The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is unprecedented in Denmark and at the same time it is the most esteemed and renowned independent fashion award in the Nordic area; endorsed by HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, as well as leading global fashion houses and creatives. The core values of the Wessel & Vett Foundation: Entrepreneurship and fashion innovation background.
Counting 10+ years of experience, the candidates are selected by a small group of fashion business experts (June 29th 2pm). Only independent, Danish finalists (no professional investors) who are able to develop their business significantly if they receive the prize (300.000 dkk) are eligable for the Prize.
Entering a new decade
With focus on the next generation of Danish fashion entrepreneurs and following the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize last year - which was marked with a retrospective exhibition at the Magasin du Nord Museum – its entrance into a new decade has led to reflection and to a strategic realignment. The result of which is the 2023 edition focusing on more established brands and experienced designers. A decision that reflects the core values of the founders of the Foundation - Theodor Wessel and Emil Vett - upon which the Prize was created: Entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, as well as its constant work for fostering sustainable brands and a responsible fashion industry.
“The Wessel and Vett Fashion Prize has always been unique in Denmark, and starting this year we are opening entries to more established brands alongside up-and-coming designers. The change reflects our longstanding focus on identifying designers with not only talent to burn, but also the commercial potential to build a global fashion business. Our ambition is, more than ever, to support the next generation of Danish fashion entrepreneurs.”
Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, founder of the prize event and board member of the
Wessel & Vett Foundation.
The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is the most prestigious and influential fashion prize in the Nordic region. It is supported by Crown Princess Mary as well as top international fashion brands and creatives, and over the past decade prizes and mentorships have been awarded to particularly talented designers including Anne Sofie Madsen, Emilie Helmstedt and Amalie Roege Hove, who have gone on to become some of the strongest fashion names in the Nordic region.
The finalists are selected by a panel of experienced industry experts, and will, at the final in October, present their brand and business strategy. The prizes are sponsored by the Wessel & Vett Foundation and the winner receives a cash prize of 300.000 DKK (€40.000).
The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize continues its ongoing collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week. The winner will receive support from Copenhagen Fashion Week including extensive communication, and inclusion in all Copenhagen Fashion Week official activities and opportunities, for the equivalent of 250.000 DKK (€33.500). The winner will be announced by Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, Founder of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize at an award ceremony, which will take place in October 2023 in Copenhagen.
This year, the Foundation is also exceptionally proud to reveal its investment in Copenhagen-based, internationally renowned ready-to-wear brand and two-time winner of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize, Cecilie Bahnsen.
The Prize reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing Danish design talent and building on the heritage of Magasin du Nord as a historical fashion institution.
The Wessel & Vett Foundation was created by the descendants of the department store Magasin du Nord’s founders, Theodor Wessel and Emil Vett. The foundation is incorporated and independent of Magasin du Nord, but primarily supports activities related to the department store, its history, and descendants.
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