Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26: Palestine takes Center Stage
Scandinavian model and musician, Jura and attendees make headlines standing in solidarity with Gaza at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026.
When thinking of global fashion weeks, Paris or Milan often come to mind before Copenhagen. However, Copenhagen Fashion Week’s dedication to sustainability and creativity sets it apart in the high-fashion world. CPHFW has cemented itself not only as a platform to showcase designs but also as a cultural and political stage. It is the first fashion week in the world to enforce mandatory sustainability requirements for fashion designers: 18 standards such as responsible fabric sourcing, waste reduction, diversity, and ethical working conditions. This cultural and political role was especially clear during Copenhagen Spring/Summer 2026, which took place earlier this month. The acts of solidarity with Palestine from models and attendees during CPHFW, are an example of using fashion as not only a creative form of expression but a vehicle for political activism and resistance.
The biggest headline made from CPHFW is when Scandinavian model and musician Jura (@jura_indexspring) used her time on the runway to protest against the genocide happening in Gaza during the Marimekko Spring/Summer 2026 show. The show was filled with florals and bright colors, the show had an upbeat and playful vibe, contrasting with Jura’s urgent message, making it even more impactful. Dressed in a teal-green mini dress adorned with pastel pink flowers, Jura strutted down the runway and just as she reached center stage, pulled out a Palestinian flag with the words “ACT NOW AGAINST GENOCIDE”. Her use of her platform and privilege to acknowledge the systemic violence and ongoing genocide of the Palestinian population in Gaza is important. The more people who speak out and act in solidarity, the harder it becomes to ignore the atrocities.
We live in a world with censored media; it is up to us, the people, to keep talking about it.
Jura’s message was clear and encouraged everyone to confront the uncomfortable yet devastating truth: the genocide in Gaza is dire. The “conflict” did not start on October 7, 2023. Additionally, I did want to note that I use the term “political” in this context loosely, as it is fundamentally a human issue. Palestinians in Gaza have been subjected to systemic violence and oppression for generations, living life under an inhumane blockade. The constant bombings and lack of access to necessities such as food, clean water, medical services, and medicine are manufactured by some of the world’s most powerful leaders. In an Instagram caption, Jura writes,
“The thing is, there is no future for us without Palestine. Don’t you get it? If we accept for Israel to starve away all of Palestine now, we accept the world’s wealthiest to control what minorities are up next for g-cide. Don’t you get it? What happens to Palestine is everyone’s future.”
CPHFW has also gained a reputation for its amazing street style. So much so that international photographers always come to CPHFW to capture the looks beyond the runway. This season, attendees stood in solidarity with Palestine fashionably, keffiyehs were draped over shoulders, tied to bags, worn as skirts, and more. The keffiyeh is a traditional Arab headdress and was historically worn by nomadic communities in the Levant. It is made of cotton, woven with a distinctive criss-cross pattern. The patterns on the keffiyeh are representative of important aspects of Palestinian life: the bold black stripes on the edges represent historical trade routes in Palestine, the fishnet-like design represents sailors and the Mediterranean Sea, and the curvy lines represent olive trees, an important symbol of Palestinian culture.
I also want to take a moment to make a PSA as well: it is VERY important to educate yourself on the meaning of any cultural garment you wear, and it is equally as important to ensure the places you buy these garments are ethically sourced and are from the communities they represent. To be able to truly appreciate and stand in solidarity with Palestine, before wearing the keffiyeh, please ensure the way you wear it is respectful, and you know the history and origins of it.
It is inspiring to see political statements made both on the runway and in the streets of Copenhagen this year, especially at a globally acclaimed event like CPFW. Alana Hadid, Palestinian activist and creative director of Watermelon Pictures (also Bella Hadid’s older sister), was spotted wearing a beautiful black and white keffiyeh dress from @m.a.i.ll.i.w by fashion designer William. The layered, floor-length dress was styled with a black leather jacket, making it a powerful and chic statement.
Other guests in attendance wore the keffiyeh fashionably in solidarity with Palestine. Here were some of my personal favorites I saw, shout out to Hypebeast for capturing street style that reflects a powerful political message.
All photo credits to Hypebeast.
The intersection of fashion and politics was highlighted this season in Copenhagen, and it is a reminder to us all of how important it is to collectively stand together for what we believe in. Fashion is a form of self-expression, but can also be used as a powerful political statement and form of resistance. CPHFW had a plethora of talented fashion designers showcasing beautiful Scandinavian-influenced designs, but ultimately, the collective solidarity for Palestine amongst those in attendance stole the show. A glimmer of hope for humanity and togetherness during trying times.
