While New York is anticipating its very own Fashion Week, cities across the world are hosting their own runway shows, adding to the growth of fashion capitals. Some New Yorkers probably only think of Scandinavian fashion as great jeans from Cheap Mondays or trendy knock-off numbers from H&M, but within the last month, Scandinavian designers have risen as fashion contenders. The Stockholm and Copenhagen runway shows represented more than 50 designers showcasing both innovative and minimal collections. Copenhagen designer Nikoline Liv Andersen (photo, above left) showed a colorful mix-and-match collection devoted to childhood in the subway, while Stine Goya from Denmark (photo, above right) created playful ensembles with interesting shapes for the runway. While there were plenty of exotic collections, notable designers such as Bruuns Bazaar and Elise Gug stayed focused on the Scandinavian aesthetic and presented classic, minimal collections. For Scandinavian love in the city, hit up Opening Ceremony, which is currently featuring Swedish fashion designers.

(Photos courtesy of Sony Vandevelde and Copenhagen Fashion Week)