Copenhagen Fashion Week and CIFF Announce Strategic Alliance to Support Emerging Nordic Talent

At the heart of this partnership is a shared ambition to strengthen CPHFW NEWTALENT — Copenhagen Fashion Week’s dedicated talent support scheme for visionary young designers from across the Nordic region. By joining forces, CIFF and Copenhagen Fashion Week aim to provide both visibility and infrastructure to the next generation of designers at a pivotal stage in their journey.

Alongside providing invaluable exposure to the global press, buyers and industry, matched with mentorship and studio support within the CIFF Village permanent showrooms, this new alliance between Copenhagen Fashion Week and CIFF further unites the two organizations to offer an all-encompassing support scheme to drive success and growth to some of the most exciting new-to-market Nordic brands. 

As part of the alliance, CIFF becomes an official patron of the CPHFW NEWTALENT program, offering a dedicated showcase on the floor during CIFF in fashion week, and a permanent showroom presence beyond the season. This gives the participating brands direct access to an international network of buyers, press, and key industry stakeholders — not only during fashion week but as part of an ongoing commercial strategy.

“Our aim with CPHFW NEW TALENT has always been to build a platform that not only introduces new voices but supports their long-term development through mentorship, showcasing, and strategic alliances. This partnership with CIFF is a natural next step — and one that brings critical momentum to our mission,” says Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week.

By aligning CPHFW NEWTALENT with the CIFF universe, the collaboration bridges the gap between cultural visibility and commercial opportunity — consolidating Copenhagen’s role as a united fashion capital that champions innovation and cross-sector support.

“We’re proud to deepen our alignment with Copenhagen Fashion Week in support of Nordic talents,” says Sofie Dolva, CEO of CIFF. “CIFF is so much more than a trade fair — it’s a space for discovery, collaboration, and long-term growth. Hosting the CPHFW NEWTALENT Press Breakfast together for the first time furthermore marks a new era of connection and shared ambition for the Danish fashion industry.”

This season, CPHFW NEWTALENT welcomes renowned designer Anne Sofie Madsen, alongside Bonnetje and Berner Kühl, who return for their second and third showcases respectively as part of the program. The One to Watch category introduces Kettel Atelier, Stem, and Taus — three promising new voices presenting their vision for SS26.

The CPHFW NEWTALENT showroom, powered in partnership with CIFF, will serve as a central hub during fashion week — a key destination for international press and buyers to experience the creative forces defining the future of Nordic fashion.