Rolf Ekroth SS26: Into The Woods With Whimsy And Function

On the second day of Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26, Finnish label Rolf Ekroth stepped away from the city’s usual sleek venues and into nature—literally. For the brand’s first-ever outdoor presentation, guests were guided to a hidden forest pocket within the city, where the runway was nothing more (and nothing less) than a winding, sunlit path softened by a gentle haze of smoke. The crowd lined up between tall trees and perched on small grassy hills, watching models emerge through the dappled light like characters from a storybook.

Function Meets Playfulness

Ekroth’s work has always been rooted in practical, outdoor-ready design, but this season came with a twist: playful polka dots splashed across pieces, injecting a dose of humor into the label’s technical DNA. The collection balanced pocket-heavy, patchworked jackets with baggy cargo trousers, all rendered in earthy tones punctuated by artfully mismatched patterns. There was a tactile richness to it—clashing textures layered together in a way that felt intentional and deeply personal.

A New Chapter in an Established Language

While the forest setting offered a sense of intimacy, the clothes themselves spoke in Ekroth’s familiar language of utility, adaptability, and ease of movement. But SS26 wasn’t just about sticking to the script—it was about showing that function doesn’t have to mean monotony. The whimsical detailing, unexpected prints, and bursts of pattern gave the collection a lightness that matched the sun filtering through the leaves.

Rolf Ekroth’s SS26 was more than a runway—it was an escape, a moment where fashion met nature without losing its edge. In the quiet between the trees, with the smoke curling through the sunlight, the brand’s vision became crystal clear: practicality and poetry can walk the same path.