"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition for all the hard work that has gone into launching the first Vogue ever in the Nordic region", editor in chief Martina Bonnier said upon receiving the esteemed award
Last night at Stockholm's Nordiska Kompaniet, the Swedish fashion industry came together for the eighth time to spotlight its most influential talents, pioneers and figureheads at the NK Gala Awards. In its midst, bestowed the esteemed 'Imprint of the Year' award was Vogue Scandinavia's very own editor in chief Martina Bonnier.
The 'Imprint of the Year' category recognises those making a notable and positive impression in fashion, as deduced by a jury of industry heavyweights. This year's panel turned to Bonnier as the deserving recipient, recognising her work to bring Vogue to Scandinavia and carry out the Nordics' biggest fashion media venture ever.
"With a concept as clear as it is unique, [Bonnier] is an entrepreneur and fashion profile who has already made an impression, and is guaranteed to continue to have impact across Swedish fashion and media. We can't help but be inspired by this year's 'Imprint' award recipient in 2023," the award notes read [in a translation from Swedish].
"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition for all the hard work that has gone into launching the first Vogue ever in the Nordic region," Bonnier responded.
Editor in chief Martina Bonnier wore a gown by Rabens Saloner to the NK Gala 2023.
The award win coincides with the second anniversary of Vogue Scandinavia, which launched in August 2021 to great acclaim with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg on the cover. Bonnier's vision from the beginning has been to shake up the industry with her pursuit to create the most sustainable publication in the world. Comprising both our timeless, carbon-neutral bi-monthly magazine and our 360° immersive digital world, Vogue Scandinavia has, over the last two years, championed the Nordic region's fashion, design and cultural worlds – with sustainability and a love of nature always at heart.
"With our two-year anniversary, it truly feels like we have reached a milestone in getting such a big project up and running," Bonnier commented. "To receive this acknowledgement, alongside our worldwide recognition is of course something that I – together with my team – feel a deep gratitude and happiness for."
To receive this acknowledgement, alongside our worldwide recognition, is of course something that I feel a deep gratitude and happiness for
Martina Bonnier
"The NK Gala is for Nordiska Kompaniet to have the opportunity to praise and celebrate people in fashion, food and culture," says Karin Wickberg, Marketing Manager at NK. "Therefore, it is especially nice that several of this year's winners have taken Sweden out into the world with their knowledge, creativity and inspiration."
Alongside Bonnier's award for 'Imprint of the Year', creative director Richard Ntege was awarded 'Style Icon of the Year', Swedish Fashion Council's Jennie Rosén with the 'Innovation Award of the Year', and actor Alva Bratt with 'Future Promise of the Year." Nordiska Kompaniet also awarded the year's Honorary Award in the spirit of Josef Sachs to chef and restauranteur Björn Frantzén.
The NK Gala 2023 award winners, from left to right: actor Alva Bratt, creative director Richard Ntege, Swedish Fashion Council CEO Jennie Rosén and Vogue Scandinavia's editor in chief Martina Bonnier.
The 2023 judging panel comprised carefully selected creators, fashion designers and style icons, including Pär Engsheden, fashion designer and program manager at Beckmans; Fredrik Robertsson, creative director at Björn Axén and haute couture collector; Thérése Hellström, creator and founder of La Mode Agency; Annica Eklund, photographer and creative director and owner of Bolon; John-Jamal Gille, project director at the Association of Swedish Fashion Brands and Anna-Carina Helander Anderson, founder and CEO of Seezona.