What Does It Take to Be Shown at CPHFW?

In an era where the clarion call for sustainability echoes through every industry, Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has positioned itself as a beacon of change within the fashion world. With the unveiling of their ambitious 2020-2022 Sustainability Action Plan, CPHFW has not only set a new benchmark for fashion weeks globally but has also outlined a clear and actionable path for brands who showcase as part of their schedule calendar,  to align with their vision. As Spring/Summer 2024 shows come to a close, we can look to the sustainability requirements set by CPHFW as a manifesto for change, embodying the essence of innovation, responsibility, and inclusivity.

The Foundation of Change: Minimum Standards

The core of CPHFW’s sustainability drive is encapsulated in its Minimum Standards, a comprehensive set of 19 action points spanning six focus areas across the entire value chain. These standards are not mere suggestions but prerequisites for any brand aspiring to grace the CPHFW show schedule. They cover a wide array of practices, from strategic directions focusing on human rights and diversity to design principles that emphasise the longevity and second life of fashion items.

“As an industry platform and event bringing key stakeholders of the fashion system together, CPHFW believes that fashion weeks and councils have to play a role in the sustainability conversations and actions of the industry. Not only is CPHFW in contact with brands, international buyers, and press, but CPHFW also has a high reach through our online platforms towards the public and citizens which comes with great responsibility. CPHFW believes the highest impact that can be made is by working closely with the show brands and to not only encourage them to work more responsibly but to push the industry’s sustainability agenda.”

— Sourced from communications at Copenhagen Fashion Week

 

Strategic Directions for a Better Tomorrow

At the heart of CPHFW’s sustainability requirements is the commitment to strategic sustainability and respect for human rights, ensuring that diversity and equality are not just buzzwords but principles embedded in the fabric of a brand’s ethos. A noteworthy mandate is the prohibition of destroying unsold clothes, a practice that has long been a point of contention in the fashion industry and also in preparation for EU legislation to come.

Designing with Purpose

CPHFW encourages brands to think beyond aesthetics, urging them to design products that are both economically and materially valuable, thereby extending their lifespan. This approach is complemented by the requirement for brands to find second lives for their samples, pushing the envelope on reducing waste.

Engaging Consumers in the Sustainability Journey

Consumer engagement is pivotal in the shift towards sustainability. CPHFW mandates that brands educate their customers about their sustainability efforts through various platforms and eliminate single-use plastic packaging, offering eco-friendly alternatives instead.

Reducing environmental impact 

The commitment to sustainability is carried through to the execution of fashion shows, with CPHFW advocating for zero-waste set designs and productions, carbon footprint offsetting, and the avoidance of single-use plastics backstage. Inclusion and diversity in model casting further underscore the holistic approach to sustainability.

“The implementation process of the Sustainability Requirements has been in close contact with brands, marked by workshops, 1-on-1 brand meetings, and other knowledge-sharing activities; throughout, CPHFW has experienced great commitment from brands. Brands have pointed out that the Sustainability Requirements framework has been helpful for them to assess their current standing and figuring out areas where they might need to improve. Alongside, the international recognition from buyers and press is growing bigger and bigger each season.”

— Sourced from communications at Copenhagen Fashion Week

Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability Requirements are more than just a set of rules; they are a call to action for the fashion industry at large. By setting a high bar for participation in one of the industry’s most anticipated events, CPHFW is driving brands to rethink how they operate, design, and engage with both their community and the environment. It’s a testament to the fact that design and innovation goes hand in hand with each other. If even from the early stages, designers are thinking about the ways they can integrate sustainability into fashion, it can be both innovative in terms of design and forward-thinking, leading the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable world.