Denmark is known for a lot of things – pastries, furniture design (Poul Henningsen, anyone?) Tivoli, The Little Mermaid – but until recently, not much has been said of its fashion. Copenhagen, is quickly becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing fashion hubs, and we’ve got to get up on it….quickly. Two of Denmark’s hottest labels, Henrik Vibskov and Baum und Pferdgarten have already developed cult followings globally and are now beginning to catch fire in the U.S.

The artist/filmmaker/musician/designer, Vibskov, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, launched his label in 2001 and now sells in select luxury boutiques worldwide. For his Fall/Winter 2008 collection, Vibskov takes his characteristic playful androgyny to new extremes, casting all of his models with green bangs so as to render gender irrelevant. The collection draws its inspiration from Scotland, with a spiced-up take on the traditional tartans and plaids, an assortment of heavy knits and oversized metallic jackets. He pairs many of the looks with funky, multicolored tights and leggings — wardrobe staples for any would-be Scandinavian fashionista.

Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave founded Baum und Pferdgarten in 1999 and have since taken the international fashion world by storm. Their look, which they self-describe as “offbeat and different,” is suited to women who like to straddle the line between timeless classics and the avant-garde. The Fall/Winter 2008 collection offers looks ostensibly designed for a modern Wednesday Addams. A simple palate of black, white, grey and the occasional splash of navy and wintergreen is accented by whimsical (if not slightly spooky) owls in silhouette. Separates abound here, as the fashion world says good-bye to the reign of the summer dress.

For a closer look at Henrik Vibskov and Baum und Pferdgarten, visit here and here.