Ellen Hodakova Larsson, the creative force behind Hodakova, has won the prestigious 2024 LVMH Prize for Young Designers, presented at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. The Swedish designer’s innovative approach and unique vision stood out from a staggering 2,500 applicants, earning her the grand prize of €400,000 euros and a year of mentorship from LVMH’s industry experts.
Her label, Hodakova, has garnered attention for its avant-garde designs that challenge conventional fashion norms while maintaining a strong commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
The 2024 LVMH Prize ceremony also recognized other talented designers. Duran Lantink, a Dutch designer known for his sustainable practices and upcycling techniques, was awarded the Karl Lagerfeld Special Jury Prize. The award, presented by actor Robert Pattinson, includes a €200,000 euros grant and expert mentoring in key areas such as sustainable development and financial management.
New to the awards program was the Savoir-Faire Prize, which celebrates the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Michael Stewart’s label Standing Ground won this inaugural award, which was presented by Louis Vuitton house ambassador Ana de Armas. The prize package includes €200,000 euros and a one-year mentorship by LVMH specialists.
The competition’s final roster showcased a diverse range of emerging talent from around the world. Finalists included Julian Louie’s Aubero from the United States, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt from Belgium, Niccolò Pasqualetti representing Italy, Paolo Carzana from the United Kingdom and Pauline Dujancourt flying the flag for France.
This year’s judging panel featured an impressive lineup of fashion industry heavyweights. New additions included Pharrell Williams, men’s Artistic director at Louis Vuitton, and Phoebe Philo, who has launched her own LVMH-backed brand. They joined returning jurors such as Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney, as well as key LVMH executives Delphine Arnault, Sidney Toledano and Jean-Paul Claverie.