After six years away, Stockholm Fashion Week is returning from 2 to 5 June 2025 — and this time, the Swedish government is helping make it happen.
The fashion week was cancelled in 2019 because of money problems and the need to rethink its goals. Since then, only small or digital versions took place. In 2022, the Association of Swedish Fashion Brands (ASFB) organized a smaller event with studio visits and a few live shows. But now, it’s coming back in full.
This year’s fashion week will be bigger and more professional, giving Swedish designers a chance to show their collections to international buyers and media. For the first time, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs is supporting the event, showing that fashion is now seen as important for the country’s economy and image.
What’s New This Time?
One big change is that the shows won’t all be in one place. Instead, brands will choose their own locations around the city. This gives each show its own identity and makes the event more interesting. It also lets guests discover Stockholm while they watch the collections.
ASFB is also starting a new program called “STHLMFW Front” to support young designers. This will help new talents get noticed and connect with people in the industry.
Focus on Global Guests
Stockholm wants more attention from the international fashion world. To help with this, the Swedish Institute and Business Sweden will work on bringing buyers, while PR agency Patriksson Group will focus on international press. Designers can also choose who they invite, which gives them more control.
Sustainability Is Still Key
For Swedish fashion, being sustainable is already normal. ASFB’s director, John-Jamal Gille, said that Swedish brands don’t use fur or exotic leather anymore, so it was easy to agree to PETA’s request to ban them from the event. The focus is more on showing great design and connecting with the right people — not just talking about sustainability.
Why It Matters
Sweden has many talented designers, but the local market is small. Some brands show in Paris, Copenhagen, or New York, but not all can afford it. Bringing buyers and media to Stockholm gives them a better chance to grow without having to go abroad.
The government also sees fashion as part of Sweden’s creative industry. Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa said that Swedish fashion mixes strong design with sustainability and online innovation — and deserves a bigger place on the world stage.
The Vision
Gille said the new version of Stockholm Fashion Week is about giving power back to the designers. By making the event more flexible and focused on results, he hopes it will help Swedish fashion grow globally in a smart, modern way.
