Top Designers

Sweden’s most prestigious fashion designer prize, Damernas Värld Guldknappen (the golden button), was given out on Saturday for the 31st time in Stockholm. The prize was shared by Ulrika and Christopher Bjercke for Hunkydory. The Damernas Värld Guldknappen Assecssoar for accessories went to jewelry designer Maria Nilsdotter.

Winning the Guldknappen was not something the Bjerckes had expected, even if they’ve won a number of other top company prizes. “Design prizes haven’t exactly been raining down on us,” says Christopher Bjercke. “So it’s really fun to get the Guldknappen. Despite everything, it’s design that we work for.”

Maria Nilsdotter, on finding out she won the prize, says “it felt almost unreal. I was so happy, but actually pretty shocked and overwhelmed.”

For 31 years, Swedish women’s magazine Damernas Värld (women’s world) has been recognizing Swedish designers. Since 2010, the additional accessories prize has also been awarded. All of the winners end up in the permanent collection of Nordiska museet, Sweden’s largest costume collector.

The jury included Pär Engsheden, designer; Sara Winter, press secretary for the Swedish Shoe Council; Emilia de Poret, artist and style icon; Robert Nordberg, fashion editor for Damernas Värld; and Martina Bonnier, editor-in-chief for Damernas Värld.