Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize Announces 2024 Winner

Stem wins Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize 2024.

The winner of the Nordic region's leading fashion award for the most promising fashion entrepreneurs was announced to Stem by Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, Founder of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize at an award ceremony that took place yesterday.

The Wessel & Vett Foundation generously sponsored the prizes, and the winner received a cash prize of 500.000 DKK. Furthermore, Stem will gain valuable advantages through a partnership between the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize and Copenhagen Fashion Week, which will provide extensive communication and inclusion in all the official activities and opportunities of Copenhagen Fashion Week, valued at 100.000 DKK.

When the jury chose Stem’s Sarah Brunnhuber as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Wessel & Vett prize, they cast a vote for the future of fashion; one in which design, production, sustainability, and collaboration are woven together. The foundation’s recognition of Stem also continues the tradition of innovation and daring exhibited by prize's namesakes, Theodor Wessel and Emil Vett, who founded Magasin du Nord, Copenhagen’s oldest department store.”
– Laird Borelli-Persson, Senior Archive Editor, Vogue

While maintaining last year's strategic focus on integrating more established brands and designers, this year's Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize recognises four finalists — Skall Studio, Stem, OpéraSport, and Sunflower — highlighting the Prize's dedication to supporting designers characterised by immersive distinctiveness and originality in their styles, as well as the commercial potential to build a global fashion business.

The four finalists presented their collections and business strategy to an international jury of industry experts holding a diverse range of experience and perspectives 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.

“Winning the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is incredibly encouraging and exciting - not only for Stem, but also for the future of the fashion industry. 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.”
– Sarah Brunnhuber, Founder, Stem

“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.
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.”
– Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg, Founder of the W&V Fashion Prize and Board Member of the W&V Foundation

“The breadth of talent being showcased in the finalists of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize 2024 is so exciting and gives a strong snapshot of the varied and equally impactful voices in Danish design today. I am delighted to continue collaborating with the W&V foundation to further uplift the vibrant community of Danish fashion designers that are finalists today and also much valued members of the Copenhagen Fashion Week community.”
– Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO, Copenhagen Fashion Week

About the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize

The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize is Scandinavia’s most prestigious independent award for fashion design. The Prize was established by the Wessel & Vett Foundation in 2012 as an expression of its core values: entrepreneurship and creativity. 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.

About the Wessel & Vett Foundation

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.