The winner of the Nordic region’s leading and foremost fashion award for the most promising fashion entrepreneurs was announced by Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize, at the award ceremony held at Henrik Vibskov Studio on October 24, 2024, in Copenhagen. The winner, Sarah Brunnhuber, founder of Stem, stands as the embodiment of what Danish fashion represents today, fully reflecting the core values of the Prize, such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, alongside its ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable brands and a responsible fashion industry.

The Wessel & Vett Foundation awarded the winner a generous cash prize of 500,000 DKK (€67,000), opening doors to exceptional brand-building opportunities.

Furthermore, as part of the continued sponsorship from the Wessel & Vett Foundation, and collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week, Stem receives prime opportunities, including a complimentary slot on the official show and presentation schedule for both AW25 and SS26 seasons, the coveted opening slot for AW25, and participation in Copenhagen Fashion Week’s symposium in London during London Fashion Week in June 2025. Flights are covered for one representative from the winning brand, enhancing their global exposure and industry recognition.

“Winning the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is incredibly encouraging and exciting, not only for Stem, but also for the future of the fashion industry," said Sarah Brunnhuber, founder of Stem. "Stem is a textile-driven, purpose-led brand, and my mission is to reduce waste in the fashion industry, foster more inspiring collaborations, co-create with the community, and challenge the habits of overconsumption and overproduction. With the cash prize, I plan to expand my team and bring to life the full potential of Stem mill. The mill will enable research, and most importantly educate the future generations. This will help not only Stem but also other brands to produce more responsibly while pushing forward innovation in woven fabrics and zero-waste production techniques.”

The four finalists, including Skall, Stem, Sunflower, and Opéra Sport, presented their collections and business strategy to an international jury of industry experts holding a diverse range of experience and specialisms across the board. Each of the finalists was praised for their unique vision and their contemporary, diverse approach to today’s fashion industry and its future.

While maintaining last year’s strategic focus on integrating more established brands and designers, this year’s Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize (W&VFP) builds on designers characterized by immersive distinctiveness and originality, as well as the commercial potential to sustain a global fashion business and contribute to a responsible fashion industry. In doing so, it reaffirms its commitment to elevate Danish fashion designers to their full potential, offering the best representation of what Danish fashion stands for in today’s international scene.

“This year’s Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize finalists are shaping Danish fashion with their innovative and responsible designs. In a tough market, they’ve shown exceptional creativity and commercial sense, paving the way for a more sustainable and democratized industry," commented NIna Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder of The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize and board member of The Wessel & Vett Foundation. "Our winner, Sarah Brunnhuber, and her brand, Stem, have developed an innovative zero-waste textile system that marks a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable fashion. Based in Copenhagen, Stem prioritizes transparency, eco-friendly materials, and meaningful collaborations to minimize waste and expand creative horizons. This approach showcases how production, design, and branding can come together to build a forward-looking, long-term business. For the jury, Stem is more than just a brand, it represents the future of fashion, and authenticity in its truest form. Sarah’s incredible dedication to sustainability and creativity sets her apart, and this award celebrates her visionary approach. Her unique design philosophy and attention to detail position Stem for international success, pushing both fashion and innovation forward.”