Peel back the layers of any fashion capital, and you’ll uncover something undeniably distinct. For some cities, it’s the weight of history, the vibrancy of their culture, or the allure of their culinary delights. But for others, it’s the creative energy that defines them—where the fashion scene is more than just a set of trends; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that mirrors the spirit of its people. Enter Copenhagen and, of course, Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Over the last few years, the small but mighty Danish capital has stolen the spotlight from Paris and Milan with a new wave of homegrown designers and a fresh Scandinavian aesthetic that has sparked global fascination. Copenhagen isn’t just a city—it’s a force redefining luxury and what it means to be a key power player in the industry. Ask any fashion editor, and they’ll tell you that CFW is the event they’re most excited to see unfold.
Copenhagen’s fashion scene feels like an antidote to the hypercompetitive, high-stakes atmosphere of other fashion capitals. While places like Paris and New York are known for their fierce rivalry and sharp elbows, Copenhagen thrives on a spirit of cooperation and creative exploration. The governing Copenhagen Fashion Week council requires participating brands to meet stringent eco-conscious and diversity standards. Unlike the cutthroat atmosphere of Paris or New York—where the competition can feel like an Olympic sport—Copenhagen exudes a welcoming, collaborative spirit. It’s less about elbowing your way to the top and more about lifting each other up.
Of course, there are challenges. Budgets are tight, resources are limited, and international press coverage can’t always compete with the media frenzy in Milan or London. But here’s the thing: In Copenhagen, it’s not about competing with the big players—it’s about collaboration, innovation, and, above all, community. Designers here are invested in each other’s success, which perhaps is why it feels so refreshingly authentic. Copenhagen and its crew of cool Scandi and Nordic brands are shaping the future of fashion on their own terms.
Danish designer Stine Goya, who launched her eponymous label in 2006, has been at the forefront of the scene in Copenhagen. The brand returned once again to the calendar this season, presenting a colorful, intimate look at its fall/winter 2025 collection, filled with hand-painted floral patterns and childlike wonder in an homage to the seasons and Goya’s takeover of the museum where the brand hosted its show.
For those unfamiliar with the brand and your work, how long have you been working in the industry?
I founded my brand back in 2006 and launched A/W 2007 as my first collection at CPHFW. In 2017, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary almost at the same time as we had our international breakthrough with our significant use of colors, our own studio-made artistic prints, and bold, sculptural, and feminine styles and dresses. Since then, we have been growing the company and are stocked in more than 200 doors all over the world, with our home markets—the UK and the U.S.—as focus markets for both wholesale and own e-commerce.
What is one thing you wish people knew about what goes on behind the scenes during fashion week?
Everybody on the team is working super hard to make sure it all comes together and to create a special and coherent experience presenting the new collection and the narrative behind it for the audience, buyers, and press. We always strive to link all elements—the new collection, our showroom, the fashion show, the venue, the music, the models, hair, makeup, etc.,—together to amplify the storytelling and content creation from the presentations.
Be honest—have you slept?
Let’s just say sleep is a luxury during fashion week. It’s a delicate balance between adrenaline, excitement, and the last-minute perfectionism that keeps us up. But once the show starts, the exhaustion disappears—at least until the dinner.
