How Birger Christensen Collective is supporting the next generation of fashion talent

Founded over 150 years ago, Danish fashion company Birger Christensen was born into an industry radically different from its current state. Yet in the intervening years, through the industry's plentiful changes, the company has endured. Not only that; it has thrived. Expanding the business, the collective became the proud parent company of Rotate and Remain, launching the brands in 2018 and 2019 respectively. With those decades of experience and a strong commitment to innovation, Birger Christensen Collective has been paying it forward, championing growth amongst young brands through Copenhagen Fashion Week’s New Talent program.

The New Talent program supports up to four designers who have been in business for under five years each season, providing them with funding and industry connections in order to take the next step in reaching their goals. The designers show their collections during the Copenhagen Fashion Week schedule, receiving guidance from mentors at each step of the way. This process is right in line with Birger Christensen’s history of supporting new talent, and the collective will participate in the program for the third season running this August. “Birger Christensen has sought the most uniquely talented people to be a part of the organization, never afraid of taking risks to continuously grow,” says CEO Denise Christensen. “The New Talent platform is an opportunity for Birger Christensen to stretch this mentality to a wider recipient, offering a hand to the next generation of talents.”

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Christensen praises this next generation’s thoughtfulness and efficiency, which leads to streamlined work practices and integration of sustainability and diversity from day one. Despite these values and each designers’ talent, however, many struggle in receiving the funds and recognition necessary to succeed in such a competitive industry. That’s where New Talent and Birger Christensen Collective come in, generously investing financially while taking the time to mentor the designers. Giving these designers a global stage in addition to funding and industry know-how, the New Talent initiative provides a career-changing boost.

When it comes to supporting these up-and-coming brands, Christensen sees nothing but potential, saying “There is no end to the creativity of the new generation of fashion talents; their perspectives are fresh and exciting, as are the stories that they are telling through their designs.” She continues, “From the innovations in design, the thoughtful collection storytelling or the background of the designers themselves, we are grateful to be able to bring the new ideas, presented by the New Talent participants, into fruition.” Indeed, the New Talent designers are regularly a highlight of Copenhagen Fashion Week, bringing something new to viewers who are always eager for more.

This year’s New Talent brands are a lineup sure to make waves in the industry. Alectra Rothschild / Masculina, Rolf Ekroth, Stamm, and Berner Kühl will each show their collections, having embarked on mentor relationships set to open doors for the brands. But the wisdom shared isn’t only one-sided. Says Christensen of her role as a mentor, “I often find that I learn as much as a mentor as I teach,” the fresh perspectives offered by mentees going on to inspire Birger Christensen Collective as a whole. “Having worked for many years in different segments of the industry, I enjoy being able to shed light on some of the obstacles that are present when taking a brand to market and maintaining a strong business development strategy” Christensen says of the process. With that kind of expertise and munificence at play, it’s certain that these young talents are stepping into a bright future.