In 2026, the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize introduces a new format that brings the jury closer to the designers’ creative and commercial processes. Rather than evaluating finished collections alone, the jury will engage directly with how each finalist works - observing their thinking, decision-making, collaboration, and priorities in real time.

At the center of this new format is an immersive workshop day, where the jury will visit each finalist’s studio for a live working session. These visits are designed as open studio moments rather than formal presentations, allowing the jury to gain insight into each designer’s creative culture, strategic thinking, and readiness to grow.

The process will conclude during Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, where finalists will present their work publicly - through shows, presentations, or showroom visits - before the jury makes its final evaluation and announces the winner.

Through this new approach, the Prize aims to better understand not only what designers create—but how they create it, and how they envision the future of their brands.

Meet our nominees

The 2026 finalists are independent ready-to-wear brands that represent the spirit of Danish fashion. They embody the Prize’s core values of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, while staying committed to sustainability and ethical fashion.

Caro Editions

Founded by Caroline Bille Brahe, Caro Editions explores expressive femininity through sculptural silhouettes, vibrant color, and playful craftsmanship. The Copenhagen-based brand blends artistic intuition with everyday wearability, creating garments that celebrate individuality and joyful dressing.
Bonnetje

Bonnetje is a Copenhagen-based label known for its inventive tailoring and playful reinterpretation of classic garments. Drawing on upcycling and unconventional materials, the brand challenges traditional notions of menswear while balancing humor, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Frederik Berner Kühl

Frederik Berner Kühl creates refined menswear rooted in precision tailoring, textile development, and understated elegance. His Copenhagen-based brand combines Scandinavian minimalism with a deep appreciation for craft, focusing on timeless garments built with exceptional attention to detail.
O Files

O Files is a Copenhagen-based brand exploring contemporary masculinity through clean silhouettes, subtle experimentation, and material-focused design. The label merges utilitarian references with a modern sensibility, creating versatile pieces that balance functionality and quiet sophistication.

The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is Scandinavia’s most prestigious award for fashion design. Founded in 2012 by the Wessel & Vett Foundation, the Prize honors the values of entrepreneurship and creativity while supporting the development of Danish design talent. It builds on the heritage of Magasin as one of Denmark’s historic fashion institutions.

The winner of this year’s Prize will be announced during Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, following a jury process taking place this spring. The recipient of the main prize of 300,000 DKK (€40.000) will be selected based on sustainability and ethical responsibility, business vision, innovation, and originality of design. In addition to the main award, each finalist receives 75,000 DKK (€10.000) as well as mentoring in sales, production, PR, and business development.

The Prize is organized by the Wessel & Vett Foundation, established by the descendants of Magasin’s founders, Emil Vett and Theodor Wessel. While independent of the department store, the Foundation continues to support initiatives connected to its legacy and the advancement of Danish design.

The Prize was initiated by Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, who also serves as CEO of Sotheby’s Denmark, Chair of the Niels Wessel Bagges Foundation, and Board Member of the Wessel & Vett Foundation.

Past Winners of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize

Since its founding in 2012, the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize has honored some of the most visionary voices in Danish fashion. Each year, the Prize has recognized designers who push creative boundaries while reflecting the values of innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Together, these winners represent a powerful legacy of design excellence and international influence.

2025 Nicklas Skovgaard

Recognized for his distinctive design language, combining theatrical and historical references with exceptional craftsmanship, establishing him as a powerful new voice in Danish fashion.
2024 Stem by Sarah Brunnhuber

Awarded for pioneering zero-waste design through textile innovation and refined minimalism.
2023 Saks Potts

Known for bold, colorful leather outerwear and modern interpretations of Scandinavian glamour.
2022 Iso.Poetism by Tobias Birk Nielsen

Praised for fusing utilitarian sportswear with dystopian storytelling and poetic narratives.
2021 A. Roege Hove

Acclaimed for innovative knitwear transforming traditional techniques into sculptural, transparent forms.
2020 Cecilie Bahnsen

Made history as the first two-time winner with her poetic, sculptural approach to Scandinavian fashion.
2019 Carcel

Recognized for a socially conscious model producing luxury essentials crafted by incarcerated women.
2018 Emilie Helmstedt

Celebrated for her whimsical universe of hand-painted prints and vibrant, artistic color palettes.
2017 Lærke Andersen

Awarded for utilitarian designs combining workwear, sportswear, and gender-fluid silhouettes.
2016 Cecilie Bahnsen

Known for romantic, voluminous dresses and sculptural silhouettes that redefined contemporary femininity.
2015 Tonsure

Honored for modern menswear blending tailored silhouettes with playful, sportswear-inspired details.
2014 Mark Kenly Domino Tan

Acclaimed for sophisticated tailoring and architectural minimalism redefining Scandinavian luxury.
2013 Anne Sofie Madsen

Recognized for her avant-garde silhouettes merging couture craftsmanship with futuristic and tribal influences.
2012 Peter Jensen

Celebrated for his consistent and original design expression that balances innovation with international appeal.

The 2026 Jury

This year’s jury brings together leading voices from across fashion, culture, media, and business. Designers, creative directors, editors, retail leaders, and entrepreneurs collectively evaluate each finalist through both a creative and strategic lens—assessing innovation, cultural relevance, business vision, and long-term potential.

Andrea Baldo

CEO of Mulberry, with extensive leadership experience in international luxury fashion and brand development.
Carla Christine Bruus Aagaard-Strube

Editor-in-Chief of Fashion Forum, Denmark’s leading industry publication covering fashion business and culture.
Cecilie Bahnsen

Founder and Creative Director of Cecilie Bahnsen, internationally recognized for her distinctive blend of couture-inspired craftsmanship and modern femininity, redefining contemporary Danish fashion.
Cecilie Thorsmark

CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week and a leading voice driving sustainability and innovation within the global fashion week landscape.
Felicity Ingram

Photographer and fashion entrepreneur whose work bridges visual storytelling, creative direction, and cultural dialogue.
Henrik Vibskov

Founder and Creative Director of Henrik Vibskov, an internationally acclaimed designer known for experimental fashion and artistic expression.
Ida Petersson

Founder of Good Eggs and a fashion consultant who serves on international fashion juries, known for championing emerging designers and shaping contemporary retail narratives.
Laird Borrelli-Persson

Senior Archive Editor at Vogue and one of fashion’s most respected historians and critics.
Mads Nørgaard

Founder and CEO of Mads Nørgaard, a pioneering figure in Danish fashion known for blending design with cultural engagement.
Max Schiller

CEO and Founder of Eytys, recognized for building a distinctive global fashion brand rooted in contemporary culture.
Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg

Founder of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize and a long-time advocate for Danish design and creative entrepreneurship.
Olya Kuryshchuk

Editor-in-Chief of 1Granary, a global platform spotlighting emerging fashion talent and new creative voices.
Rebekka Bay

Creative Director of Marimekko, internationally recognized for her strategic approach to brand identity and modern design.
Rikke Christensen

Brand Manager at Magasin, representing one of Denmark’s most historic fashion institutions and retail platforms.
Ulrik Garde Due

CEO of Ardazaei and an experienced luxury fashion executive with a strong background in international brand building.
Yasin Müjdeci

Founder of Voo Store in Berlin and a creative consultant known for connecting fashion, culture, and progressive retail experiences.