Danish designer Nicklas Skovgaard, the founder of his namesake women's wear brand, is the 2025 winner of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize, the Nordic region’s fashion award for the most promising fashion entrepreneurs. "Over the years, I’ve embraced slow, organic growth, deepening my creative vision and learning how to combine contrasting materials and stories to express something truly authentic. This prize motivates me to push further, to build a bigger team, and to bring my work to an even broader stage commercially while staying true to the emotional and artisanal values that define my brand. Winning now feels like a confirmation that persistence, honesty, and imagination matter, and it inspires me to continue redefining what Danish fashion can be,” said Nicklas Skovgaard.
According to the organizers of the prize, Nicklas Skovgaard stands as a true embodiment of contemporary Danish fashion, fully reflecting the Prize’s guiding principles: creativity, originality, and innovation, alongside its ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, long-term growth, and promoting a responsible fashion industry.
The cash prize of DKK 500,000 (approx. €67,000) was awarded to the winner, opening doors to opportunities for brand growth and development. Furthermore, Skovgaard receives prime opportunities, including a complimentary slot on the official show and presentation schedule for both the AW26 and SS27 seasons of Copenhagen Fashion Week, as well as the coveted opening slot for AW26, which enhances their global exposure and industry recognition.
The three finalists, Mfpen, Nicklas Skovgaard, and Stel, presented their collections and business brand strategies to an international jury of renowned fashion professionals holding a diverse range of experience and specialisms across the board. For this edition, the panel returned to its original “dual-jury format”, composed of both creative and business-minded personalities. The finalists were met with a uniquely comprehensive evaluation, one that combined artistic excellence, cultural insight, brand building, retail innovation, and responsible business strategy, aligned with today’s evolving industry landscape.
In particular, the creative-minded jury members focused on vision, aesthetics, craftsmanship, technical execution, and cultural relevance, and the business-minded jury members assessed commercial potential, scalability, market positioning, and long-term brand sustainability. Together, they chose this year’s winner based on a balanced view of originality, craftsmanship, business acumen, and commitment to responsible fashion practices.
This year, exceptionally, all three finalists have been nominated in previous editions of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize, with Nicklas Skovgaard now emerging as the winner. The repeated nominations of all finalists, and Nicklas Skovgaard's win, highlight their outstanding contribution and how deeply they embody the prize’s core values. Indeed, the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize celebrates not only today’s achievements but also long-term creative journeys, supporting and believing in inspiring brands as they continue to define excellence in craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability.
“This year’s Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize finalists have shown that creativity and business sense can go hand in hand. Each designer impressed us with originality, craftsmanship, and a strong vision for the future of Danish fashion," commented Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder of The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize and board member of The Wessel & Vett Foundation. "Our winner stood out for a unique and emotionally rich aesthetic. The designs blend theatrical and historical influences with a modern touch, turning nostalgia into something fresh and relevant. Through precise construction and a strong sense of form, the winner transforms clothing into stories that reflect honesty, artistry, and innovation."
Image: The winner Nicklas Skovgaard with Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder of The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize
