at nordstrom.com

Bao Colorblock Stripe Easy Cotton Crewneck Sweater

$510.00 at nordstrom.com

High Rise Column Leg Jeans

$179.00 at boden.com

The Favorite Pinstripe Vest

$141.00 at saksfifthavenue.com

The Effortless Pant™ – Twill

$148.00 at aritzia.com

A Touch of Lace

Rotate Spring/Summer 2026

OpéraSPORT Spring/Summer 2026

Bonnetje Spring/Summer 2026

Baum und Pferdgarten Spring/Summer 2026

Rave Review Spring/Summer 2026

Head-turning textures are nothing new for Copenhagen Fashion Week, but something I found particularly intriguing this season was the use of lace. More often than not, designers featured the fabric as a trim for an added hint of romance, whether it was on the edge of a pair of track shorts (like the pair that walked down the runway of The Garment), the hemline or seams of a dress (at Bonnetje and OpéraSPORT), or as unique detail for a top (at Rave Review). “Crochet and lace brought an artisinal touch, even to the most minimal collections,” King says. “I loved the oversized, relaxed trouser shape—not too exaggerated, but with a perfect low rise and just the right amount of pooling at the ankle to evoke a sense of ease.”

ZW Collection Lace Halter Top

$79.90 at Zara

Deep Lace Trim Slipdress

$700.00 at Nordstrom

Lace Trim Silk Shorts

$59.00 at intimissimi.com

Priya Silk & Lace Tank

$250.00 at saksfifthavenue.com

Gwyneth Lace-Trim Slip Skirt

$60.99 at jcrew.com

The Power of the Scarf

Baum und Pferdgrten Spring/Summer 2026

Herskind Spring/Summer 2026

MKDT Studio Spring/Summer 2026

Rave Review Spring/Summer 2026

Skall Studio Spring/Summer 2026

The Garment Spring/Summer 2026

Small but mighty, the scarf is having a major moment as a styling piece. We’ve been seeing this as a viral trend among It girls already, but Copenhagen Fashion Week has just solidified it as a bona fide trend—particularly in the form of a silk option tied around the waist, as seen on a model at Baum und Pferdgarten. The scarf has literally become your accessory’s favorite accessory. “Beyond the flip-flops and crochet hats, the east-west shoulder bag—already popular in other fashion capitals—was the key silhouette in Copenhagen, and accessories like scarves added even more personality to looks,” King says.

Checkerboard Silk Bandana Scarf

$85.00 at lostpattern.com

Monogram Silk Scarf

$260.00 at nordstrom.com

Oversized Silk Bandana

$68.00 at madewell.com

Floral Satin Scarf

$22.99 at Mango

Horse & Carriage Print Silk Square Scarf

$95.00 at Nordstrom

Buttercream Delight

Aiayu Spring/Summer 2026