What do you think of when it comes to Finland? Elks, “Scandi living” or perhaps a place to catch the Northern Lights? Yes, the country may not be typically associated with fashion aside from the world-famous Marimekko prints but there’s a slew of young designers from the country looking to change that perception.

At a recent showcase – Finland’s Fashion Frontier – held recently at the newly opened Andaz Hotel to showcase emerging talents from the country, we were introduced to five young designers, each with a distinct aesthetic that impressed the crowd of industry insiders.

Anna Isoniemi

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If shiny objects and sequins are your calling, Anna Isoniemi will be your new go-to label. Inspired by the 1960s and more specifically, the uniform worn by racing car drivers of the period, the entire collection came bedecked in sequins from head-to-toe, yet they never felt tacky nor overdone – we particularly liked the motorocross jumpsuit that would make an unusual yet fabulous piece for this festive season.

Ida-Sofia Tuomisto

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Dealing in a beautiful palette of autumnal shades, Tuomisto utilises contrasts to great effect – pairing off the soft ombre effect (colour-bleeding, essentially) with “harder”, more industrialised fabrics such as rubber.

Janette Friis

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FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland
finland
FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland

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The most straightforwardly feminine label of the group, Friis specialises in knitwear – which was where her strength really shone, especially on this sculptural heather grey number modelled by rising Singaporean model Jean Yong (@jean_yong_). While some might find it too girly, I do like the attention paid to details such as the raw, jagged edges (especially on the heels).

Sini-Pilvi Kiilunen

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FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland
finland
FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland
finland
FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland

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finland

Deriving inspiration from velvet suits that appeared in 19th century oil paintings, Kiilunen’s ode to the romantic man was rich with textures and embroidery. I liked that it still came across as modern simultaneously, especially with the metal ringlets that studded the pants and court shoes. Christopher Kane meets Simone Rocha, if you will. Best part yet, for those who back environmentally-friendly designs, many of the materials used in the collection are recycled or derived from secondhand clothes.

Rolf Ekroth

finland FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland

 

finland

FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland

finland
FASHION IN HELSINKI
Graduates show of Aalto University of Arts and Design NÄYTÖS 17 in Kaapeli, Helsinki. Finland

finland

Ekroth is one of Finland’s most promising menswear designers – come next month, he’ll be representing his country at the next edition of Pitti Uomo in Milan – basically the Oscars of the menswear world. Inspired by military attire, the award-winning designer juxtaposes some really interesting and futuristic materials such as foil with more traditional ones such as jacquard.

To me, it also offers a look at where the future of menswear – or even fashion in general, really – might be headed – the metallic coats in particular, resembles the space blankets used by astronauts and the like to protect against extreme temperatures – something we likely have to deal with in the not-so-far future.

Like this? Check out the group of young Singaporeans making huge waves in the international creative scene, why you should check out Singapore’s biggest carnival that’s opened for the first time at Marina Bay Sands and our chic gift guide for your eco-friendly friends and colleagues this Christmas.