AKS LABEL wins Tribute Award: Brand of the Year 2026

Photos by Anna Stokland and Helene Nesset.

The winner of the Oslo Runway Tribute Award: Brand of the Year is AKS LABEL.‍
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Formerly known by the eponymous name of Christian Aks, the brand has evolved into AKS LABEL, founded by Anita Krstic Søberg, Fredrik and Christian Aks. Among several points of reasoning, the jury recognises that this year's winner has distinguished itself through a strong and distinctive brand identity, a refined design language, and an impressive ability to combine creativity, craftsmanship, quality, and commercial relevance.

– AKS LABEL wins Brand of the Year for turning a distinct point of view into a brand with real momentum. Over the past year, they have continued to sharpen their identity, balancing strong design and uncompromising quality with a thoughtful approach to building a business from the ground, states Elin O. Carlsen, Chair of the Jury, Oslo Runway Tribute Awards.

The Jury highlights that the brand has shown a clear commercial development during the past year, possessing a distinctive and recognisable design expression of high quality. AKS LABEL demonstrates growth potential, both locally and internationally, which is important to Norwegian value creation and the long-term strength of our industry.

– AKS LABEL is a brand that feels deeply of its time, and the jury believes its got all the qualities to become one of Norway's next great export brands, says Carlsen.

At the heart of the brand is a sophisticated understanding of silhouette, materiality, and proportion. AKS LABEL's minimalist aesthetic is deliberate and considered, allowing each element to speak for itself while placing fabric and construction at the centre of the design.

The Jury examplifies the use of feather-light organza, flowing effortlessly around the human form, has become a distinctive signature of the designer. This sense of lightness is balanced by precise tailoring and a confident understanding of proportion, resulting in garments that feel both modern and deeply considered.

– What stands out is the strength of the foundation they have built – creatively, commercially and professionally. AKS LABEL has grown with intention, establishing the structure and confidence of a mature brand while staying true to its distinctive voice. They are now in a strong position to take that Norwegian identity beyond our borders and onto the international stage, describes Carlsen.

Explore AKS LABEL in our Image Bank here and read more about the Oslo Runway Tribute Awards here.