Fashion

Copenhagen Fashion Week: What People Wear In One Of The Happiest Places On Earth

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By Simbrarashe Cha
New York Times
Dr Martens combat boots finish off two multi-layer ensembles. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times

Photographer Simbarashe Cha captures cheery ensembles from the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark, as one of the world’s most relaxed fashion weeks spills into cycleways and cobblestoned streets.

Not every fashion week can be characterised as friendly, approachable and relaxed. But those are three ways to describe Copenhagen Fashion Week, a

Even though Copenhagen Fashion Week has continued to grow since it began almost 20 years ago, it doesn’t draw the same crowds that gather for shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris. This isn’t a bad thing: as other fashion weeks have become over-the-top spectacles where as much attention is paid to who’s sitting in the front row as to what’s on the runway, Copenhagen Fashion Week has managed to avoid some of the egos and excess that can come with its more established counterparts. (Helping to reduce the excess are sustainability requirements that organisers of the shows in Copenhagen require participating brands to meet.)

Last week, at the latest instalment of Copenhagen Fashion Week, the event’s inviting nature was reflected in the crowds and on the runways, both of which were full of people of all sizes and backgrounds. The clothes were similarly diverse.

Brands with notable collections included Remain, which experimented with mesh fabrics and sleek silhouettes, and Henrik Vibskov, which embraced frenetic patterns in vivid prints. On the streets, outfits in white and neutral shades – the types associated with the Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic (and summer) – contrasted with ensembles incorporating vibrant colours. There were also lots of loose layers and many clothes with flowing proportions, which looked even better on people who were pedalling around the bicycle-friendly city.

Layered tank tops worn over a tie-neck shirt. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Layered tank tops worn over a tie-neck shirt. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A bright outfit with the retro glamour of a Silm Aarons photograph. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A bright outfit with the retro glamour of a Silm Aarons photograph. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
An attendee dons a wide-brim hat. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
An attendee dons a wide-brim hat. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
An out-of-this-world ensemble and a hand-held electronic fan. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
An out-of-this-world ensemble and a hand-held electronic fan. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A simple white dress is styled with a floral cardigan. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A simple white dress is styled with a floral cardigan. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times

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A jersey is styled with tinted sunglasses and a small shoulder bag. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A jersey is styled with tinted sunglasses and a small shoulder bag. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Models present looks at the Rolf Ekroth fashion show in Copenhagen. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Models present looks at the Rolf Ekroth fashion show in Copenhagen. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A headpiece that evokes those worn by Cleopatra. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A headpiece that evokes those worn by Cleopatra. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Attendees wear similar outfits to fashion week. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Attendees wear similar outfits to fashion week. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Black bow earrings echo smaller white bows dotting this dress. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Black bow earrings echo smaller white bows dotting this dress. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Street style: A lacy shirt is styled with relaxed-fitting pants. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Street style: A lacy shirt is styled with relaxed-fitting pants. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Attendees showcase unique accessories, like a purse resembling a belt and transparent sunglasses. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
Attendees showcase unique accessories, like a purse resembling a belt and transparent sunglasses. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A cargo bicycle is used as transportation for some attendees during fashion week. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times
A cargo bicycle is used as transportation for some attendees during fashion week. Photo / Simbarashe for The New York Times

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Written and photographed by: Simbarashe Cha

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©2024 THE NEW YORK TIMES

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