Anne Sofie Madsen

SUMMARY

As of September 2025, the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design in Copenhagen is led by Anne Sofie Madsen, a distinguished Danish designer acclaimed for her deconstructed tailoring and innovative approach to fashion.

PROFILE

Anne Sophie Madsen established her eponymous label in 2011, quickly gaining international acclaim and a regular slot at Paris Fashion Week. After a hiatus in 2017 due to creative burnout, she returned to the fashion scene in 2024 with a focused 18-look collection, signaling a new chapter in her career. In addition to her design work, Madsen has been serving as the head of SAFD, where she continues to influence the next generation of fashion talent.

Under Madsen’s leadership, SAFD has maintained its reputation as Denmark’s oldest and most prestigious fashion design institution, founded in 1931 by Grethe Glad. The school offers a rigorous three-year education in fashion design, emphasizing creativity, craftsmanship, and critical thinking. SAFD’s curriculum combines traditional techniques with contemporary design practices, preparing students for careers in both the fashion industry and academia. The institution also hosts an annual graduate show during Copenhagen Fashion Week, showcasing the work of emerging designers.

Madsen’s dual role as both a practicing designer and an educator reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia. Her involvement in SAFD allows her to impart real-world experience to students, fostering a learning environment that values both artistic expression and professional development. This integration of teaching and practice ensures that SAFD remains at the forefront of fashion education, adapting to the evolving demands of the global fashion landscape.

In her recent collection, Madsen collaborated with stylist Caroline Clante, emphasizing a philosophy of slow growth and creative fulfillment. This approach mirrors the values she instills at SAFD, where students are encouraged to develop their unique voices and sustainable practices. By prioritizing quality over quantity and fostering a supportive community, Madsen aims to redefine success in the fashion industry, aligning with broader movements towards inclusivity and sustainability.

Through her leadership at SAFD and her innovative design work, Anne Sofie Madsen continues to shape the future of fashion in Denmark and beyond. Her dedication to education and sustainable design practices positions her as a pivotal figure in the contemporary fashion landscape, influencing both emerging designers and established industry professionals.

REFERENCES

• “The 10 Best Danish Fashion Designers You Need To Know”. CultureTrip.
• “Anne Sofie Madsen – SS [Spring/Summer] 2013”. Vogue Italy. 
• “Anne Sofie Madsen”. The Last magazine. 
• Textiles and Fashion: Exploring Printed Textiles, Knitwear, Embroidery, Menswear and Womenswear
•  “Interview: Anne Sofie Madsen!”. Schön.
• “Fashion. Anne Sofie Madsen”. SVA Magazine. 
•  “Copenhagen fashion week: six things we learned”. The Guardian.
• “The good, the plaid but not ugly: how to wear autumnal checks”. The Guardian.
• “Anne Sofie Madsen Tokyo Spring 2017 Collection”. Vogue. 
• “Anne Sofie Madsen RTW Spring 2018”. WWD. 
• “Anne Sofie Madsens designs er inspireret af mytologien”. Berlingske. 
• “Anne Sofie Madsen: Dark Poetry”. Metal Magazine. 
• “The re-costruction style of Anne Sofie Madsen ss17”. Zoe Magazine. 
• “Museum slår langt om længe et ridderslag for dansk mode” (in Danish). Politiken. Archived from the original on 27 January 2018.
• “The Danish chef-turned-crochet designer you need to know now”. wallpaper.com. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
• “En ny design-duo, fremtidens tøj og et gyldent genbrugskoncept” Fashion Forum 
• “Vi er vilde med dette nye designsamarbejde” 
• “Anne Sofie Madsen vinder Dansk Design Talent 2013” Soundvenue. 
• “DHL Exported 2015 – Anne Sofie Madsen”. YouTube.