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 His work draws from theatrical and historical references yet transforms nostalgia into something unmistakably contemporary.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.
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Mfpen
Mfpen is a Copenhagen-based fashion brand founded in 2016 by Sigurd Bank. The name, drawn from the Danish phrase med ført pen (“with led pen”), symbolizes the act of creating garments on behalf of others.
With a background in production and sourcing, as well as experience designing for leading Danish brands, Bank was inspired to establish Mfpen after recognizing the potential of working with deadstock fabrics. His vision, influenced by voluminous silhouettes in classic menswear, continues to define the brand today.
Celebrated for its minimalist design philosophy, Mfpen focuses on high-quality, versatile menswear. The brand prioritizes the use of deadstock fabrics, recycled fibers, and eco-conscious textiles such as organic cotton and Tencel, creating timeless garments that are both sustainable and enduring. In 2024, Mfpen expanded into womenswear, furthering its commitment to sustainability and minimalist aesthetics.
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Nicklas Skovgaard
Nicklas Skovgaard is a Danish designer known for his bold and theatrical approach to womenswear. Entirely self-taught in textile creation, his journey began with the discovery of a children’s loom in a thrift shop, sparking a passion for weaving unique fabrics that remain central to his work.
Since launching his label in 2020, Skovgaard has become recognized for his daring material combinations—such as handwoven wool with technical fabrics, or silk taffeta with stretch jersey—that challenge conventional silhouettes while maintaining a modern, artistic edge. His collections draw inspiration from baroque portraiture, ’80s pop culture, and personal memories, resulting in designs that are both romantic and contemporary.
Renowned for immersive presentations, his shows transform venues into living art spaces where models interact with the audience, bringing his vision to life. With a commitment to sustainability, Skovgaard minimizes waste by carefully managing fabric use and repurposing materials from past collections. With growing international acclaim, he continues to push creative boundaries, establishing himself as one of Denmark’s most exciting contemporary designers.
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Stel
Stel is a Danish womenswear brand founded by Astrid Andersen, debuting at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2024. Rooted in Scandinavian design principles, the brand is dedicated to creating clothing for real bodies, real movement, and real life. The name “Stel,” meaning “body” in Danish, reflects its focus on versatile, foundational pieces that form the building blocks of a modern wardrobe.
Guided by the mantra “tailoring you can skate in, denim you can dance in, shirting you can travel in”, Stel blends sportswear influences with precision tailoring. Andersen’s expertise ensures that each piece balances refined craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The brand’s seasonless collections are designed to move seamlessly from day to night, and from season to season, championing personal expression and inclusivity.
The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is Scandinavia’s most prestigious award for fashion design, founded in 2012 by the Wessel & Vett Foundation to honor its core values of entrepreneurship and creativity. The Prize reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Danish design talent while building on the heritage of Magasin as a historic fashion institution.
This year’s finalists will be announced on August 4th during the opening of Copenhagen Fashion Week, with final judging taking place this fall. The recipient of the main prize of 500,000 DKK ($73,000) will be selected by a jury evaluating sustainability and ethical responsibility, business vision, innovation, and originality of design. In addition to financial support, finalists will receive mentoring in sales, production, PR, and business development.
The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is organized by the Wessel & Vett Foundation as part of its ongoing dedication to cultivating Danish design. Established by the descendants of Magasin’s founders, Emil Vett and Theodor Wessel, the Foundation is independent of the department store but continues to support initiatives linked to its history and legacy.
The Prize was initiated by Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, who also serves as CEO of Sotheby’s Danish division, 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.
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2024 Stem by Sarah Brunnhuber
Awarded for pioneering zero-waste design through textile innovation and refined minimalism.
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2023 Saks Potts
Known for bold, colorful leather outerwear and modern interpretations of Scandinavian glamour.
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2022 Iso.Poetism by Tobias Birk Nielsen
Praised for fusing utilitarian sportswear with dystopian storytelling and poetic narratives.
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2021 A. Roege Hove
Acclaimed for innovative knitwear transforming traditional techniques into sculptural, transparent forms.
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2020 Cecilie Bahnsen
Made history as the first two-time winner with her poetic, sculptural approach to Scandinavian fashion.
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2019 Carcel
Recognized for a socially conscious model producing luxury essentials crafted by incarcerated women.
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2018 Emilie Helmstedt
Celebrated for her whimsical universe of hand-painted prints and vibrant, artistic color palettes.
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2017 Lærke Andersen
Awarded for utilitarian designs combining workwear, sportswear, and gender-fluid silhouettes.
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2016 Cecilie Bahnsen
Known for romantic, voluminous dresses and sculptural silhouettes that redefined contemporary femininity.
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2015 Tonsure
Honored for modern menswear blending tailored silhouettes with playful, sportswear-inspired details.
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2014 Mark Kenly Domino Tan
Acclaimed for sophisticated tailoring and architectural minimalism redefining Scandinavian luxury.
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2013 Anne Sofie Madsen
Recognized for her avant-garde silhouettes merging couture craftsmanship with futuristic and tribal influences.
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2012 Peter Jensen
Celebrated for his consistent and original design expression that balances innovation with international appeal.
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.