Nicklas Skovgaard is the winner of 2025 Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize

Announced by founder Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at Gallery Tom Christoffersen in Copenhagen. In her remarks, Wedell-Wedellsborg celebrated Skovgaard’s distinctive vision, emotional depth, and extraordinary craftsmanship—qualities that set him apart in a field of remarkable finalists, Astrid Andersen and Mfpen, and affirmed him as a powerful new voice in Danish fashion.

“When we established the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize, it was with a commitment to support the next generation of Danish designers—those who not only create beautiful work, but who also have the courage to shape the future of our industry. This year’s finalists have reminded us why this prize matters. His creativity, craftsmanship, and strategic vision show that artistic expression and business insight can - and should - go hand in hand.

Our winner distinguished himself with an aesthetic that is both unique and deeply emotional. His work draws from theatrical and historical references yet transforms nostalgia into something unmistakably contemporary. Through precise construction and a strong understanding of form, he turns garments into narratives - stories grounded in honesty, artistry, and innovation.

For the jury, this year’s winner represents a bold new voice in Danish design: someone who pushes boundaries while remaining deeply connected to his own roots. His clarity of vision and dedication to his craft make him one of the most exciting designers working in Denmark today.

The designer describes his work as a meeting of realism and romanticism, and this award acknowledges that rare balance. It is our privilege to support him as he takes the next steps forward. I cannot wait to see where his talent leads next.

My heartfelt congratulations to the winner of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize: Nicklas Skovgaard.”

- Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, Founder, Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize

About the Winner

Nicklas Skovgaard is a Danish womenswear designer known for his bold, theatrical aesthetic and innovative material combinations. Entirely self-taught, he began weaving after discovering a children’s loom in a thrift shop - a moment that sparked his fascination with creating unique textiles. Since launching his label in 2020, Skovgaard has gained recognition for blending handwoven fabrics with technical materials and for drawing inspiration from baroque portraiture, ’80s pop culture, and personal memories. His immersive presentations and commitment to sustainability further define his practice, establishing him as one of Denmark’s most exciting contemporary designers.

Meet our nominees

The three 2025 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.

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.

  • 2024 Stem by Sarah Brunnhuber

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

    2024
  • 2023 Saks Potts

    Known for bold, colorful leather outerwear and modern interpretations of Scandinavian glamour.

    2023
  • 2022 Iso.Poetism by Tobias Birk Nielsen

    Praised for fusing utilitarian sportswear with dystopian storytelling and poetic narratives.

    2022
  • 2021 A. Roege Hove

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

    2021
  • 2020 Cecilie Bahnsen

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

    2020
  • 2019 Carcel

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

    2019
  • 2018 Emilie Helmstedt

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

    2018
  • 2017 Lærke Andersen

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

    2017
  • 2016 Cecilie Bahnsen

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

    2016
  • 2015 Tonsure

    Honored for modern menswear blending tailored silhouettes with playful, sportswear-inspired details.

    2015
  • 2014 Mark Kenly Domino Tan

    Acclaimed for sophisticated tailoring and architectural minimalism redefining Scandinavian luxury.

    2014
  • 2013 Anne Sofie Madsen

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

    2013
  • 2012 Peter Jensen

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

    2012

Creative Minded Jury Members

The creative jury is composed of leading voices from the fashion and cultural industries, ensuring that each designer is evaluated through a design-driven lens. Many are designers themselves or have shaped the industry as communicators, curators, and cultural mediators. Their insight highlights innovation, artistic expression, and the cultural relevance of each collection.

Business Minded Jury Members

The business jury brings strategic expertise and industry knowledge to the evaluation process. With backgrounds spanning retail, brand development, entrepreneurship, and management, they assess designers on brand potential, market understanding, and business sustainability. Their guidance ensures that creativity is matched with the tools needed to succeed in today’s global fashion industry.