The Garment Spring 2026: A Quiet Elegance at Copenhagen Fashion Week

Beneath the grand stone arches of Christiansborg Ridebane, the royal stables of Christiansborg Palace, The Garment staged one of the most serene and quietly powerful shows of Copenhagen Fashion Week. The setting, steeped in history dating back to 1740, served as more than just a picturesque backdrop, it echoed the equestrian undercurrent of the collection without being literal. As models glided along the sunlit corridor, the vaulted arches framed an offering that felt timeless, polished, and profoundly modern. Charlotte Eskildsen’s vision this season was one of ease, balance, and fluidity, offering a wardrobe that speaks to the confident minimalism of Scandinavian style while flirting with elements of heritage and craft.

The Christiansborg Ridebane is not a space one easily forgets: its sweeping stone architecture and royal resonance made it an inspired choice for Eskildsen’s show. But this was not about nostalgia; it was about using the language of history to amplify a forward-facing aesthetic. The equestrian reference came through subtly, never theatrically, seen in the way coats swung with the precision of riding habits or the manner in which boots were integrated into styling.

The vaulted arches’ rhythm mirrored the soft yet structured silhouettes that paraded beneath them, creating an interplay of tradition and progression. This dynamic set the tone for a collection that honored the codes of sophistication while embracing a relaxed, almost nonchalant attitude toward dressing.

If colour is a storyteller, Eskildsen’s narrative was one of quiet luxury. The collection leaned heavily on a foundation of earthy neutrals: chalk whites, creamy beiges, and muted browns, reinforced by grounding black accents that gave the lineup a sense of structure. These hues felt organic against the sandy tones of the venue, making the clothes appear as natural extensions of their surroundings.

Eskildsen kept things fresh, adding gentle pops of colour that gave the collection a poetic touch. Baby pink slipped in like a blush on a  knitted top, butter yellow brightened skirts, and a whisper of periwinkle ran through a light and airy top. These touches of colour were never forced; they hummed with subtle beauty rather than screamed for attention, maintaining the collection’s minimal elegance while refreshing its visual rhythm.

Fabric was at the heart of Eskildsen’s storytelling this season. She worked with a tactile vocabulary that emphasized breathability, softness, and movement. Chiffons and linens dominated, their airy qualities allowing silhouettes to float rather than cling. Cotton-nylon blends offered a technical twist, introducing a windbreaker-like functionality that balanced romance with practicality. Wide-legged trousers in crisp, lightweight cotton had the dreamy appeal of pajama dressing but retained polish thanks to structured waistbands and subtle pleating.

Knitwear appeared in the form of loosely woven sweaters, styled over fluid trousers or layered beneath structured outerwear, creating contrasts that added depth to the collection. Broderie anglaise pieces provided a nod to craft and femininity, while crochet dresses, inspired by vintage French finds, introduced artisanal charm. However, Eskildsen’s clever use of these decorative elements ensured they never tipped into costume territory. Instead, they served as counterpoints to the clean-lined tailoring that anchored the collection, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between softness and strength.

Eskildsen’s design language has always spoken in tones of quiet power, and this season, she sharpened that voice through crisp tailoring fused with whispers of polo elegance and a dash of bohemian ease. Floor length jackets were reimagined through simple, boxy  cuts softened by curved shoulders and sharp lapels paired with fitted proportions. These pieces nodded to traditional workwear while stripping away rigidity, creating a sense of lived-in ease.

The polo influence was suggested through sleek double-breasted blazers, pocket squares and the occasional riding boot, grounding the collection in the equestrian spirit of its setting. Meanwhile, voluminous skirts and loose fitting trousers introduced a sense of movement, blurring the lines between streetwear and resort dressing. Tailored sharp tops and bohemian blouses brought fluidity to the mix, while lace collars and scalloped edges added a romantic undertone, creating a dialogue between masculine tailoring and feminine detailing.

Styling played a crucial role in reinforcing the collection’s ethos of ease meeting elegance. Footwear choices told a story of grounding, ballet pointed flats adorned with crochet straps, sturdy loafers with a utilitarian edge, and equestrian-inspired boots that referenced heritage without veering into pastiche. Bags were soft and slouchy, often carried casually in hand, complementing the relaxed nature of the clothes or rounded and structured creating the perfect balance between work and play.

Every look seemed to inhabit a duality: poised yet effortless, refined yet approachable. An oversized trench draped over a loose-knit sweater felt as appropriate for an artist’s studio as it did for an urban commute. A sharply tailored black blazer layered over a scalloped blouse and drawstring trousers transformed office codes into something far freer. This adaptability is perhaps the greatest strength of Eskildsen’s work, it allows the wearer to navigate different worlds with the same ease that these garments moved through the sunlit arches of Christiansborg.