From Cecilie Bahnsen to Sophie Bille Brahe — Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Designers Tell Vogue What They’re Shopping For Now

Just like that, Copenhagen Fashion Week is back again. The autumn/winter season kicks off on January 29 in the design-forward Scandinavian city, where what once started in 2006 as a small, specific take on fashion week now attracts editors, writers, creators, and designers from all over the world. It’s where cult-favorite Copenhagen brands like Ganni, Saks Potts, and Cecilie Bahnsen were born; where the quintessential Scandi dress-over-denim look began, and a true Danish, environmentally-conscious take on design raised the bar for the rest of the fashion industry.

Some might say Copenhagen’s fashion week is unlike any other. It comes with its own set of guidelines: Designers must meet sustainability requirements to show their collections, showgoers often embrace classic Scandi looks, and the programming prioritizes emerging, local talent. Outside of the fashion shows and dinners, a bevy of perfect little bookstores, cafés, and vintage collections also reflect Copenhagen’s emphasis on sustainability, design, and of course, hygge. It is no secret that the city is ripe with antique fairs, curated shops, and cozy restaurants. Lining cobble-stoned streets and the city’s canals are dozens of hidden gems—just ask the locals.

Before Scandi brands like Saks Potts, Helmstedt, and Marimekko take over the city, we tapped some of Copenhagen Fashion Week’s most savvy designers and creatives to find out what and where they are shopping right now, along with a few of their favorite spots around town. Whether you’re making your way to fashion week or planning a trip later the in season, below you’ll find the spring shopping lists—and most beloved spots—of some of Copenhagen’s finest.

Sophie Bille Brahe, designer and owner of Sophie Bille Brahe

Born and raised in Copenhagen, Sophie Bille Brahe is a true local who has watched the city evolve over decades. These days, she’s finding inspiration at floral museum and boutique Tage Anderson. “It has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain,” Brahe says. “It’s a wonderful hidden gem with a great selection of flowers and objects. Also among her go-tos are Klassik and The Apartment, where she finds the best selection of furniture and objects. For antiques, Brahe visits Porcelaenskaelderen, a porcelain cellar prime for unearthing antiques. And finally, for vintage shopping, she’s hitting Time’s Up. “It’s a vintage store with the most amazing Chanel vests,” the designer says. “The trick is to ask for the special ones in the backroom.” Brahe’s favorite part of Copenhagen fashion week—and at the top of her shopping list—are unique silhouettes from Danish brands like Cecilie Bahnsen (which pair perfectly with Brahe’s own jewelry brand).

Rebekka Bay, creative director of Marimekko

Originally from Silkeborg, Denmark and now dividing her time between Marimekko’s creative studio in Copenhagen and HQ in Helsinki, Rebekka Bay previously lendt her talents to Everlane and Uniqlo. Now back in Denmark, she is embracing Copenhagen’s fashion community and a few old haunts she frequents, including her favorite vintage store, Magnolias. “I strongly believe in the quality of timeless fashion and go to Magnolias both to sell pieces and for inspiration for Marimekko collections,” Bay says. She also can be found enjoying dinner or drinks at Apollo Bar in Nyhavn, owned by friend Frederik Bille Brahe. Another favorite spot to eat is Studio x Kitchen, “the place to eat the now famous, folded eggs,” she says. And for a final recommendation, she mentioned the new Marimekko store in Pilestræde 29. “It introduces our newest store concept,” she says. “With our creative studio upstairs.” Currently, Bay is adding a few new Marimekko home and womenswear pieces to her cart, including the brand’s Unikko anniversary tote (a limited-edition piece that is only available this year) and classic flower-printed linens.

Barbara Potts, creative director and co-founder of Saks Potts

As she prepares to present a new collection at this season’s Copenhagen Fashion Week, Barbara Potts is most looking forward to the feeling of community that this week brings out among Copenhagen’s local fashion industry. When she’s not designing a new collection, Potts is a regular at Books and Copan. “I love this little hidden book store and cafe located right outside of Copenhagen,” she says. She’s also a regular at Anne Sax, a favorite for elevated, beautiful undergarments. And finally, of course, she can be found at the Saks Potts store. “I would of course recommend our own little shop a hidden gem in Copenhagen, located in the first pharmacy in Denmark,” Potts explains. “We maintained the original interior from this royal pharmacy that dates back to 1749.” What’s Potts buying right now? “Our new Helle Jeans is the perfect balloon-shaped denim,” she says. This pair works well with any of the classic Saks Potts cotton shirts, or better yet, their newly-released classic striped polo.

Nicklas Skovgaard, designer and owner of Nicklas Skovgaard

The 29 year-old designer Nicklas Skovgaard founded his namesake womenswear brand just over three years ago. While he will be presenting his latest collection at the upcoming CPHFW, he loves to spend his off days antiquing and shopping for vintage treasures. “I love antique interiors, and one of my favorite shops to check out for my own dream list of things to own is Green Square,” Skovgaard says. He also loves to shop from friends, such as jewelry designer Inger Grubbe. His third recommendation is his go-to bookstore. “Le Petit Voyeur is a small book and magazine shop here in Copenhagen,” he says. “They have a nice curation of both big and small editions of books, magazines and zines.” As for what he’s buying now, Nicklas has his eyes on Inger Grubbe’s King’s bracelet, the new iteration of Issue Issue magazine, a Copenhagen-based publication, and of course, a few of his own latest spring styles.

Awa Malina Stelter, co-founder of OpéraSport

As the co-founder and co-creative director of ready-to-wear label OpéraSport, Danish designer Awa Malina Stelter grew up in Copenhagen. Now, as a participant in Copenhagen Fashion Week, she’s proud to uphold the city’s emphasis on sustainability and community through her own brand. As for her local favorites, Stelter can be found perusing the racks at Mr. Larkin, a womenswear brand and international retailer based between Houston, Texas and Copenhagen. She also loves Elhanti, known for their bespoke jewelry pieces. For the latest and greatest in the art world, Stelter is checking out V1 Gallery in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, and for home finds, she’s frequenting Beau Marché. Along with a few pieces from the OpéraSport collection, Stelter is eyeing Elhanati’s noir princess cut necklace and artist Lulu Kaluund’s printed scarf, an edition of 20, available at V1 Gallery.

Cecilie Bahnsen, designer and owner of Cecilie Bahnsen

It only took a few years, after launching her eponymous label in 2015, for Cecilie Bahnsen to become the it-girl Scandi designer. Born and raised in Copenhagen, this local worked in Paris and London before moving back home to launch her brand. She’s watched Copenhagen fashion evolve over the years, but she’s stayed true to her local hidden gems. “I always go to Nina Nørgaard Showroom for glassware and Le Petit Voyeur for art and fashion books,” she says. Her other favorites? Arakai Beauty for natural beauty products and treatments, and finally, Io Japanese Tea House for tea. Bahnsen is most excited to see collections from emerging Danish designers at CPHFW, such as The Garment and TG Botanical. As for what she’s wearing, you’ll find Bahnsen sporting her own new spring designs this season.

Julie and Marie Skall, founders of Skall Studio

The Danish sister design duo Julie and Marie Skall founded their label over a decade ago, with an emphasis on animal welfare, natural materials, and local craftsmanship. They’re also passionate about supporting fellow local makers, such as Danish floral artist Tage Anderson. “We admire his ability to create exciting experiences, in Copenhagen and in Sweden. He is also truly passionate about nature and animals, just like we are, too.” Beyond florals, the Skall sisters also love collecting items for the home. “We have always enjoyed craftsmanship and beautiful objects, and The Apartment has been among our favorites for many years,” Julie Skall says. “We love the gallery space situated in an old apartment in Christianshavn, decorated as a private apartment.” Along with The Apartment, they also mention Décor Vintage as a must-see spot. “We have known the owner of Décor Vintage, Lone Riis, for many years, and are big fans of her store,” Marie Skall says. “It’s the oldest vintage store in Denmark. She is such a source of inspiration.” Along with wearing their own classic trench and newly-released jeans this season, the Skall sisters are pairing their looks with Mary Jane flats and woven accessories, such as Khaite’s Olivia Bag.

Silas Oda Adler, designer and co-founder of Soulland

Raised in Copenhagen, Silas Oda Adler is the co-founder and creative director of Soulland, the cult-favorite mens and womenswear brand originally founded in 2002. Although fashion focused, Adler also loves embracing the non-fashion parts of Copenhagen, like taking a winter swim or going for a skateboard session. Currently on Adler’s spring shopping list are a few T-shirts from Copenhagen-based streetwear brand, Dancer, which pair effortlessly with pieces from his own line, too.