Courtesy of Hodakova
The award ceremony, held at the iconic Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, was a star-studded affair, with Hollywood luminaries Natalie Portman, Ana de Armas, and Robert Pattinson gracing the event.
Larsson's unique vision, which masterfully blends reverence for traditional craftsmanship with a revolutionary approach to sustainable design, captivated the illustrious jury. The panel, featuring fashion heavyweights such as Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Stella McCartney, NIGO, and Silvia Venturini Fendi, was unanimous in their decision to crown HODAKOVA as this year's winner.
Founded in Stockholm in 2021, HODAKOVA has rapidly ascended the ranks of the fashion world, distinguishing itself through its commitment to upcycling and circular design principles. Larsson's ingenious approach involves transforming discarded materials into haute couture pieces, challenging conventional notions of luxury and waste in the fashion industry.
The LVMH Prize, now in its 11th edition, awards Larsson with a substantial €400,000 grant and, perhaps more valuably, a year-long mentorship program with LVMH Group experts. This tailored coaching will undoubtedly propel HODAKOVA to new heights, providing Larsson with invaluable insights into the business and creative aspects of running a successful fashion brand.
HODAKOVA's rise to prominence has been marked by several headline-grabbing moments. Most recently, the brand garnered international attention when Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett wore a HODAKOVA creation to the Toronto International Film Festival. The dress, adorned with repurposed spoons, perfectly encapsulated Larsson's ability to elevate everyday objects into works of wearable art.
This wasn't the first time HODAKOVA had turned heads on the red carpet. Earlier, as part of Gucci's Vault project – an initiative aimed at showcasing emerging designers – Larsson crafted an ensemble entirely from vintage belts, further demonstrating her knack for reimagining pre-existing materials.
The victory at the LVMH Prize 2024 is not just a personal triumph for Larsson but a significant moment for the fashion industry at large. It signals a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in luxury fashion and highlights the potential for innovative design to drive positive change in the sector.
As HODAKOVA prepares to leverage this prestigious accolade, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the brand's next moves. With the support of LVMH and the global spotlight now firmly fixed on her work, Ellen Hodakova Larsson is poised to redefine the boundaries of sustainable luxury fashion, one upcycled masterpiece at a time.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.