Five of Finland’s most renowned designers showcased their collections for the third annual Fashion in Helsinki Fashion Show held on May 29 at Helsinki Shipyard.
At the Fashion in Helsinki runway show, models descended down the rustic staircase of the vast, cavernous shipyard. An immersive atmosphere settled above the 850 curious guests as they were seated where massive cruise vessels and icebreakers usually take place. Established in 1865 and still operational today, the Helsinki Shipyard is a grand industrial space that had never experienced such an event. Spearheaded by Art Director Minttu Vasela, the third annual Fashion in Helsinki runway show, featured a lineup of five of the city’s most celebrated talents. Since the show fell between seasons, most designers chose to showcase the best pieces from their last two collections.
Rolf Ekroth
The former Galeries Lafayette Prize winner Rolf Ekroth opened the Fashion in Helsinki’s runway show with it’s romantic floral patterned ensembles, oversized jackets and iconic balaclavas. Amongst the neutral colours the designer showcased eye-catching details of red roses. Rolf Ekroth is known for its innovative and eclectic approach to fashion. With a background in social work and sportswear, Ekroth’s designs often merge functionality with avant-garde aesthetics, creating unique and thought-provoking pieces. The brand is celebrated for its bold use of colors, unconventional silhouettes, and the incorporation of streetwear influences.
Hedvig
Second to walk through the rustic dry dock was Hedvig’s checkered patterns, asymmetrical flannel skirts, earthy green tones mixed with bold electric blue, styled with long leather gloves. The collection featured versatile pieces that reflect the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design. Hedvig is renowned for its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Celebrated for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern elements, Hedvig consistently delivers high-quality fashion that emphasizes both style and ethical production practices.
Sofia Ilmonen
Sofia Ilmonen presented her signature modular designs made in collaboration with the sustainable textile innovator Spinnova. Marked by strong bright colours such as pink, red, purple and blue as well as more neutral colours of black, white and grey, the ensembles showcased loose corsetry and puffy silhouettes. Sofia Ilmonen is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Known for her avant-garde yet wearable designs, Ilmonen creates pieces that emphasize structure, detail, and innovative use of materials.
Vain
Next in line to show their collection came Vain’s industrial workwear, with garments showcasing mousetraps and cheese motifs, nodding to the nine-to-five rat race. Vain is a dynamic Finnish brand renowned for its edgy, contemporary fashion that pushes the boundaries of traditional design. Known for its bold aesthetic and innovative approach, Vain often incorporates striking prints, that are both visually captivating and thought-provoking. Sustainability is also a key priority for Vain, using deadstock to produce its goth-infused designs. With a strong emphasis on individuality and sustainability, Vain continues to make a significant impact on the Finnish and international fashion scenes.
Jenny Hytönen
Last to walk through the enormous dry dock was the 2022 Hyères Grand Prize winner Jenny Hytönen. With sheer fabrics, leather, studs and buckles being the main elements in the ensembles, the models made sure to make a statement while closing the show. The brand stands out for its contemporary aesthetics, often incorporating intricate detailing, bold silhouettes, and innovative materials. Jenny Hytönen’s collections frequently explore themes of identity and self-expression, resulting in pieces that are visually striking. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical production, the brand not only pushes the boundaries of fashion but also champions responsible practices within the industry.
Take a closer look at the brand’s collections behind-the-scenes images below.
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