Press Release: Around 100 leading brands joins Mandatory CPH, the new fashion trade platform in Scandinavia

June 26 - 28, 2024, will be the dates for a new and elevated fashion trade experience in Copenhagen presenting womenswear and menswear collections from leading Scandinavian and International brands.

Mandatory CPH, the premier independent multi-brand showroom, is set to transform the fashion trade landscape in Scandinavia already this June. Born from the industry's desire to unite like-minded brands early in the buying season, Mandatory CPH offers a unique ‘by appointment only’ showroom experience in a professional and familiar atmosphere.

Mandatory CPH is located in Øksnehallen, the heart of Copenhagen's meatpacking district building on the city's dynamic and vibrant energy.

Behind Mandatory CPH is Mads M. Petersen, who is bringing more than 25 years of fashion industry experience into the project. Mads has global experience with digital platforms as well as physical shows being the co-director of CIFF from 2013-2020. On board for the project is also Clara Leone, who joined Mandatory CPH as a partner from May 1st:

“I’m super happy and proud that Clara Leone has agreed to join Mandatory CPH as my partner. Clara knows the industry from her former role as Director at Revolver Trade Show and Scandinavian Manifesto by Revolver at Pitti Uomo in Florence. Clara’s skills, network and relations within the Scandinavian and International fashion trade industry is second to none.” - Mads M. Petersen.

By bringing together Scandinavian and international fashion brands, distributors and agencies, Mandatory CPH creates an exclusive experience for the buyers with an ‘by appointment only’ approach.

“At Blender Group, we’re looking forward for some great days in Copenhagen presenting our brands in this new format. To us the ‘by appointment only’ is very appealing as we have been on the outlook for a Scandinavian setup matching our brand mix and the exclusive feeling of a more curated platform welcoming buyers in a more intimate and personal setting.” - Kyrre Alver, owner of Blender Group.

The new Copenhagen initiative and the choice of dates, June 26 - 28, 2024, is backed by Joe Sharpe, Managing Director of Options Distribution: 

"Mandatory is a long-awaited necessity for Copenhagen and our industry. 

The Brand mix and the organization are super strong and the dates are finally correct,- following the international calendar. We look forward to meeting the industry and doing great business at Mandatory together with all our like-minded colleagues.” 

In the showroom, buyers will also find local brands like mfpen, Henrik Vibskov and Hope in a strong mix with International like-minded brands such as Missoni, Sunspel, Aspesi and Frizmworks. The lineup of brands will be announced on all Mandatory CPH platforms from early May.

Mandatory CPH will run bi-annually, and while the dates are set for June 2024 for the SS25 season, the dates for the AW25 season are still to be revealed. 

Touching upon the dates, Mandatory CPH is born as an add-on for the industry running independently, but in alignment with the International fashion and market calendar including Copenhagen Fashion Week. Mads M. Petersen explains:

“Where Copenhagen Fashion Week stands out as a leading player with showcases of runway shows, presentations and talks in August, Mandatory CPH is simply a showroom supporting the brands with a platform for trade at an earlier timing in the season”.

Partnership with NuORDER by Lightspeed

The full brand list will be announced continuously on all Mandatory CPH platforms and will from the very first season partner up with the digital global B2B platform NuORDER by Lightspeed.

“The NuORDER by Lightspeed team is excited and honored to be partnering with Mandatory CPH to host a new style of order platform that will bring contemporary/luxury brands, agents, distributor and retailers together in an environment designed to promote trade and strategic partnerships above all other things. This show will be the first of many industry changing regional events that will enable brands and retailers to expand their networks, grow their businesses, and deepen their partnerships.” says Mike Ganci, General Manager at NuORDER by Lightspeed. 

Mandatory CPH presents both menswear and womenswear collections.