HODAKOVA presented its AW26 “Conventional Collection 112603” at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. Staged within a darkened room illuminated by a single, dim central light, the space was framed by four doors revealing fragments of a lived-in interior and its reflection. The set offered a glimpse into the symbolic architecture of the interior and self-reflection, where layers of the self emerged through open walls. Domestic furnishings, from carpets to tables, constructed an intimate setting suspended between reality and introspection. HODAKOVA invited the audience into a meditation on identity, vulnerability and self-reflection. The collection examined the layers we construct and the truths we ultimately disclose.
Silhouettes entered this “home” in tones of black, ash, bone and tobacco. Front-facing flaps were tailored into precise, elongated coats that extended the body, while sleeveless blazers cut sharply against bare torsos. Narrow trousers disciplined the stride. Proportions were subtly recalibrated: shoulders broadened, hems tightened, necklines sharpened: conventions rehearsed until the body beneath began to surface.
The backs of garments were stripped away, revealing the wearer’s truest form. Sculptural, structured fronts contrasted with exposed reverses, creating silhouettes defined by deliberate duality: adorned and composed in the front, bare and vulnerable behind. A quiet metaphor for the tension between public persona and private self.
Glass played a central role in this season’s exploration of self-reflection, with looks featuring glass accessories in collaboration with Icelandic Glacial, which also provided guests with glass water bottles filled with natural spring water sourced from Iceland’s protected Ölfus Spring, one of the world’s best preserved natural springs. This long-term collaboration will continue through to the SS27 Conventional Collection.
Filtered for centuries through layers of volcanic rock and bottled at source in its original composition, the water from Icelandic Glacial arrives as it formed: untouched and complete. Guided by Icelandic values of restraint and precision, the philosophy remains simple: Nothing Taken. Nothing Added.
Mirror and glass motifs underscored the collection’s psychological dimension. Transparent, glass-like surfaces acted as protective barriers. Visible yet shielding, they symbolised emotional exposure and interior states of mind. It also allows the wearer to see oneself from the outside perspective. Layering represented the constructed present self, while the bare back revealed the authentic core beneath. The house emerged as both sanctuary and confinement; reflection as both truth and illusion.
This season, HODAKOVA deepened its exploration of skin and the unravelling function of cloth. Severe tailoring stood beside raw, unfinished panels. Shearling and fur interrupted the austerity; these were crafted from sheepskin in a subtle nod to Swedish domestic throws. Fur coats hugged the torso; knit sweaters were worn away from the body, held only by the models’ own embracing arms. These woollen forms cradled atop the skin suggested a dance with oneself, garments as gestures of self-containment and introspection.
Models appeared barefoot, as though captured in a private moment of dressing at home. The presence in your one room, where you lay yourself bare and feel safe in your own interior. When footwear was introduced, it nodded to tradition and masculinity: riding boots, wedge heels and reinterpreted menswear classics grounded the silhouettes.
Unexpected materials further enriched the narrative. Horsehair instrument strings, traditionally used in violins, introduced tension and delicacy, weaving music, craftsmanship and fragility into the garments themselves.
Extending the interior outward, textiles migrated beyond the domestic frame. Panels recalling linens and upholstery fell under the influence of weighted gravity; tea towels were transformed into skirts, dresses, protective layers and evening wear. A collaboration with Harris Tweed foregrounded authenticity and heritage, with each tweed sourced directly from Scotland. Traditional craftsmanship was reimagined in modern silhouettes: a sleeveless tweed vest fastened with matching tweed buttons and a full tweed ensemble paired with a sculptural hat.
Necklaces, rings and garment tags were crafted from upcycled silver spoons, transforming everyday homeware into intimate adornments and functional details.
The exploration of the psychic interior and mental space, building your own comfort zone and safe space and accentuating the care and awareness of the direction in which your heading and the choices you make are central elements of the AW26 collection and HODAKOVA brand.
About HODAKOVA
HODAKOVA, founded by Swedish designer Ellen Hodakova Larsson in 2021, is a pioneering fashion brand blending elegance, curiosity and archetypal elements into its designs. HODAKOVA focuses on creating luxury garments from regenerated materials, demonstrating that craftsmanship and environmental responsibility can coexist without compromise. The brand is deeply rooted in Larsson’s home country of Sweden, where she maintains a close connection to nature, friends and family, providing a foundation for her creativity. Simultaneously, Hodakova operates on a global scale, with infrastructure spanning 15 countries. HODAKOVA has been worn by artists like Billie Eilish, Emma Corrin, Lily Rose Depp, Solange, Cate Blanchett, Rosé, Ayo Edebiri and Petra Collins. HODAKOVA is supported by the Swedish Fashion Council. HODAKOVA was the 2024 LVMH Prize Winner.
Source: HODAKOVA PR
