Between resilience and creativity-a ‘walk’ with ciff-measurement chef Sofie Dolva

With the guiding theme “Walk in the Park”, the 65th CIFF sets a conscious signal that the industry can also adapt and develop in difficult times, “explains Sofie Dolva. Mindful and timeless fashion are the focus of the trade fair chief.

Around 1,200 exhibiting and 18,300 visitors used the platform in Copenhagen in January, which corresponds to a slight increase compared to CIFF 63- a sign of the continuing relevance of the fair as a Nordic business and inspiration hub.

For the 65th edition, the ciffer invites you to a walk in the park. What is behind the concept?

“Walk in the Park” reflects the desire to reflect on simplicity, nature and timeless style. After years of turbulence in the industry, we wanted to create a space that is ground, inspiring and relevant.

The concept is to be understood literally and symbolically: a slower, more mindful handling of fashion and business, in which the visiting brands can discover in a fresh, inviting atmosphere. It is about creating inspiring moments and at the same time putting the core values of creativity and community back to the fore.

What does your perfect look look like for a walk in the park?

Personally, I would choose something relaxed but well -processed. Clear cuts combined with natural materials, comfortable shoes and maybe a small splash of color or a detail that exudes personality. Something that combines functionality with effortless elegance – the same balance that we also strive for at the ciff.

In this edition, the poppy flower appears as a symbol for “resilience, rebellion and renewal”. What does that mean for you as a trade fair organizer at a time when the global consumer mood is pressed?

It has a deep meaning for us. The poppy flower symbolizes that the industry can adapt and develop even in difficult times. As a trade fair organizer, we see ourselves as a sponsor of this renewal and offer a space in which resilience is celebrated and creativity thrives. The ciff is not just about business deals, but also about promoting optimism and dynamics in an industry that is constantly being reinvested.

How do you assess the situation in the Danish fashion industry?

The Danish fashion is still remarkably strong and innovative. Despite the economic pressure, Danish brands are still leading in terms of sustainability, craftsmanship and modern design. There is also a refreshing openness to cooperations and cross -sector innovations. We see that brands sharpen their storytelling strategies, become more agile and remain close to their communities. All of these are factors that help the industry survive even more difficult times.

Have you found changes in the consumer behavior of the DAND: inside?

Definitely. The Danish consumers: on the inside are becoming more and more selective. There is a clear trend towards fewer, but better products with a durable value. We also see a growing need for transparency and authenticity.

How do the brands react to it?

The brands react with a stronger emphasis on responsible production, timeless design and direct customer contact. It is less about constant innovations than about purpose -oriented collections.

To what extent does the overall economic situation also affect the fair?

Of course, macroeconomic conditions always have a certain influence. However, we have also found that in difficult times, the need for high -quality industry meetings such as the CIFF actually increases. Brands want to make buyers: meet the inside, strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities. Although the budgets are planned more carefully, we have a constant interest and positive commitment around the ciff, as we concentrate on the curating of added value.

Do you share your worries with you?

We have an open, continuous dialogue with our exhibitors: inside.

What topics are addressed?

For many, cost efficiency is currently in the foreground, which we fully understand. That is why we constantly check our offers, make adjustments wherever possible, and make sure that the brands have the feeling that they get high added value by participating. The aim is always to create a balanced relationship between affordability and an effective, high -quality experience.

What changes do you do for this issue?

This edition focuses even more on curating, with refined areas and storytelling. We improve the process of the fair and integrate fashion, lifestyle and emerging talents seamless.

We have also further developed our special campaigns, including intimate discussions, networking sessions and curated areas that promote both business and creative exchange. The overall experience will feel more coherent and inspiring.

In January, “Home and Living” brands were also presented as part of the New German concept. Will this segment be part of the fair without the show case?

Yes, the Home & Living segment remains an important part of the ciff, but is integrated more organically into the trade fair and is not presented separately. We believe that fashion, design and lifestyle are increasingly merge, and we want to reflect this in the visitor: indoor experience. Buyer: Inside looking for holistic concepts, and this integration supports this.

For the first time, they are also patron of the Newtalent program of the Copenhagen Fashion Week, which promotes up-and-coming brands beyond the duration of the fair. Tell us more about the long -term funding program.

Our commitment to Newtalent is part of a more comprehensive commitment to promote the next generation of designers: inside. We not only offer a platform during the ciff, but also support these brands throughout the year with mentoring, international presence and opportunities for business development. The aim is to help up -up brands to build sustainable companies with global potential.

This step brings together trade fair and fashion Week. Could the ciff also organize its own fashion shows and presentations in the future?

We see the strength of the ciff to create immersive brand experiences, not to replicate fashion Week shows. Nevertheless, we expand creative actions, pop-up presentations and curated storytelling formats. We are always open to the further development of the format, but our main focus is still on creating a strong B2B platform that complements the Copenhagen Fashion Week instead of competing with it.

With diesel as a special guest, a large Italian brand is in the spotlight this time. In which exhibitor countries could you see growth?

In particular from Italy, France and Germany, we have received gratifying growth. There was also another interest from Great Britain and an exciting dynamic of Scandinavian brands, including emerging Nordic designers: inside. The international reach is increasing again, which reflects the growing trust in the ciff as an important hub for Northern Europe.

Is that also reflected in the number of visitors last season?

Yes, last season we had a strong international participation, with more buyers from all over Europe and beyond. The combination of Ciff and Copenhagen Fashion Week continues to attract important visitors: inside, who are looking for both business opportunities and creative inspiration.

The relaunch of the kids concept is also part of the renewal. What changes for the children’s fashion segment?

The children’s fashion segment is refreshed with a stronger focus on quality, sustainability and lifestyle integration. We move from traditional segmentation and instead present children’s fashion alongside other relevant lifestyle categories, which makes it accessible to a wider buyer spectrum. The aim is to modernize the category, to highlight outstanding brands and to ensure that it is fully integrated into the CIFF overall experience.

This interview was led in writing and translated from English.