The Best of Copenhagen Fashion Week SS21

Nordic brands and how they’re raising the bar. 

( From left to right: Stine Goya, Remain and Rabens Saloner / Instagram )

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Can we take a minute to appreciate the fact that Scandinavian style is finally getting the recognition it deserves? They’ve been setting the trends for years now, practically reinventing our perception of comfort and color. As these looks consistently prove to gradually weave their way into American fashion, all eyes were on Copenhagen Fashion Week this August. 

CFW has built its reputation on consistent influencer presence, a lens of sustainability and brands that aren’t afraid to be bold. This season was no different. Here in America, in-person shows are an eerie, distant memory. On the other side of the world, however, life is returning back to a state of regularity. Since the introduction of the pandemic, Copenhagen is the first country to attempt an in-person fashion week.  

In the spirit of wishing I was a Nordic country girl (both for the fashion and free healthcare), I’m here to break down the highlights from this year’s collections in the globe’s rising fashion capital. 

Ganni 

Would it really even be CFW if there weren’t some ensembles featuring dad sneakers paired with flowy dresses? The master of combining functional and feminine, Ganni 2020 focused on maintaining its trademark of loose frames and punchy pastels, while also branching out into a focus on eco-friendly materials. In a collaboration with Levi’s, denim pieces from the collection are completely upcycled. You can bring this into your wardrobe with puff sleeves, platform sneakers and patchwork denim.

(@ganni / Instagram)

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Rabens Saloner 

We love a successful newcomer! Rabens Saloner made a lasting impression with this debut runway show. Sexy silhouettes and vibrant jewel tones ruled this collection, with an emphasis on tie-dye. All the models sported punk inspired hairstyles, with front pieces died intense greens and blues. On paper, these pairings sound chaotic, but something about this fresh brand just…works. Don’t be afraid to bring edgy elements into your soft tie-dye pieces this season. 

(@rabens_saloner / Instagram)

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Remain Birger Christensen

Leather, leather, leather. Yes, for every season, according to Remain. This collection is an architectural dream. From button-down camp shirts to seemingly simple shift dresses, this season was all about structure. Not to mention the duo chromatic dream, where the designer pairs timeless, minimal colors like cream and tan, or more vibrant twosomes like coral and stark white. Unlike previous Nordic formulas, this brand strayed from loose summer dresses and offers something completely different. Try color blocking some of your outfits or finding a leather piece that works year-round. 

( @remainbirgerchristensen / Instagram )

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Stine Goya 

The Paloma Wool vibes are strong. This collection is all about patterns. Checkered suits, animal print pants and abstract line designs all had their moment to shine in this season’s Stine Goya. Although it’s so difficult to pick a CFW favorite, this one takes the cake for me. It’s just so fearless and fun, and I hope this mentality will be adopted by mainstream American fashion soon. Although these pieces are difficult to replicate, I’ll personally by browsing Lisa Says Gah! for a similar vibe. And trade your cheetah print for some zebra. 

(@stinegoyastudio / Instagram)

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RAINS 

This collection was all about embracing the elements. The pandemic induced digital evolution has not been lost on RAINS, as they chose to construct their show in a digital space, filming in an industrial location that was overrun by the natural world. The collection focused on organic functionality, in true Nordic fashion. An entirely sustainable line, this brand has its eyes on a technology-heavy future that can still respect the earth. The best way to incorporate these trends into your life is to care about your planet and shop sustainably when you can. 

( @rains / Instagram)

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Copenhagen Fashion Week popped off and I can’t wait to see how we all take cues from these Scandinavian icons. 

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Madeline Murphy is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. She’s currently studying Journalism with a minor in Women’s Studies. Madeline can be found making Apple Music playlists, trying Nigella Lawson recipes and binging SATC. She’s fiercely passionate about social justice and the power of words.