Frederik Berner Kühl’s latest menswear collection for Spring 2026, showcased during Copenhagen's fashion season, offered a unique and intimate presentation rather than a conventional runway show. This approach underscores the designer's core philosophy: a deep commitment to exceptional quality and the creation of lasting pieces, rather than chasing ephemeral fashion spectacles. The collection draws inspiration from the profound connection between our personal living environments and the clothing we choose to inhabit, transforming garments into cherished extensions of our daily lives.
Berner Kühl Redefines Menswear Presentation with "Inhabited Spaces" Concept
In a refreshing departure from traditional fashion events, designer Frederik Berner Kühl unveiled his Spring 2026 menswear collection not on a bustling runway, but through an thoughtfully curated presentation at Copenhagen's esteemed Brigade Gallery. This innovative format, chosen for the second consecutive season, provided a serene backdrop that perfectly complemented the collection's thematic depth. The inspiration for this season's designs stemmed from the intimate concept of "inhabited spaces" and the symbiotic relationship between our inner lives and the clothes we wear.
To bring this vision to life, Berner Kühl meticulously transformed the gallery space into a cozy, lived-in environment. He incorporated select pieces of furniture and decorative objects directly from his and his partner’s personal apartment, including an iconic Wegner airport chair and an elegant Egon Eiermann desk. The walls of the gallery were adorned with artworks specially curated by Berner Kühl from the gallery’s own collection, further enhancing the atmosphere of a private, artistic sanctuary. Models, moving with unhurried grace, meandered through these artfully constructed domestic scenes, settling comfortably among the furnishings. This seamless integration of models and environment made it delightfully challenging at times to distinguish the professional figures from the stylish, discerning guests observing the presentation, blurring the lines between art, fashion, and everyday life.
The collection itself exuded a comforting and inviting aesthetic. Soft cotton-silk cardigans were elegantly layered over knit sweaters, paired with rich brown corduroy trousers reminiscent of classic 1970s sofa textures. Embracing the collection's domestic theme, Berner Kühl thoughtfully selected heavier fabrics for this season. He ingeniously repurposed deadstock silk polyesters and wools—materials that might typically be destined for household textiles like curtains—into impeccably tailored outerwear, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and resourceful design. Complementing these structured pieces were lightweight shirts, deliberately crafted to evoke the relaxed comfort of pajamas, yet designed with a versatility that allows them to transition effortlessly from the private sphere of the home to the outside world.
For Frederik Berner Kühl, who was profoundly influenced by his mother's passion for interior design, garments are not merely transient fashion items. He posits that clothing should command the same enduring value and appreciation as the treasured objets d'art that enrich our living spaces. As he articulated with insightful precision, “These are things we really cherish when used, and then we keep them for ages. Our clothing can be used for as long a time, so it becomes part of your personal collection—you actually start collecting clothing like you would collect objects.” This philosophy encourages a conscious approach to consumption, viewing each garment as a potential heirloom, a piece to be loved, used, and integrated into one's evolving personal narrative over time.
The Enduring Value of Personal Style and Sustainable Choices
This presentation by Berner Kühl serves as a profound reminder that true luxury in fashion extends beyond fleeting trends and embraces the enduring qualities of craftsmanship, personal connection, and thoughtful design. In an era often dominated by rapid consumption, the designer's emphasis on creating "cherished objects" from clothing challenges us to reconsider our relationship with our wardrobes. It inspires a more sustainable mindset, urging us to invest in pieces that offer longevity and personal significance, rather than discarding items after a single season. The merging of interior design principles with fashion encourages a holistic view of personal style, suggesting that our clothing, much like our homes, should be spaces of comfort, reflection, and enduring beauty. This thoughtful approach not only enriches our individual lives but also paves the way for a more responsible and meaningful future for the fashion industry.