Following in Copenhagen's footsteps, Berlin Fashion Week is introducing mandatory criteria for any brands showing at the event from February 2026 onwards
It was January 2023 when Cecelie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, announced the implementation of sustainability Minimum Standards for participating brands. 18 months on, not only has CPHFW remained committed to – and ever raised the bar of – these requirements, it’s also bringing other major players on board: including Berlin Fashion Week.
In an announcement today, BFW has confirmed it will roll the Sustainability Requirements as developed by CPHFW, making the MInimum Standards a mandatory criterion for the Berlin show brands.
“With the Minimum Standards being a mandatory admission criterion for Copenhagen Fashion Week’s show brands for three seasons now, we are thrilled to achieve greater industry alignment through our partnership with Berlin Fashion Week,” says Thorsmark. “Not only does our partnership trigger much-needed alignment – it also emphasises fashion weeks’ and councils’ opportunities to be part of transitioning the industry for the better. It’s a big milestone for us to see the Sustainability Requirements gain global recognition and we hope it will inspire more actors to collaborate.”
By joining forces, the parties align their efforts to accelerate the industry’s sustainability actions across the Nordic and German fashion markets. Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and executed by Fashion Council Germany in cooperation with Studio MM04, this decision means a further step for BFW toward a responsible fashion platform.
Not only does our partnership trigger much-needed alignment – it also emphasises fashion weeks’ and councils’ opportunities to be part of transitioning the industry for the better.
Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week
Photo: CPHFW
“By adopting the Sustainability Requirements at Berlin Fashion Week, we are not only committing to higher standards but also setting an example for responsible practices,” comments Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany. “This collaboration presents a significant opportunity to leverage our combined expertise and resources, fostering innovation and encouraging brands to meet the evolving demands of society and the industry.”
Michael Biel, state secretary for economic affairs also stated that “by implementing the sustainability requirements, Berlin will become one of the leading international locations for a responsible and innovative fashion industry. With the financial support of 180,000 Euros until 2025, we are once again investing in Berlin’s future as a pioneer in sustainability. With these standards, Berlin will set an example in comparison with other global fashion metropolises.”
The partnership sees the Minimum Standards implemented for approximately 35 brands on the official Berlin Fashion Week show schedule. There will be a phase of onboarding and piloting of the framework before it comes into effect fully by February 2026.