Designer Ellen Hodakova Larsson of buzzy Swedish brand Hodakova have made history, becoming the first Swedish recipient of the prestigious LVMH prize
Securing a spot as an LVMH Prize finalist is a monumental achievement, but winning the coveted prize itself? For most, that’s a pipe dream. Not for Ellen Hodakova Larsson, who has just made history as the first Swedish designer to claim the prestigious award with her eponymous brand Hodakova.
The competition's odds were daunting, with 2,500 applicants vying for a spot this year. Out of that vast pool, only 20 semi-finalists advanced to face the scrutiny of some of fashion’s most influential figures—including Nicolas Ghesquière, Stella McCartney, Jonathan Anderson, Marc Jacobs, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and Pharrell Williams, creative director of Louis Vuitton Men.
Larsson became the first Scandinavian finalist in seven years, following Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen in 2017. "We commend her for her hard work, dedication and vision In only a few years, Ellen has come a long way. We can’t wait to follow along as they continue to build a legacy for herself," shared the LVMH Prize jury on Instagram, explaining their decision.
Ellen Hodakova Larsson receives the award from LVMH Prize ambassador and jury member Natalie Portman .
The jury’s praise rings true. Over the past three years, Larsson has successfully crafted coveted, avant-garde pieces from everyday objects — whether belts transformed into a bag or a cape made from ballpoint pens. And as if that wasn't enough of an achievement she’s also won over Hollywood’s elite. Most notably, Cate Blanchett who recently donned Hodakova’s iconic silver spoon design at the Disclaimer premiere during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
Since founding her brand in 2021, Larsson ethos centres on consistently pushing boundaries around consumption and the industry’s concept of sustainability. “When people appreciate and recognise my work and the thinking behind it, they start to realise that it’s not just about clothes but also about transformation," Larsson shared with Vogue Scandinavia when she was first named a finalist. " The reaction evoked is curiosity, which is my main goal and the reason I started the brand."
Cate Blanchet wearing Hodakova's spoon top to the premiere of Borderlands. Photo: @voguerunway
The LVMH Prize, open to designers aged 18 to 40 with at least two collections to their name, awarded three prizes this year. Larsson received the top honour: the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, along with a €400,000 grant. The Karl Lagerfeld Prize, worth €200,000, was awarded to Duran Lantink, along with the newly introduced Savoir-Faire Prize, another €200,000, awarded to Michael Sterwart of Standing Ground.