An LG’s Guide To Copenhagen Fashion Week
@KARAO'SULLIVAN
Kara’s Story…
Copenhagen Fashion Week is truly my favourite week of the year. I can’t believe it, but this will be my fifth time attending this year. I’ve covered the trends, street style and shows for a number of fashion publications.
My first CPHFW was *such* an experience. I had just started a fashion rental company with a fabulous friend of mine, so we decided to go to get inspiration from the street style and to discover new brands. We thought we were somewhat prepared with a few cute outfits to run around style stalking in, but once we stepped out into the streets of CPH we realised the game was just different there. I think we might have one outfit photo each from this week – we really spent the first time just taking it all in.
CPHFW is so open and approachable. It brings incredible people from all over the world together. Everyone is ecstatic to be there – you really do feel that energy. It’s on a much smaller scale than the likes of Paris and New York, so you get a chance to bump into everyone and get to know people over the week. It isn’t half as intimidating as I imagined it would be, and I have made so many amazing friends that I look forward to seeing every season.
@KARAO'SULLIVAN
My favourite Copenhagen-based influencers are Emili Sindlev, Pernille Teisbaek and Ella Karberg. Emili is my ultimate fashion icon. She embraces colour as she switches between girly, edgy, street and all-out glamorous style. She pairs the most unexpected pieces together and has so much fun with fashion, which for me is the ultimate goal. Pernille’s style is more classic and chic, with a lot of neutrals – I take inspiration from her for more day-to-day style. Ella has more of an edge, spicing things up with her playful style and always experimenting.
OpéraSport is always one of my favourite brands to see. I’m excited that their show this year is at the incredible Copenhagen Opera House. Stamm is a cool up-and-coming brand that put on one of my favourite shows last season. I’m super excited to see what they do next. Sinead O’Dwyer won the Zalando Visionary Award this year, so I think this will be a special show. It’s always amazing to see emerging brands showcased among the biggest names in Scandinavian fashion.
Rotate will always be the show I look forward to the most. Not only is the brand incredible, and I adore its pieces, but they really know how to put on a show – and an afterparty! Founders Thora and Jeanette are humble, friendly and inspirational women.
My style for fashion week is my usual style, but elevated. I like to experiment more and be a little extra or daring. I’ll go for it more with the accessories, and I’ll commit to the heels. My day-to-day style is actually quite casual, and much less fussy than it used to be – I love and value being comfortable, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be cute too. My go-to uniform is baggy jeans or jorts paired with something more feminine like ballet flats, a cute top and a fun bag. And I always have a pair of gold hoops.
My favourite trends for this summer seem to be the most controversial ones – sorry not sorry! I can’t help but love a capri pant, fisherman sandals for the win, and I hate to break it to you but wedges are making a comeback.
@KARAO'SULLIVAN
How To Do Fashion Week…
Find your shows. There’s a misconception that Fashion Week is only for influencers and editors. Actually you just need to know how to get yourself through the door. All of the show info is on the official website, along with the contacts for each of the brands – you can apply to attend shows and events even if you haven't been invited. While some brands are trickier to get invites from than others, plenty are open to public attendance.
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get many offers first time around. It’s so worth going along for the street style and to soak it all in. Most show locations are available to everyone too, so you can park up outside to see the guests arrive and leave – this is truly a show in itself.
Make some connections. It’s the best place to meet people among the fashion crowd – particularly if you’re looking for a job or work experience. Don’t be afraid to chat away to people, someone may invite you to another event or show that you don’t know about – many aren’t on the calendar – so networking will get you far.
@KARAO'SULLIVAN
@KARAO'SULLIVAN
The CPH Recs…
Delphine is always a favourite – for the decor alone. It’s incredible inside, and even has a photobooth for bonus points.
Granola For Breakfast might have the best combination of orange juice, coffee and people watching I’ve ever seen. It’s on a street full of fabulous restaurants in one of the coolest neighbourhoods. Emma Chamberlain was just one of the people we spotted last time we were there.
One of Copenhagen’s most magical spots in the summer is La Banchina. Spend the day at this waterside restaurant swimming, sunbathing and sipping on wine – so don’t forget to pack your bikini.
Reffen is one of my favourite places on earth. It’s an outdoor street-food market with absolutely endless food and drink options – and right on the water. The music is always such a vibe – catching the sunset is key. The music continues after dark with various DJs and a dance floor set up to look like you’re really at the beach.
Kara’s Packing List…
Comfort quickly becomes key in making it through the week. I will always carry Compeeds and I’ll often opt for a bigger bag, so I can stash some flip flops away for when I can no longer hack the heels. I’ll pack a jacket or two in case there ends up being rain and some cool but comfy looks for the end of the week, when the bloat and tiredness is real, and the effort starts declining.
My looks for next week include a couple of trends. I’ve been loving the sheer lace trend so this will feature in a big way. I also adore red gingham – it’s so nostalgic for me – so I have an amazing look planned around this too. Camo, cargos, jerseys and jorts will all make appearances too. And it wouldn’t be fashion week without a few daring accessories, so I’ve sourced some fabulous vintage sunnies, a handmade crochet hat, some super fun belts and, of course, some standout shoes. Basically, you won’t be able to miss me.
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