Hodakova Wins 2024 LVMH Prize Awarded by Natalie Portman
Ellen Hodakova Larsson, the designer behind Stockholm-based brand Hodakova, won the prestigious LVMH Prize for young designers this past Tuesday.
This year, Dior ambassador Natalie Portman was given the title of special jury member for the LVMH Prize 2024, marking the first time an LVMH ambassador has joined the jury of the prestigious fashion competition. She was also joined by Robert Pattinson , awarding the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, and Ana de Armas, responsible for awarding the Savoir-Faire Prize.
The prestigious LVMH Prize 2024 jury is made-up of some of the biggest names in fashion, including Jonathan Anderson , Maria Grazia Chiuri , Nicolas Ghesquière , Marc Jacobs , Kim Jones , Stella McCartney , Nigo , Phoebe Philo , Silvia Venturini Fendi , Pharrell , Delphine Arnault, Jean-Paul Claverie and Sidney Toledano.
There were eight finalists for this year's competition: Aubero by Julian Louie from the United States, Duran Lantink from the Netherlands, Hodakova by Ellen Hodakova Larsson from Sweden, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt from Belgium, Niccolò Pasqualetti from Italy, Paolo Carzana from the United Kingdom, Pauline Dujancourt from France and Standing Ground by Michael Stewart from Ireland.
The French group led by Bernard Arnault launched the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2013, as an initiative which "reflects the group's and its fashion houses' ongoing commitment to emerging talent." Each year, the LVMH Prize rewards young designers selected for their talent and exceptional creativity. With a declared passion for innovation, this prize represents concrete support for the new generation of designers, destined to become future fashion industry stars. The winners not only receive a considerable sum of money, but also receive mentoring from industry experts which is a crucial aspect for the commercial success of their brands.
Below, everything you need to know about the winners.
Hodakova - Winner of the LVMH Prize 2024
Ellen Hodakova Larsson founded her eponymous brand in 2021 in Stockholm, with the goal of creating the first fully sustainable fashion house. Her mission is to change the way people see fashion by offering luxury pieces made from existing products. Her flexible business model allows her to explore creativity through conscious limitations, prioritizing quality and craftsmanship. Ellen believes that pieces with a story and sentimental value can create a deeper connection with the wearer. Recently, Cate Blanchett has shown love for the brand, rocking two Hodakova pieces decked in spoons for both the premiere of Borderlands in August and two days ago at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of her latest film Disclaimer.
Duran Lantink - Winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize 2024
Based between Amsterdam and Paris, Duran Lantink is known for unique and ever-evolving collections, created with sustainable materials and reclaimed pieces. Each piece is transformed through a constant dialogue between the designer and the owner, making each creation timeless and made to measure. In 2023, Lantink debuted at Paris Fashion Week with collections that fused three-dimensional sculpture and traditional craftsmanship, drawing attention from celebrities including Beyoncé and Billie Eilish wearing his designs.
Michael Stewart - 2024 Savoire-Faire Winner
Michael Stewart, originally from Ireland, founded the label Standing Ground in 2022, focusing on modern, tailored eveningwear. His designs are inspired by the specificity of the human body, with draping and sculpting techniques that respond to individual shapes. Stewart fuses elements of ancient civilizations and landscapes with a futuristic aesthetic, creating garments that defy time and the evolution of fashion.
Aubero
Aubero was founded in 2022 by Julian Louie, who studied architecture at The Cooper Union in New York City and held senior roles in women’s fashion design. Aubero offers a menswear line with a tactile and innovative approach to materials. Louie , who grew up in Santa Cruz, draws inspiration from the cultural mix of his environment, proposing a vision of effortless elegance. The brand is distinguished by the use of whimsical textures applied to simple, legible silhouettes, all with a theatrical and artisanal touch that honors both ancient and modern materials.
Marie Adam-Leenaerdt
The eponymous brand was launched in 2023 and stands out for its ability to transform everyday objects into timeless pieces. Her creations, which defy trends and embrace an artistic dimension, are characterized by strong cuts, precise constructions and luxurious materials. After studying at La Cambre in Brussels and working for major fashion houses, Marie decided to found her own brand to give voice to her personal and original vision.
Nicholas Pasqualetti
Nicholas Pasqualetti proposes an androgynous wardrobe inspired by the sartorial codes of Italian heritage. His pieces represent a fusion of past, present and future, creating a style that challenges the distinction between womenswear and menswear. After studying in Italy, Belgium and New York, Pasqualetti completed his master's degree at Central Saint Martins and has worked for brands such as Loewe. The collections are produced in Tuscany, where they collaborate with local artisans.
Paul Carzana
The Welsh designer Paul Carzana creates collections using organic and ancient materials, sculpting pieces that balance strength and fragility. Her fabrics, dyed with vegetables, flowers and spices, create a natural color palette that emphasizes the importance of the handmade. Through draping and tailoring, Carzana creates a form of modern luxury, deeply rooted in hope and a desire for change.
Pauline Dujancourt
Pauline Dujancourt , a French designer based in London, studied at Central Saint Martins and specialized in knitwear, a technique she taught herself. Her brand redefines womenswear through intricate textile processes such as crochet and hand knitting. Her collections combine woven elements and interwoven stripes, giving movement and lightness to the garments. Pauline collaborates with skilled artisans, with the aim of empowering and enhancing their skills.
