Sunflower Stripped Down: Collection 16
The Danish menswear brand presented a collection during CPHFW AW26 that took us back to the basics.
Though at first glance, Danish menswear brand Sunflower’s Collection 16 seems an assortment of simple staples, the charm of the range lies in its minute details. The collection takes audiences back to the basics — without being basic in nature. The pieces surely don’t lack nuance, but rather, they place an emphasis on clarity and intentional design.
Founder Ulrik Pederson is known to instill the brand’s collections with a sense of youthful energy, bolstered by dynamic textiles and hints of vibrant color. The label, born in 2018, has played into a ‘70s-inspired aesthetic for most of its previous runway collections showcased at CPHFW. But this time around, Pederson wanted to dig deeper than passé trends and surface-level expression. He chose to present the range at Copenhagen’s Library Bar, a historic spot in the city characterized by moody, antique decor — it’s been a mainstay since the ‘70’s, and it perfectly mirrored the collection’s earnestness.
“It felt natural to slow down and look at what remains once that energy settles. We wanted to honor men who have gathered substance along the way — people shaped by work, failure, learning and time,” Pederson expressed. “The collection is made up of classic pieces with interesting cuts. For us, it’s a matter of creating pieces that look super cool on the runway, but they also have to be wearable.”
The brand’s key designs themselves have been shaped by a sense of evolution — some Collection 16 pieces build off of core fan-favorite silhouettes, like worn-in denim or tailored suiting. Key garments include an earth-toned corduroy suit — elevated by its intriguing tactile feel — a utility-inspired green bomber, a shearling-lined leather jacket and trench coats that add the cherry on top to layered looks.
The pieces aren’t performative in nature; instead, they’re meant to be brought to life by the performer. A muted color palette allows the uncomplicated silhouettes to shine through, while a couple of knits show off eye-catching tones of cobalt blue and pink. Contrasting textures play up the balance between utility and poise that Sunflower continually masters.
On the feet, the brand brought forth a new collaboration with Italian footwear brand Diemme. Mirroring the range’s no-fuss essence, the boots are meant to be truly lived in. The collaborative designs combine rich Italian leather with a solid, resilient sole — continuing to reinforce the high-low essence that permeates the whole range.
Take a look through the range to see Collection 16, Sunflower stripped down.
