CPHFW AW26: The key brand moves shaping the next edition

Life comes at you fast. Though it feels as though fashion month just concluded (because, let’s face it, it sort of did), Copenhagen Fashion Week autumn/winter '26 is a mere two months (and change) away. Next year marks CPHFW’s 20th anniversary (to be celebrated more robustly during SS27 in August) and thus we can expect a year full of twists, gags and unabashed good times (Copenhagen, after all, knows its way around a party). Consider the coming season, which kicks off January 27th, a bit of a teaser.

Fittingly, the CPHFW AW26 brand lineup, announced here for the first time, has a few surprises in store. This season, we find 21 runway shows (including one special 'Homecoming' show) and a handful of presentations. We find thrilling CPHFW debuts and some noteworthy absences. We find a lot of exciting emerging talents, ready to make their mark at the fifth fashion week.

To help you make sense of it all, we’ve compiled the key takeaways from the CPHFW AW26 brand lineup. The full brand lineup can be found down below.

Related: 7 moments you might have missed from Copenhagen Fashion Week

Not one but two Swedish brands are new to the CPHFW schedule this season, both under the CPHFW NEWTALENT 'One to Watch' slot. First up we have a presentation by Sson, an upcycle brand already gaining a cult following amongst in-the-know It girls and stylists. Next up is Studio Constance, which made its runway debut at Stockholm Fashion Week last June. Those in attendance marvelled at the production value of the show as well as the killer outerwear. On both fronts, we’re keen to watch this space.

Meanwhile, fellow Swedes Rave Review are back for another show whilst Filippa K is absent from the schedule this time around.

Ever since Paulina Russo made its CPHFW debut for SS24 as the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award, the London-based brand has had a special place in our hearts (after all, with its sustainable ethos and folkloric cool girl aesthetic, it fit right in). After a season off, design duo Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard return to the lineup for a show that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Welcome home.

Nabbing the inaugural 'Homecoming' slot (not to be confused with the “guest slot” occupied by Cecilie Bahnsen last season), is Holzweiler. Yes, the brand is Norwegian, but CPHFW was its home for many seasons until Holzweiler did a two-season stint at London Fashion Week. Here’s hoping the beloved family-first brand is back for good.

Previously “One to Watch”, Stem is officially joining the NEWTALENT programme. The brand, which has gained recognition for its textile innovations and commitment to craft, will be wisely staging a presentation (these garments ought to be viewed up close and personal). It will be thrilling to see what the mentorship (and financial support) offered by the programme brings for this slow-and-steady talent.

Staging a presentation this season is Palestinian brand Nazzal Studio. Having won the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award at the Fashion Trust Arabia Awards in 2024, this brand has been gaining traction among discerning industry insiders, drawn to its striking silhouettes, craftsmanship and commitment to activism. The first Palestinian brand on the CPHFW schedule, Nazzal will bring a fresh and vital voice to the lineup.

We’re holding a candle for you, Ganni. There’s always next season.

See the full lineup below.