Presented annually to a designer demonstrating exceptional originality, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision, the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize celebrates the next generation of Danish fashion designers shaping the future of the industry. This was the first time the winner was announced during Copenhagen Fashion Week, providing the winner an international platform and increased global visibility.
Who is Frederik Berner Kühl, the winner of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize 2026
Berner Kühl redefines contemporary style through a design language rooted in reduction, precise proportions, and the study of materials. By blending rich sartorial tradition with cutting-edge construction techniques, the brand creates garments defined by precision and continuity, pieces that evolve unhurriedly from season to season. Fabric lies at the heart of the project: meticulously sourced from Japan and Italy, often in limited editions, each material is selected as much for its character as for its functionality. Rejecting excess, Berner Kühl offers a quiet, enduring presence: clothing designed to integrate seamlessly into the rhythm of daily life and stand the test of time.
“To be recognised by the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize means so much to us," said creative director Frederik Berner Kühl. "As a small brand, we have big ambitions, but we're often limited by the resources we have. Winning a prize like this gives us the opportunity to take the next step and grow the business without having to compromise on what we believe in. More than that, it's a reminder that you don't have to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. It means a lot that the jury recognised the craftsmanship, the expertise, and all the hard work and dedication that goes into every single product we create.”
The finalists' journey: inside Scandinavian fashion ateliers
Kicked off earlier this year, the process saw finalists Berner Kühl, Bonnetje, Caro Editions, and O. Files welcome members of the international jury into their studios, offering a rare insight into their creative processes, working methods, and long-term ambitions. Combined with the public presentations and shows during Copenhagen Fashion Week, the process enabled the jury to evaluate not only each finalist's final collections, but also their vision, craftsmanship, leadership, and entrepreneurial capabilities required to build a lasting fashion business today.
Prizes and incentives: what the Wessel & Vett 2026 finalists win
The 2026 winner, Frederik Berner Kühl, received DKK 300,000 (€40,000) to support the continued growth and development of his brand. The announcement concludes a landmark year for the prize, as it introduced a new evaluation format designed to give the jury a deeper understanding of the designers behind the brands.
In addition to the cash prize, the winner this year also received a bespoke artwork by Copenhagen-based artist Esben Weile Kjær, whose multidisciplinary practice has earned international recognition for its exploration of identity, transformation, and contemporary culture. In recognition of their achievements, all finalists have received a participation grant of DKK 75,000 (10,000 €), along with mentoring and industry support throughout the competition.
The evolution of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize according to Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg
“After more than a decade of the Prize, it felt important to evolve alongside the industry we support," commented Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder, Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize. "By meeting the finalists in their own environments, we gained a far deeper understanding of how they think, work, and build their brands. The calibre of talent this year was exceptional, and Frederik Berner Kühl stood out for his ability to combine creative excellence with a clear vision for the future.”
