Pioneering a Greener Runway: Copenhagen Fashion Week's Sustainable Future

My Genesis in the Garment World

My inaugural professional experience began around the age of thirteen in a small clothing boutique located in Hornbæk, a charming Danish coastal town renowned for its summer retreats. There, I eagerly embraced the fundamental aspects of retail, from meticulously arranging garments to assisting patrons. This early exposure served as my gateway into the fashion realm, establishing a foundational understanding within that quaint community's sole apparel establishment.

Navigating Challenging Professional Landscapes

Ironically, my least fulfilling professional stints occurred within advertising agencies, completely separate from the fashion sector. Both environments were characterized by an overwhelming masculine presence, verging on hostility. In one instance, a volatile male CEO presided over an entirely female workforce, fostering a condescending and dispiriting atmosphere. The second agency saw me as the lone female amidst an all-male team, creating an undeniably peculiar and uncomfortable professional setting. These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of undesirable work cultures, solidifying my conviction that a positive workplace environment is paramount.

The Roots of My Passion for Style

My affinity for fashion traces back to my early years, growing up in a household brimming with artistic talent—from furniture designers and architects to professional ballet dancers and costume creators. My grandmother, a skilled seamstress, particularly instilled in me a deep appreciation for aesthetics, a legacy that continues to influence me. I vividly recall her wardrobe, filled with exquisite handcrafted clothing and an awe-inspiring collection of silk heels in every conceivable shade.

My Inaugural Strategic Imperative as CPHFW's Head

My motivation for seeking the CEO position at Copenhagen Fashion Week stemmed from a profound belief in its potential to revolutionize the industry's conventions and redefine its core purpose. I've long held a steadfast commitment to environmental and climate issues, a conviction nurtured by my father's extensive career of over three decades at the Ministry of the Environment. Discussions about conscious living were commonplace during our family meals, shaping my perspective. The fashion sector, I observed, often operates in isolation, largely disregarding its broader environmental impact. I was determined to leverage our platform to drive meaningful change. This resolve led to the creation of our comprehensive Sustainability Requirements.

Transforming CPHFW into a Beacon of Eco-Conscious Fashion

The successful implementation of our Sustainability Requirements stands as my proudest professional achievement. We initiated the development of this framework and its accompanying sustainability criteria in 2019. By 2020, we announced that these stringent standards would become mandatory by 2023. We dedicated three years to securing industry wide support for this transformative shift, crucially focusing on equipping brands with the knowledge and resources necessary to meet these new benchmarks. Our approach was critical: had only a handful of brands qualified, the fashion week itself might not have materialized. To truly instigate industry-wide change, broad collaboration is essential. In 2023, we achieved our goal, presenting a complete fashion week calendar featuring only brands that fulfilled our Sustainability Requirements.

Dissecting the Essence of Nordic Style

Scandinavian aesthetics are deeply rooted in functionality and superior craftsmanship, seamlessly integrated with a strong design sensibility. Our cultural fabric is interwoven with democratic principles—a collective sense of equality, shared commutes via bicycle, and universal participation in childcare. This societal structure necessitates a wardrobe that is not only visually appealing but also inherently practical.

My Approach to Leadership as Chief Executive

A guiding principle throughout my professional journey is Maya Angelou's profound insight: "People will not remember what you said or what you did; they will remember how you made them feel." This sentiment serves as my moral compass, influencing my interactions with colleagues and stakeholders, and particularly shaping my leadership of the team. For me, effective leadership transcends mere strategy and decision-making; it is equally, if not more, about emotional intelligence.

Confronting Professional Obstacles

While it may sound conventional, maintaining unwavering conviction in one's beliefs is paramount. When committing to a purpose-driven career, every decision, regardless of its magnitude, must align with that core mission. One must remain resilient in the face of criticism and skepticism, trusting in one's own intuition.

Addressing Fashion's Environmental Footprint

To catalyze genuine transformation within the fashion sector, a critical emphasis must be placed on adopting circular business models. The persistent issue of overproduction remains our most significant hurdle. Therefore, we must devise innovative strategies to mitigate it, whether through reducing production volumes or embracing more cyclical operational and manufacturing principles.

Promising Nordic Designers on My Current Radar

Beyond established names such as OpéraSport, The Garment, ROTATE, and Forza Collective, I'm particularly excited about emerging talents from our NEWTALENT initiative, including Bonnetje, Berner Kühl, and Anne Sofie Madsen.

My Post-Fashion Week Decompression Ritual

My ideal way to unwind after the intensity of fashion week is to have absolutely no predefined schedule and simply spend time with my children and family. Preferably, we'd be at our summer residence in Rørvig, nestled by the beach and amidst the woods, fully immersing ourselves in nature and distancing ourselves from the fast-paced world of fashion.