The Scandinavian aesthetic is often described as “minimalism.” Ironically, when it comes to clothing, “minimalism” only scratches the surface of what Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have to offer. One look at the street style from Copenhagen Fashion Week, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, suggests that “expressiveness” is a more accurate term. Copenhagen Fashion Week is also a leader in sustainability—not just an addition to the traditional fashion calendar, but a full-fledged player shaping the industry’s rules. Scandinavian fashion brands have long been Vogue favorites, from those who create iconic pieces time and time again to those who rely on natural fibers and are inspired by the North Jutland coast. And we invite you to get to know the already iconic Scandinavian brands and, quite possibly, discover new names for yourself. Here are 11 of them.
Jeanette Madsen and
Samsøe Samsøe
Samsøe Samsøe started out as a small jewelry store in Copenhagen in 1993, but within seven years the brand had changed direction when Peter Sextus and Per-Ulrik Andersen took over. Since then, the brand has grown into a full-fledged casual clothing label. Its aesthetic is heavily influenced by Copenhagen street style: the silhouettes and palette are understated, but it is in this understatedness that the true cool Scandinavian cool lies.
Samsøe Samsøe 
Samsøe Samsøe 
Samsøe Samsøe 
Samsøe Samsøe
Ganni
Ganni is responsible for many of the trends that are now associated with Danish fashion: acid checks, perforated ballet flats, cowboy boots with contrasting stitching. Thanks to the #GanniGirls community and a global fan base that occasionally shows up at Paris Fashion Week, the brand has achieved incredible success under the leadership of husband and wife team Nicolai and Ditte Refstrup. A transparent approach to sustainability and legendary parties during Copenhagen Fashion Week have only strengthened the brand's cult status.
Ganni 
Ganni 
Ganni 
Ganni
Cecilie Bahnsen
Cecile Bunsen's signature style is cloud-like dresses made of jacquard and textured cotton in black, white or the softest pastel shades. However, these looks are not at all obtrusive – they are completely modern and have already become a real sensation. Collaborations with Asics and The North Face, which included luxurious down jackets and tulip-shaped skirts, only added to the brand's recognition among the underground fashionistas.
CECILIE BAHNSEN 
CECILIE BAHNSEN 
CECILIE BAHNSEN 
CECILIE BAHNSEN
Totem
The Scandinavian aesthetic is much more than monochrome stereotypes, but at the same time, no one masters the art of minimalism like Scandinavia. Stockholm-based brand Totême, founded by Elin Kling and Carl Lindman, has become synonymous with quiet luxury on a par with The Row. Its iconic pieces – coats with contrasting stitches and scarves, ankle boots-stockings, silk sets with a monogram – inspire numerous interpretations. The brand's team perfectly understands the concept of a capsule wardrobe, combining it with unprecedented understated beauty.
Totem 
Totem 
Totem 
Totem
Rotate Birger Christensen
At the other end of the spectrum is Rotate Birger Christensen. The Copenhagen-based brand, founded by street style icons Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars, focuses less on basics and more on looks for those who are always the life of the party. Dramatic 1980s silhouettes and striking fabrics define the brand's DNA. At the same time, the label successfully works with knitwear, such as peplum cardigans, and casual pieces, such as striped jersey skirts.
Rotate Birger Christensen 
Rotate Birger Christensen 
Rotate Birger Christensen 
Rotate Birger Christensen
By Malene Birger
By Malene Birger is a brand that knows how to combine minimalism with interesting design solutions. A leather jacket with a funnel collar paired with a voluminous skirt is a vivid example of this. Spring collections are traditionally built on a neutral palette with warm “biscuit” and oatmeal shades, as well as on soft fabrics – silk, satin and suede.
By Malene Birger 
By Malene Birger 
By Malene Birger 
By Malene Birger
Holzweiler
Holzweiler returns to Copenhagen Fashion Week for the fall/winter 2026/2027 season. The brand was founded in 2012 by brother and sister Susanne and Andreas Holzweiler, who interestingly started with scarves. The brand has since expanded into casual wear, creating functional yet aesthetic pieces for an active lifestyle. Regular shows at London Fashion Week have helped them build a reputation for their cashmere pieces, down jackets and chunky footwear.
Holzweiler 
Holzweiler 
Holzweiler 
Holzweiler
Acne Studios
Acne Studios needs no introduction. It was with its launch in 1997 that Scandinavian style began to assert itself on the global fashion map. Today, the brand is part of Paris Fashion Week and counts Doechii, Charli XCX and Rosalie among its fans. Initially, the brand focused on raw denim, and while jeans still remain the heart of the collections, checkered scarves, “worn” leather and a non-trivial approach to prints are no less iconic.
Acne Studios 
Acne Studios 
Acne Studios 
Acne Studios
Bite Studios
Many of the brands on this list have sustainable practices, but Bite Studios deserves special attention. The brand name is an acronym for “By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress.” The brand's design aesthetic is based on what they call “expressive minimalism,” with an emphasis on timeless basics. Of particular note are the perfectly tailored long-sleeves and jeans that easily integrate into any wardrobe.
Bite Studios 
Bite Studios 
Bite Studios 
Bite Studios
Stine Goya
Stine Goya shows are always an emotional experience that makes you smile. One of the most memorable shows took place right on the street where the brand's founder lives, at long tables filled with retro jelly desserts. The brand's designs are full of joy: from expressive shapes to bright prints. Sets with ruffles and playful floral dresses have become a characteristic part of the brand's stylistic DNA.
Stine Goya 
Stine Goya 
Stine Goya 
Stine Goya
Skall Studio
Skall Studio is run by sisters Julie and Marie Skall, and the brand started taking a conscious approach to fashion long before it became a trend. Natural fibers and honest production are the priority here. The family's connection to the beaches of North Jutland has been a source of inspiration: shells have always been an important symbol for the family, as the founders' great-grandfather made a living collecting and selling them. Today, Skall Studio is known for its elegant shirts, knitwear, denim and dresses that are equally appropriate in the city or for the slower life on the coast.
Skall Studio 
Skall Studio 
Skall Studio 
Skall Studio
Based on materials from vogue.co.uk