Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid and Copenhagen Fashion Week Explore Alliance to Strengthen Creative Dialogue

Copenhagen Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid have entered into a collaboration that strengthens the connection between two of the main European fashion platforms and opens a space for creative, strategic and professional exchange between both projects.

This collaboration is the result of a lengthy work process and a specific strategic effort to bring both organisations together. The results will be seen during the next edition of both gateways, within the framework of the AW 2026 season. The initial phase is conceived as a starting point to explore synergies, share knowledge, and lay the foundations for a long-term relationship between both fashion weeks.

The relationship between MBFWMadrid and Copenhagen Fashion Week is rooted in mutual recognition of excellence and innovation in the fashion industry. By making sustainability the centre of its strategy, Copenhage has transformed from a niche fashion event into an international benchmark, inspiring Madrid to explore internationalisation paths through alliances with other leading fashion weeks. Thanks to the hard work of Ana Antic, CEO of Antic and member of the MBFWMadrid Fashion Committee, it has been possible to align on common goals, such as promoting emerging talent, encouraging differentiation, and valuing street style as a key element of the runway and city image.

“We have entered into a constructive dialogue to establish a bridge for the exchange of talent and knowledge between both platforms. Our work together is being consolidated in preparation for August and September, which are emerging as strategic milestones to strengthen this initiative. This agreement reflects the current phase of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid: a stage of ambition, with a clear focus on internationalisation and differentiation through craftsmanship. Copenhage is established as a leader in sustainability, and in Madrid, we are committed to highlighting the excellence and uniqueness of Spanish craftsmanship as a strategic asset of our growth,” said Valentina Suárez-Zuloaga, creative director of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid.

In this context, MBFWMadrid will be present at the AW26 edition of Copenhagen Fashion Week, which will be held from 26 to 30 January 2026, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Danish catwalk. Madrid's participation in Copenhage will allow the MBFWMadrid team to garner first-hand experience of the creative and business ecosystem of CPHFW, as well as connect with the main players in the international industry.

In the words of Arancha Priede, Director General of Trade Fair and Congresses at IFEMA MADRID, “this collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week represents an important step within our growth and internationalisation strategy. From IFEMA MADRID, we work to consolidate MBFWMadrid as an increasingly connected, relevant platform that is open to dialogue with major European players.

The collaboration will continue in Madrid in March, with Copenhagen Fashion Week, led by its management team, present at MBFWMadrid, to deepen the dialogue between both platforms and continue building a shared vision of European fashion.

"Copenhagen Fashion Week has always been dedicated to building constructive alliances with its fellow global organisations and representative bodies, so it has been a pleasure to commence the dialogue with Madrid Fashion Week and move towards a partnership together in 2026. We hope we can continue to build our global network in order to build a stronger, more resilient, and bright future for fashion and the wider creative communities. “ - Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO Copenhagen Fashion Week.

The agreement boosts MBFWMadrid's international vocation and its commitment to connecting creative capitals, advocating for fashion that is open to exchange, innovation, and joint growth within the European context. 

About Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Spain's greatest fashion event and a reference platform for the international projection of national creative talent, organised by IFEMA MADRID with the support of the Madrid City Council, is held twice a year in Hall 14.1 of the Recinto Ferial and in a selection of representative venues in the city, becoming a key showcase for contemporary design. MBFWMadrid presents the collections of the most renowned designers on the current scene, along with the proposals of new generations of creators through the EGO catwalk, consolidating its role as a promoter of Spanish fashion at all stages.