Denmark's Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize announced its three standout finalists: Mfpen, Nicklas Skovgaard, and Stel. The Prize continues to spotlight Danish fashion’s most distinctive voices: designers who not only captivate with daring, original aesthetics but also demonstrate the commercial vision to scale globally. With a commitment to nurturing creativity, ambition, and impact, the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize continues its mission to propel Danish talent onto the international stage.
As an official partner of Copenhagen Fashion Week, the 2025 Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize winner will gain exclusive access to a suite of high-profile opportunities designed to elevate international visibility and industry reach. These include a complimentary slot on the official show and presentation schedule for both the AW26 and SS27 seasons, and the prestigious opening slot for AW26. In addition, one look from each finalist was showcased on a mannequin at the CPHFW Creative Hub, held at the official SS26 venue, offering direct exposure to key press, buyers, and industry professionals.
“This year’s finalists reflect the bold creativity and resilience shaping Danish fashion today. We’re proud to support their journey and amplify their voices on the global stage," said Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder of Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize.
The Prize awards a cash grant of 500,000 DKK (€67,000) to the winning designer, to be announced in October 2025 in Copenhagen. Ahead of the winner announcement, the finalists will present their collections and business visions at the official WVFP final event on October 23, 2025. Past winners include Cecilie Bahnsen, Amalie Roege Hove, Saks Potts, and the latest Stem.
The three 2025 finalists are independent ready-to-wear brands that exemplify the current spirit of Danish fashion and are a testament to the Prize’s foundational values of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion practices.
Mfpen is a Copenhagen-based fashion brand founded in 2015 by Sigurd Bank. The brand is celebrated for its minimalist design philosophy, focusing on high-quality, versatile menswear. Mfpen emphasizes the use of deadstock fabrics, recycled fibers, and eco-conscious textiles like organic cotton and Tencel, aiming to create garments that are both timeless and environmentally responsible
Danish designer Nicklas Skovgaard is known for his innovative and theatrical approach to womenswear. Founded in 2020, Skovgaard’s label is celebrated for its bold fusion of unexpected materials, mixing hand-woven wool with technical fabrics, or silk taffeta with stretch jersey, challenging traditional silhouettes with a modern, artistic edge. Known for theatrical presentations, his shows often transform venues into living art spaces where models interact with the audience. Committed to sustainability, Skovgaard carefully manages fabric use to minimize waste and frequently repurposes materials from previous collections.
Stel is a dynamic Danish womenswear brand founded by Astrid Andersen, with a background at the Royal College of Art. Stel reflects a philosophy rooted in Scandinavian design, where fashion is created for real bodies, real movement, and real life. The name “Stel” means indeed “body” in Danish, reflecting the brand’s focus on foundational, modular pieces that form the building blocks of a versatile wardrobe. Stel's seasonless, versatile garments combine refined tailoring and everyday practicality, where each piece is crafted to move seamlessly from day to night and season to season.
Photo: Finalists 2025. Courtesy: Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize