History of Copenhagen Fashion Week: A Northern European Fashion Powerhouse

Copenhagen Fashion Week, now recognized as one of the "Big 5" global fashion weeks alongside New York, Paris, Milan, and London, has grown into the largest fashion event in Northern Europe. Hosted biannually in January and August, it showcases the innovative spirit of Scandinavian design while setting new standards in sustainability for the global fashion industry.

While all eyes are on Copenhagen this week, we are here to celebrate this huge strive in the industry and share the history of Copenhagen Fashion Week. 

Backstory

The origins of Copenhagen Fashion Week can be traced back to the 1950s when Danish clothing trading fairs Dansk Modeuge and Dansk Herremodeuge were established. These fairs served as the foundation for what would later become a major fashion event. In 2006, the two fairs merged to form the first official Copenhagen Fashion Week, marking the beginning of a new era in Danish fashion.

Designers are invited from all over the world, but the majority come from Denmark and Northern Europe. This fashion event takes on a unique sense of exclusivity due to the sustainability requirements every designer must follow to be invited.

Sustainability Practices

In 2020, Copenhagen Fashion Week launched its first Sustainability Action Plan, aimed at promoting long-term, impactful changes throughout the fashion value chain. This plan introduced a rigorous set of sustainability requirements that all contributing brands and designers must meet, making Copenhagen Fashion Week a leader in the movement towards a more responsible fashion industry.

Their sustainability initiatives include the complete ban on single-use plastics and the mandatory use of digital invitations, reflecting the event's commitment to reducing environmental impact. Moreover, all brands are required to implement circular design principles, which emphasize the repairability, recyclability, upgradability, reusability, and incorporation of recycled content in garment design. 

Circular design has recently gained more recognition as a way to give garments and art a longer life cycle, eliminate overproduction and waste, and give products new life. At least 60% of each collection must consist of certified, preferred, or deadstock materials. The use of virgin fur, wild animal skins, or feathers is strictly prohibited, aligning with the event's ethical standards.

The event also emphasizes waste management and emission reduction. All waste generated during showcases must be sorted according to Danish waste sorting requirements, and brands are expected to engage in activities that reduce and offset emissions.

The Global Impact

Beyond its strict sustainability criteria, Copenhagen Fashion Week serves as a source of inspiration for the global fashion community. The event strives to lead by example, demonstrating how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the creative process without compromising on design or quality. The collections often reflect the Danish approach to work-life balance and happiness, adding a deeper, more meaningful dimension to the designs.

F1 Fashion: The Race To Elegance and Edge; How Major Fashion Houses Embrace Racing Culture

While Charles Leclerc’s emotional victory in his home country captivated us all this past weekend, the fashion that graced the streets of Monaco might have been even more thrilling. From the subtle whispers of understated luxury to the bold and dynamic patterns rivaling the roar of the engines, Monaco showcased a stunning array of style. In this piece we will explore the prominent fashion houses that have embraced F1 and racing culture, delve into the history of this unique fashion intersection, and examine its significant impact on the industry.

History of Formula One

In the early 20th century, motorsport was still in its infancy. Engineers and builders were pushing the boundaries of speed and technology by hosting races and competitions across the globe. The genesis of organized racing can be traced back to 1906 with the Targa Florio, conceived by engineer and racing driver Vincenzo Florio. This pioneering race navigated a challenging 92 mile circuit through the rugged terrain of the Madonie Mountains, marking the dawn of competitive motorsports. Moving to 1911, the more commonly known race of the Indianapolis 500 was raced for the first time ever. Both of these preceded Formula 1 and set the tracks and standards for motorsports. Following the aftermath of  World War 2, Europe's passion for motor racing was rekindled, and the idea of Formula One was born. 

Sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile, the inception of the Formula One World Championship began in 1950. The inaugural season featured seven races across Europe, with Alfa Romeo securing the first championship title. This marked the birth of a sport that would ignite a worldwide passion. As Formula One evolved, its popularity soared, captivating audiences and driving the advancement of automotive technology. Quickly out of the gate, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Lotus pushed the boundaries of aerodynamics and emerged as household names and leaders of the industry. With a legendary race of Ford vs. Ferrari, the fan base expanded outside of Europe and began seeping into other parts of the world. With this, racing legends emerged, personalities were shown, and popularity grew. In the late 1970s, fan bases roared with the introduction of turbocharged engines, taking the power of these cars to the next level. Rivalries grew fan bases and spectators, as Ferrari surged as a consistently dominant force. 

Intersection of Sports and Fashion:

Historically, clothes made for athletes or different sporting events solely focused on functionality, with little emphasis on aesthetics. Societal views shifted and sportswear became a powerful expression of identity, history and culture. Sports personalities evolved beyond their roles as athletes, becoming fashion icons and trendsetters. With the evolving trends of the '90s and Y2K, sportswear and street style emerged as dominant fashion movements. The rise of athleisure further demonstrated that sports and fashion could coexist harmoniously and intersect at various points in history. Sneaker culture exemplifies this synergy perfectly. Sneakers are not only essential for functionality and performance in sports but have also become powerful status symbols and fashion statements.

The fashion industry soon recognized the power of fan bases of athletes, and since have sought out collaborations, brand deals, and partnerships with athletes and sporting events. Another significant outcome of this trend is the comparison between the demographics of athletes and social media users. The rise of social media has undeniably amplified the reach and impact of fashion, but it has also revolutionized the way athletes connect with their fans. For the first time, fans can interact directly with their favorite players and gain insights into their lives off the field. The age demographics of sports fans closely mirror those of top social media users, creating a powerful synergy that enhances both their influence and reach.

Focusing more on F1 influence specifically, one of the major gaps in participation in all sports, but more so in F1 was women. As times have changed, women are now being represented in male dominated fields, with sports as no exception. Formula One is now the second fastest growing sport in terms of attraction and media growth. This is all because of the participation of women, which also brings an entirely new perspective of fashion. As we can see, the media attention of both sports and fashion go hand in hand. Athletes are in the spotlight constantly, so they might as well look good while doing it. Many of them have hired stylists, making it about more than sports. Game day looks have skyrocketed in popularity, and is now a huge spectacle. Major fashion houses also began dressing athletes, and have been able to reach an entire new demographic and following. 

The “F” In F1 Stands For Fashion 

With all of this being said, Formula 1 has become a pool for celebrities, socialites, and some of the biggest names in fashion. This past weekend in Monaco, stars dazzled in the stands, almost catching eyes more than the actual race cars. Here are some of the best looks that caught our eyes. 

Heidi Klum and daughter Leni in matching white jumpsuits. Emulating members of a pit crew, but way more chic. This effortless look matched the vibes of the race perfectly. 

Similarly, Trent Alexander Arnold sported an all Prada look, in coveralls. The large buckles added an industrial finish that paid homage to the origins of racing and automobile engineering. 

Peggy Gou sported Chrome Hearts, with a red and patterned corset, perfect blending in with the vibrant reds across the track, and added a leather mini skirt honing in on the edginess of racing. 

Emily Ratajkwoski his the racing motifs right on the head wearing an oversized racing jacket with a checkered bra underneath.

With one of the best looks of the weekend, Lewis Hamilton rocks it in Dior from head to toe. In a breezy look showing off his physique, he is dressed perfectly for the hot Monaco sun. 

Gallery Department: The Happy Accident

The unexpected fame of Gallery Department is a fascinating story in the world of contemporary art and fashion. Beginning as a hobby for his creative passions, Josue Thomas experimented with elements of street wear and luxury aesthetics as he reimagined vintage clothing and created hand painted pieces for his friends and family. His distinctive and rebellious style quickly caught the eye of celebrities and influencers, and grew momentum through social media. This happy accident of fame launched his career into growing his brand from collaborating with high profile figures to opening his own stores. If you recognize Lebron James’s favorite hoodie, accessories on Kendrick Lamar and Drake, or Migos’s Culture III merch, then you’ve already dipped your toes into the expansive world of Gallery Department. Founded by the artist Josué Thomas, Gallery Department is more than just a clothing brand, it's a manifesto of collaboration, creativity, and rebellion.

Who is Josué Thomas?

Thomas has been surrounded by creativity his entire life -- nurtured what he calls an “innate passion for drawing and sketching” (Mr. Porter).  This inspired his early career as a creative, and what would become his true passion; fashion. Beginning at Ralph Lauren in his early 20s, a fire was lit under Thomas that ignited his need to intersect the artistry he grew up in with his craving for a change in the art and fashion world.  What better niche to tackle than street wear? 

Diving deeper into who Josué Thomas is as a designer, one of the earliest adopters of his brand was Virgil Abloh. Abloh was seen on several sets wearing the “LA Flare Carpenter”, pants that retail for $1200. Abloh acted as a mentor to Thomas and said that “He's a perfect example of someone creating their own path from a community that has not traditionally participated in fashion…I see Josue as making a new canon of his own, showcasing what black designers can do”.  

The Start of Gallery Department

The inception of Gallery Dept began like many; a concept. Thomas, with nothing but studio space and passion, collaborated with his friends to create a hub for inspiration and artistic visions. The genesis of it all? A commissioned jacket for none other than Johnny Depp. The jacket was entirely made of reconstructed vintage pieces from the Actor’s fashion archive. The following year, Josué Thomas opened his Gallery Department to the public. This quickly caught the eye of many, including one of the most prominent figures in fashion, Virgil Abloh. 

Gallery Dept's foundation rests upon Thomas's love for vintage clothing. He often deconstructs and reimagines these pieces, infusing them with a touch of luxury. He refers to this creative process as a "happy accident," where vintage pieces find new life and identity through his artistic lens. His pieces are a statement and a staple simultaneously, as each item is simple, with industrial finishes. From satin bomber jackets in electric purples, to closet staple gray crewnecks, Gallery Department has a piece for every taste. Prices range from a $600 hoodie to $9,000 eel skin shirt, and make no mistake their pieces are not for the common shopper. He intersects old money’s whispering vintage aesthetic with new money's cries to stand out from  sidewalks to runways. Each creation at Gallery Dept is an ode to personal experiences, memories, or unique visions. Thomas draws inspiration from what he explains to be a myriad of influences, including political issues, aesthetics, and personal beliefs, resulting in a tapestry of designs that resonate with deeper narratives. 

A groundbreaking extension of Thomas's creative vision is the "Art That Kills" project, which stands as a testament to his unconventional approach to fashion. Launched on his birthday, September 11, 2023, this project took shape as an e-commerce website, marking a significant milestone for the brand's evolution. 

Where Can You Shop Gallery Dept?

What continues to set Gallery Department apart is its sense of interactivity it has with its consumers. On their website, you have the ability to book appointments with the choice of their five specialists. In these appointments, buyers have the privilege to be styled with clothes tailored to them specifically. There is the option to meet with these specialists in their store located in either Miami or Los Angeles. In the future, Thomas hopes to expand this privilege alongside opening more brick and mortar stores in several other locations.

Ultimately, Josué Thomas's brainchild, Gallery Dept, serves as the canvas to express his rebellion against social norms using art as a weapon, in an effort to unite people with his creativity and vision through fashion. With each stitch and silhouette, the brand continues to redefine the fashion landscape, offering not just clothing but an experience that challenges norms and celebrates the beauty of individuality. Gallery Dept isn’t just a brand; it's a movement, a rebellion against the mundane, an invitation to be part of a story that's still being written. 

How To Style A Jersey The Right Way

As we navigate the endless parade of summer trends, there are some we simply can't overlook. The recent craze for football jerseys and the blend of traditionally masculine pieces with softer feminine touches are among them. With countless ways to style this look, here are a few that truly stand out.

If we had to capture the essence of 'effortlessly cool' in a single snapshot, this would be it. The Blokette core trend has taken the fashion world by storm, originating in the streets of the UK and rapidly spreading through cities across the US. This summer, it's all about blending masculine and feminine elements that create the looks that are flooding your Pinterest boards. The key here? Accessories. The collection of gold jewelry offsets the baggy silhouette and masculine nature of the football jersey to create the perfect balance. 

The ‘it’ girl uniform: a black mini skirt and tall boots. Taking on a new disguise is the uniform with an oversized jersey that suggests that she just woke up like this. The perfect outfit combination looks like it took no time at all (even if you end up with your entire closet on your floor by the time you’ve settled on an option). This look screams casual and noncommittal, perfect for any fashion lover. The recipe is simple: take your favorite basics and disrupt them with the unexpected. The right accessories will do the rest of the job for you. 

The staple of the summer: a long white skirt. This is one of our favorites, with a million ways to style and thousands of aesthetics to fit into. Again, the combination of masculine and feminine elements intersected creates the pinnacle of style, and we can’t get enough.  Not only does this look incorporate the most recent trends of frilly skirts juxtaposed with harsher tops, but it's playful. The pink bows and childlike braids are the perfect additions to this fun on-the-go look. 

They say if an outfit isn't captivating through color, it should be through texture, and if not by texture, then by shape. This look manages to nail all three. The unexpected pairing of a sheer lace skirt with an oversized football jersey is a combination we didn’t know we needed. The contrasting textures create such a visually intriguing ensemble that you'll find yourself doing a double take. Bold choices like these can help you break the industry and discover your true style, so don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional patterns and textures.

When you have plans to be a street style icon right after your 9-5, this is what you would wear. This look is evidence that to have style you have to take risks. This trouser and loafer look paired with this rich brown football jersey is a perfectly executed intersection of aesthetics that we can’t stop admiring. What really ties this all together is the simple additions of a watch and chain, adding elegant details that complement the formality and nature of the trousers and loafers. 

This is what they mean when they say that wearing your clothes isn’t enough; you have to style them. At first glance, this outfit is nothing out of the ordinary. But after taking a closer look, the jersey flowing into the baggy jeans and sneakers creates a seamless look that is easy to wear- but that's not where this ends. The addition of a cross-body bag and brightly colored hat is an example of styling to elevate your outfits. Without these small details, the outfit gets lost. This everyday look can be easily transitioned into a nighttime look with nothing but accessories. This is a great base that’s stylish and comfortable. 

Stepping into your boyfriend's closet for the first time leads to two possibilities: a clothing disaster of ill-fitting pieces or a masterful creation with the perfect amount of baggy. This is the second option right here. The jort phenomenon that took place this summer by storm is not leaving anytime soon, and this look features the “boyfriend short.” Styling a football jersey with them is the quintessential summer uniform guaranteed to leave you feeling comfortable and stylish all day. Adding jewelry and colorful sneakers rounds it out to be on style boards everywhere. 

Balenciaga x Adidas sweatpants paired with a Brazil jersey and oversized sunglasses? We're definitely taking notes. This look embraces the baggy jersey trend, taking it up a notch with even baggier pants. Despite the athletic vibe, it's incredibly chic with slicked-back hair, heeled boots, and those massive futuristic glasses. Loud and attention-grabbing, this outfit perfectly blends sporty and stylish. Pairing it with heels and statement sunglasses is the ultimate way to nail that cool-girl, athletic look.