The designers also visited Copenhagen Fashion Week, the Danish Design Museum, and the Glyptotek Art Museum.
On the final day, the group went to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where they were welcomed by Marcus Aminaka Wilmont, head of the master’s programs. He introduced the designers to the textile and fashion workshopsand answered their questions.
Additionally, the group explored a local exhibition on creative processes, Artistic Methods in Architecture and Design.
Overall, the visit was an eye-opening experience, providing the designers with inspiration and valuable insights into potential export opportunities in Denmark.
Kätlin Kikkas (KÄT): “The study trip gave us a better understanding of competitors and a clearer view of our brand’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Hannes Rüütel (HANNES RÜÜTEL): “The greatest value was gaining a thorough overview of Danish and Nordic fashion. I realized that it’s not necessary to offer an entire collection to resellers, but rather products tailored to their market needs and color preferences. Direct connections with concept stores were also valuable and could be beneficial in the future.”
Birgit Usin (Birico): “The CIFF fair and study trip provided information that you simply can’t find online. I understood how different the Danish and Estonian markets are and how crucial it is for brands in Denmark to have a showroom or an agent. CIFF offered a comprehensive insight into the Danish market—from booth setups to trends and color schemes. The most valuable aspect was meeting local entrepreneurs.”
Eve Hanson (Eve Hanson): “The main value of the trip was exploring the CIFF fair. It was insightful to see which brands were represented and how they showcased their collections. Their displays, colors, and products set the tone for upcoming trends in fall fashion. The curated presentation of new-wave German fashion brands was particularly striking—it was bold and attention-grabbing. This could be an aspiration for Estonian designers to achieve similar representation at an international fair.”
“Observing Copenhagen’s street style and everyday fashion was also important, as Scandinavian countries are known for their minimalist dressing. This aesthetic is the foundation of my brand. Meeting Kristel Laurits at the Estonian Embassy was equally inspiring. It was valuable to learn about Danish design and get a feel for the market’s distinct style—very tasteful, simple, and even somewhat conservative. I believe Estonian brands have potential in this market, but entering it requires significant effort, as well as strong connections and good networking.”
