The LVMH Prize 2024 has crowned its winner, and the honor goes to Swedish designer Ellen Hodakova Larsson of HODAKOVA. Her brand, known for its commitment to sustainability and innovative designs, secured the coveted Grand Prize, earning Larsson €400,000 and a year of mentorship from LVMH’s esteemed team of experts.
Since establishing her label in 2021, Larsson has garnered praise for her dedication to ethical fashion practices. Her statement looks, crafted from unique recycled materials like spoons and belts, have graced the red carpets and style pages, adorning the likes of Cate Blanchett, Emma Corrin, and Camila Cabello.
The LVMH Prize 2024 saw a diverse range of talent vying for the top spot. DURAN LANTINK, known for its unconventional and experimental approach, secured the prestigious ANDAM Special Prize, marking a significant achievement for the brand just a year after winning the Karl Lagerfeld Prize. Meanwhile, the newly established Savoir-Faire Prize was awarded to Irish designer Michael Stewart’s STANDING GROUND. Stewart, a Royal Academy of Arts graduate, established his label only two years ago, demonstrating his meteoric rise in the fashion world. Both DURAN LANTINK and STANDING GROUND received €200,000 and a year of mentorship opportunities.
The LVMH Prize 2024 jury, a veritable who’s who of the fashion industry, comprised names like Nicolas Ghesquière, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Jonathan Anderson, Silvia Venturini Fendi, NIGO®, Marc Jacobs, Pharrell Williams, and Phoebe Philo. Adding to the esteemed panel were Delphine Arnault, Bernard Arnault’s advisor Jean-Paul Claverie, and Sidney Toledano.
Following the announcement of the winners, Venturini Fendi shared her insights: “I think we chose based not only on their work but also their personalities.” Addressing the distinct qualities of this year’s recipients, she continued, “I think they reflect the ‘feeling’ we want from clothes. That’s why it’s so important to have the chance to speak with them. We feel a need to know the people who make these clothes. Today, we want to support those who are not only buying clothes but sending messages to the world.”
Echoing Venturini Fendi’s sentiments, Maria Grazia Chiuri emphasized the importance of “not only creativity, but also the ideas they want to build for the future, their vision for the brand.” She added, “Every single work was interesting and different, and there was a personal story to be felt in all of them.”
First-time juror Natalie Portman was particularly impressed by the shared commitment to creating positive impact through fashion. She remarked, “I think Ellen’s [Hodakova] vision of the future and her thinking about sustainability and reuse of materials is brilliant. And to see that put into these beautiful pieces, I was really moved.”
As Larsson, now 32 years old, celebrated her victory with a champagne glass in one hand and the Jean-Michel Othoniel-designed trophy in the other, she reflected on her future aspirations. “I’m always changing my goals in the present, so it’s hard to have one goal. But I want to see the brand evolve in a way I can imagine, with a good balance of nature. I think that balance is needed to maintain the infrastructure.”
Closing with words of wisdom for aspiring designers, Marc Jacobs shared, “Winning is great, but if you don’t win, it’s not the end of the world.” He encouraged young creatives to stay true to themselves and their passions: “Just be true to yourself and keep your passion going. Anything is possible. It doesn’t matter if you win or not. Keep going.”
