As the next Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) prepares for next week, and is due to start on August 9, participating brands are also eager to take part in what will be the first edition of the show in which rival Revolver will be fully integrated. As the event settles into this expansion, it has also begun to welcome a series of new brands that will be on display at the Danish show for the first time. Ahead of the show, FashionUnited highlighted some of the apparel brands to watch at the upcoming CIFF.
ATP workshop
The accessories brand ATP Atelier was founded by two close friends and was born from the desire to create shoes and leather goods that combine “contemporary Scandinavian design and authentic Italian craftsmanship”. The brand’s mission was to approach the concept of luxury through a sustainable mindset that also sought to make a difference in the lives of women. Now in its 12th year, ATP Atelier prides itself on its intentional use of thoughtful materials, such as vegetable-tanned Tuscan cowhide leather, patent-pending metal-free nappa, and chrome-free Saffiano leather. Each of the materials is used for a number of the brand’s products because of their durable qualities that make them last longer, break down better, or require less water.
- Target audience: The brand says its muse is chic, smart and conscious, but not perfect. “She is blessed, but also stressed,” a press release noted.
- Points of sale: ATP is present in Scandinavia, as well as in cities such as London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Sydney, where it can be found in high-end boutiques and department stores, such as The Outnet, LuisaViaRoma, Yoox, Fashionette, Vanilla, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Browns
- Price: While the shoes range from 180 to 790 pounds, depending on the style, her bags can be found at prices ranging from 320 pounds to around 720 pounds. Her accessories, which include scarves, beauty cases and small leather cases, range from 18 pounds to 220 pounds.
- Production: ATP Atelier collections are designed in Stockholm and handmade in Tuscany, where the brand says it has a long-standing relationship with suppliers and “laboratori” factories housing up to 20 employees. Its aim is to protect the Italian artisan tradition of handcrafted leather goods with the aim of promoting both social sustainability and shorter delivery times.
Aiayu
Founded in 2005 in the city of Copenhagen, Aiayu has established itself as a nature-focused brand that offers both clothing and home accessories. Led by creative director Maria Høgh and CEO Maria Glæsel, the brand releases two collections a year, featuring pieces said to be made from natural materials. In fact, according to Aiayu, around 30% of its products are completely undyed, and it places particular emphasis on the durability and reparability of its items to drive home the importance of the brand’s sustainability values.
- Bestseller: The classic Aiayu shirt, available in a variety of colors and made from 100% Chetna cotton
- Target audience: The brand’s primary consumer is female, but it has offered a men’s capsule in the past and is also set to launch a small unisex collection.
- Points of sale: Four own stores – one in Aarhus and three in Copenhagen, one of which is a place for samples, archive styles and the brand’s repair service. Aiayu also works with international wholesalers in Denmark, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Sweden, among other regions. It just hired its first international sales manager earlier this year as it seeks to expand its wholesale business internationally
- Price: Retail prices range from 80 euros for a long-sleeved T-shirt to 680 euros for a coat. For accessories, prices vary between 20 euros for socks and 420 euros for a scarf.
- Production: The company releases two collections a year and produces, among other places, in Bolivia, Nepal, India and, more recently, in Italy, Portugal and Turkey.
Pass
Just launched this year, Swedish label Past Tense offers a fresh take on high-end Scandinavian menswear through a slow approach to clothing. The brand itself was formed by creative director Victor Lindh and commercial director Adrien Forray, who both have prestigious backgrounds having worked at Kering, Burberry, Neil Barrett and Axel Arigato. With Past Tense, however, the duo aim to offer fewer, but higher quality products, while emphasizing craftsmanship and longevity at the heart of the brand. While her debut collection for AW23 focused on introducing the brand’s ethos and drew inspiration from utilitarian and industrial design, her SS24 collection expands on these qualities through distinct silhouettes and elevated fabrics, forming a “garde- well-organized dress that transcends time”.
- Bestseller: As a new brand, information on bestsellers is limited, but the company said it is developing a strong product offering in outerwear and knitwear in line with Scandinavian minimalist design values.
- Target audience: Past Tense’s target customers are men between the ages of 25 and 45, who love contemporary fashion and aspire to buy luxury items. The brand offers a “luxury product experience at a contemporary price”, with the choice of materials and the level of craftsmanship
- Points of sale: Launching wholesale in showrooms this SS24 season in the fall, the next collection is the first to be offered to wholesale partners. The company is currently integrating a handful of contemporary fashion and luxury stores across Europe for SS24 and is in discussions with department stores and online players for the upcoming season.
- Production: Materials and garments are sourced and handcrafted in Europe, with 90% of the collection coming from Italy and Portugal. Most manufacturing partners are long-time relationships of the founders