Fashion Forum: CIFF Reports Double-Digit Growth in the Number of Buyers
By Carla Christine Bruus Aagaard-Strube, August 2026.
After three days of trade fair in Bella Center, CIFF was able to take stock of the 67th edition of the fashion fair, which took place from 3 to 5 August at the same time as Copenhagen Fashion Week SS27. More than 1100 brands participated, while 194 international buyers and media were invited to Copenhagen through CIFF – and especially on the purchasing side, CIFF reports progress this season.
"CIFF 67 has been a strong season with double-digit growth in the number of buyers. We have experienced growth from the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, the Middle East and Asia, and in general, the quality of the visiting buyers has been high," says Sofie Dolva, CEO of CIFF.
According to Sofie Dolva, the feedback has also been positive among the participating brands.
"At the same time, we get very positive feedback from our brands, which are experiencing more and larger orders, especially with our Danish brands. We are also seeing more new customers across brands through our Concierge Programme, which among other things brings in several smaller multi-brand stores. Several of the stores that have come in through the program have not been in Copenhagen for several years, but have a great interest in Nordic brands. It is very positive to see the renewed interest in Copenhagen and in the Nordic brands among international buyers," she continues.
International buyers back in Copenhagen
The work of attracting international buyers has taken up more and more space at CIFF. Prior to this season, the fair had, among other things, had a special focus on strengthening relations with the Benelux, Poland and the Middle East, while at the same time expanding the network in Europe, Asia and North America. Through CIFF's Concierge Programme, representatives from a number of international department stores, retailers and multi-brand stores, including Galeries Lafayette, Liberty, Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Mytheresa, Rinascente, Antonioli, NK Retail, Ounass, Beymen, 10 Corso Como and Takashimaya, who visited the fair, which this year had let 'pool' be its recurring visual theme – which meant everything from 'wet' footprints, showers and swim rings.
More than the traditional fashion fair
Over the past few seasons, CIFF has worked to move away from the role of a traditional trade fair and towards a platform that works with brands and buyers all year round.
This was also expressed during CIFF 67, where the fair had added a number of new concepts and collaborations. Among the new names and players were 66°North, Oakley, Snow Peak, Complex Minds and Palmes Tennis Society, just as CIFF had established a separate beauty universe.
A new collaboration with New York-based retailer Cueva also blended wholesale and retail in a curated area with, among others, Barena, Doppiaa, YMC and Small Talk Studio. In another part of the fair, a new collaboration with Paraiso Miami Swim Week was presented with a focus on swimwear, resort wear andactivewear.
Rains also returned to CIFF, while Timberland was presented at the fair for the first time through Vernon Sport.
The increased focus on activewear and lifestyle could also be seen in the No Rules Running x CIFF initiative, developed in collaboration with Boozt.
From trade fair to year-round platform
The international buyer presence is also part of CIFF's broader strategy to develop the fair into a platform with activities and relationships that extend beyond the two annual editions in Bella Center.
"We are in the process of developing from being a trade fair to being a platform. We are not a hall with stands – we are the place where relationships are created and maintained, increasingly all year round rather than twice a year," said Sofie Dolva at the opening of CIFF 67.
In addition to the fair itself, this year's activities included CIFF Media Live, where conversations with international buyers, industry professionals and brands were recorded during the fair days, as well as the official CIFF Dinner at the Royal Danish Playhouse with almost 400 international buyers, brands, media and industry profiles.
CIFF has been held since 1993 and takes place twice a year in Bella Center in connection with Copenhagen Fashion Week. In recent years, the organization has also expanded its activities with a showroom in Paris during Paris Fashion Week as well as international events and pop-ups.
*This article has been translated from Danish into English.
