Yesterday the who’s who of Swedish fashion came out for the NK Gala, an annual celebration of fashion, beauty and culture held at Stockholm luxury department store NK. Vogue Scandinavia has your all access pass to one of Stockholm fashion’s biggest nights
Yesterday evening, Stockholm’s fashion industry heavy-hitters – models and editors, designers and beauty moguls – put on their finest looks and gathered at a place with which they are deeply familiar: Swedish luxury department store NK. It was the NK Gala, an annual celebration of the best and brightest within Swedish fashion, beauty and culture. This year, however, called for something a little bit extra; not only was it the 10th NK Gala, it just so happened to fall on the 110th anniversary of NK in its iconic home on Hamngatan.
“This year we are celebrating two milestones at once,” notes Karin Wickberg, NK’s Marketing Director. “We are bringing together and celebrating some of the most influential names in Swedish fashion and culture and highlighting them in a way that feels both festive and forward-looking. The production, the performances and the overall experience are designed to honour NK’s heritage while also showing our role as a stage for the future of fashion.”
The celebrations also marked the occasion of the 110th anniversary of NK in its iconic home on Stockholm's Hamngatan.
The event saw NK’s extraordinary atrium space transformed into an elegant dinner party. Past the red carpet and cocktail mingle (at which countless Pol Roger champagne bottles were popped), rows of long white-tablecloth-topped tables, decorated with minimalist red floral arrangements, welcomed the star-studded crowd. “It’s always magical to see how NK and our fantastic atrium transform into a gala setting,” says Wickberg.
Naturally the looks were something to behold. Couture collector Frederik Robertsson did not disappoint in a sculptural box-like leather biker jacket by Junya Watanabe (apologies to whoever sat next to him at dinner). Acne Studios’ in-house fashion icon Magnus Carlsson wore a killer plaid Comme des Garçons look. Supermodel Kelly Gale went understated in a denim midi tube dress paired with ski-high Hagelstam heels and our editor in chief, Martina Bonnier, went full couture in a show-stopping chartreuse Georges Chakra gown.
Vogue Scandinavia's editor in chief Martina Bonnier.
After all the hellos, air kisses and red carpet moments, guests found their seats to take in the raucous introduction from host Robert Fux, who wore a custom shocking pink maxjenny! gown monogrammed with the NK logo for the occasion. The actor and drag performer made a suitably grand entrance, trailed by a full brass band playing Beyoncé’s 'Crazy in Love'. Shortly thereafter, the appetiser course, a chilled tomato soup in a glass bowl designed by Simon Klinell, was served.
The evening’s mouth-watering (and Instagram-friendly) four-course menu came courtesy of chef Tommy Myllymäki and his team at Bobergs, the restaurant situated on the department store’s fourth floor. “It’s an honour to create the menu for this year’s NK gala,” says Myllymäki, who also served on this year’s jury. “The key has been bringing together playfulness with the elegance that NK represents.”
Acne Studios’ Magnus Carlsson wore a plaid Comme des Garçons look.
Model Kelly Gale representing her brand Chandi Beauti.
Couture collector Frederik Robertsson in a sculptural unya Watanabe leather jacket.
Between each course, the awards were doled out – seven in total, highlighting Swedish talent across a range of categories. “This year’s winners reflect the diversity, strength and originality of Swedish fashion, entrepreneurship, and innovation today,” says NK CEO Hannes Hasselrot. "They are visionaries who combine creativity with responsibility and international influence with a strong local identity. Collectively they show that Swedish fashion and culture continue to make its mark globally, while staying true to values that matter here at home.” Gale’s Chandra Beauti nabbed the Beauty award whilst the Fashion prize was awarded to Filippa Fuxe and Nathalie Schuterman’s Leoní. Josephine Bornebusch took home the Style Icon award and the Honorary Prize was given to Efva Attling. Rounding out the winners were Way Out West, Chimi Eyewear and Koenigsegg.
The 2025 NK Gala winners.
For those in the fashion industry – and those who simply love fashion – NK is a Mecca of sorts; a place where all of our favourite brands can live under one soaring roof. The NK Gala serves as an annual celebration of NK’s significance – and influence – within the Swedish scene. “NK has always been more than a department store – it’s a cultural institution and a meeting place for creativity, style and innovation,” says Wickberg. “The gala is a way for us to celebrate and spotlight the people who are shaping fashion and culture in Sweden. It strengthens our role as a platform for inspiration and as a partner for brands, designers, and creators.”
A full brass band opened the evening with Beyoncé’s 'Crazy in Love'.
The jury panel for the 10th NK Gala.
Robert Fux was the colourful host of the evening.
As the lights dimmed and the sparkler-adorned desserts, a delicious glacé au four, came out, the celebratory feeling filled the atrium. While guests enjoyed the sweet concoction, pop duo Jung took the stage. “For us, the NK Gala is not only a celebration of fashion, but also of NK itself – our history and our future,” says Hasselrot. “Hosting this event in the same year as NK’s 110th anniversary is a reminder of how central the house has been, and still is, to Swedish culture. It’s an evening that brings people together and underscores why NK remains such an important stage for style and creativity.”
See all the snapshots from the 10th NK Gala below.
