If there's one thing I learned in the 36 hours I was in Copenhagen for Fashion Week, it's that the Danish seriously know how to dress.
While evidence of the unofficial 'Scandi girl' uniform, influenced largely by Danish influencer Matilda Djerf, was apparent in the sea of oversized blazers, tube tops and maxi skirts seen on the streets of Nørrebro, the city's abundance of vintage shops opened up an avenue for individuality.
Copenhagen Fashion Week first introduced its Sustainability Action Plan in 2020, setting out a list of minimum requirements brands had to conform to if their collections were to earn a coveted spot in the CPHFW schedule.
© Edward BerthelotFast forward to 2024, the Danish capital's Fashion Week has become fashion's most sustainable runway, offering slots only to brands that pledge to produce at least 60% of their collection from certified, earth-conscious materials or deadstock fabric.
Designs debuted at CPHFW have to be circular, with potential for repairability, recyclability, upgradability and reusability, while props used in runway shows are forbidden from being thrown away, with virgin fur, wild animal skins and feathers banned entirely.
With concerning statistics about the impact of the fashion industry on the environment, it's a mystery as to why the world's major cities haven't yet followed suit in enforcing such strict guidelines on their brands.
© Christian VierigWhile designers are held accountable, Denmark's fashion It-girls and boys seem to have effortlessly followed suit.
© Edward BerthelotIn the hour I spent flitting between shows, I had secured a pair of vintage Ralph Lauren slingbacks, a floral-print halter midi dress hailed from the 50s and a reversible quilted jacket hand stitched from deadstock fabrics. Proof, surely, of Copenhagen's leading vintage scene that was the true star of Fashion Week.
Sustainable fashion appears to dominate throughout the city, with vintage stores, pre-loved boutiques and small businesses making handmade garments occupying almost every corner of its cobbled streets. The agenda in Copenhagen is clear: vintage is in, and fast fashion is out.
Best vintage fashion boutiques in Copenhagen
© Getty/Catherine McQueenVeras
Where: Studiestræde 27
A circular fashion boutique where you can exchange your clothes for new.
Prag (various locations)
Where: Vesterbrogade 98A and Nørrebrogade 45
Think shellsuits, fluffy fleeces, 80s leather and biker jackets.
Collectors Cage
Where: Amagertorv 31
A treasure trove of designer vintage handbags.
Jerome Vintage
Where: Vesterbrogade 36
Elevated pre-loved shopping from luxury brands like Celine, Chloé and Miu Miu.
Bakkekilde
Where: Pistolstræde 4
A light and airy boutique of beautiful vintage finds, fine jewellery and art & decor.
Thrift Planet
Where: Studiestræde 24
The kind of vintage store where everything is such high quality it feels new.
