Copenhagen AW20 fashion week kicked off last week and what a show it was. It was the first major fashion week city to release a strategy for its brands to act more sustainable and to recognise the huge effect fashion has on the planet. 

This is a big movement within the fashion industry and Copenhagen want others to follow suit. It’s a topic everyones talking about but to act on it and make a big statement for change is a major revolution within the ever so famous fashion weeks.

The sustainable strategy from Copenhagen is an ambitious three year plan starting from 2020 to 2023 and is broken down into two parts.

1. 1. To present the fashion event with its new strategy to the world and transition to greater sustainability. This includes initiatives such as no single use plastic at any brands shows or presentations. To rethink waste systems in events production. To achieve zero waste by 2022.

2. 2. The more ambitious part of the strategy is getting all brands to adopt new sustainability policies. By 2023 CFW will ensure all its designers wanting to show or present will obey 17 minimum standards. Including up cycled or recycled textiles in all collections and only using sustainable packaging and having a zero waste policy for set designs.

“We are in the middle of a climate crisis, so we have to act now and act urgently.” Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Baum und Pferdgarten

Baum und Pferdgarten have clear sustainable policies running through their brand. Already 50% of the pieces in its collection are sustainably sourced, with the aim to reach 65% by 2024. 

They want their customers to know where they produce, how they produce and what fabrics they use.

Ganni

Ganni is another leading brand with clear sustainable goals and practises. For their recent AW show they commissioned female creatives to craft up-cycled and reworked pieces for their collection. 70% of their collection will be made from responsible or recycled materials.

They are committed to making more responsible choices every day.

Carcel

Carcel launched their first collection at this years AW20 Copenhagen Fashion week. They opened the fashion event and boldly staged a show without clothes or models. Instead they had key messages across the walls and asked guests to step up on the catwalk to take action and help change the industry together.

One of their many goals for a sustainable future asks for…

'No seasons, no sales and no waste - Lets stop treating clothes as if they have an expiration date.'

If you would like to know more about Copenhagen's sustainablility action plan. Please visit their website below where you can download the full report.

Sustainability Action Plan 2020-2022

Thank you to Vogue, The Impression and Copenhagen Fashion Week for the use of your images.