CIFF: A Scandi seed on global ground

Northern Europe’s largest fashion fair CIFF returns for their 63rd edition this August taking place at Bella Center Copenhagen from August 7-9th

COPENHAGEN. CIFF (Copenhagen International Fashion Fair) continues to expand season on season with the 63rd edition seeing a further expansion in footprint to a new total of over 34,000sqm bringing together over 1,200 brands, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

With more floor space comes greater opportunity for CIFF to continue to encourage discovery with the fair’s most dynamic and ambitious build yet featuring branded experiences, interactive installations, retail integrations, a program of in-show events, and live performances, alongside an ever more diverse and elevated hospitality offering curating the best of food and drink from across the Danish capital.

CIFF Village

CIFF continues to take place alongside Copenhagen Fashion Week working in unison to bring together international industry and brands from across the globe to Copenhagen twice annually making the city one of the world’s most efficient, streamlined, and convenient hubs for the fashion industry. This season sees the cooperation between CIFF and CPHFW deepen as the organisations look towards a future of closer cooperation.  

Cecilie Thorsmask, Chief Executive Officer of Copenhagen Fashion Week says that, “Copenhagen moving together as a community to create something greater than the sum of its parts, is a fundamental part of Danish culture. Looking ahead to the upcoming season and beyond, we look forward to celebrating enhanced collaboration which no doubt will benefit our local industry and overseas visitors.” Sofie Dolva, Director of CIFF concurs.

CIFF Village

“CIFF continues to grow in size, scale, and footprint season on season and has been doing so over recent years. As we grow, we’re able to consider what this growth looks like and how best to align it with the needs of the international markets, so that each step forward represents something new and different as we forge a space and proposition for CIFF in the European market that is unique.

Our perspective is global, and our vision for the future is of a global fashion community with Copenhagen at its heart. Our international program over this summer has been an important part of building bridges with other fashion capitals around the globe and being able to meet industry where they already gather, and open avenues to better support them and bring them together back at our home in Copenhagen.” 

CIFF Village

Alongside returning hero brands including Mark Kenly Domino Tan, Holzweiler, Gestuz, Herskind and sales agencies Blender, Sjóklint, and Balling, the 63rd edition sees the largest ever presence from Germany, The Netherlands, and neighbouring markets, consolidating CIFF and Copenhagen’s role as the de facto fashion capital of North Europe. CIFF also welcomed G-Star this season as the brand recommitted to Copenhagen after a hiatus. See extended brand roster below. 

Special projects with international partners including German talent incubator Neudeutsch deepen trade and cultural relationships across the region re-writing a future for CIFF that goes beyond The Nordics establishing it firmly as a major European market player. Last season’s show in January 2024 saw the fair’s highest ever visitor numbers totalling more than 17,000 guests representing decision makers from retail and media from more than 50 international markets.

GLASS speaks to a few designers below:

Lovechild 1979:

“It has been a well-invested effort and advancement for the Danish fashion industry to have the fairs joint under one. During CPHFW time is limited and at Lovechild 1979 we are glad to be able to conveniently have both familiar faces and new buyers make way to us at our stand each season.”

​Mark Kenly Domino Tan:

“It’s of the essence for us at MKDT studio to have carefully selected retailers with a like-minded love for tailoring and hand-picked materials. CIFF has truly brought the fair to improved heights, with many valuable acquaintances to be made along with the familiar ones we know so well.”

Herskind: 

“We are super excited to be a part of CIFF – it has made enormous work for the Scandinavian fashion industry. CIFF manages to tie all the important players to one great fashion loop.”

STAMM:

“STAMM was founded in 2022 and it’s a new step for me and the brand to join CIFF. 

In everyday working life we don’t often touch base with other brands and so we look forward to meeting both buyers, press and colleagues within the industry. CIFF is creating a massive platform for business and network opportunities, and we are excited to take part in the fair.”

by Chidozie Obasi