Dusk was beginning to fall on an early summer evening as the fashion crowd arrived on the island of Seurasaari, where a runway show featuring some of Finland’s most promising young designers was being held.
The event showcased collections by Idaliina Friman, Linda Kokkonen, Sini Saavala, Taneli Ukura, Ellen Rajala, Jim Bergström, Ilari Kokkola, Apollo Da Costa Doria, Enni Lähderinne, Nana Lybeck and Anni Salonen.
The 11 designers presented their visions of contemporary Nordic design as part of Helsinki Fashion Week, an event known internationally for its focus on sustainable fashion.
One of the many events of Helsinki Fashion Week was held on the island of Seurasaari.
Designer Jim Bergström showed his collection in the courtyard of Niemelä Tenant Farm.
A model presents an outfit by Jim Bergström, who won the Young Designer of the Year award in 2018.
Seurasaari provided a striking setting for the shows. The island is home to a large open-air museum featuring historically significant wooden buildings that have been relocated from all over Finland.
Designer Linda Kokkonen’s runway show took place inside Karuna Church, Seurasaari’s oldest building, originally constructed in 1685. Four other designers presented their collections at Kahiluoto Manor House, which dates to the late 1700s.
The collections reflected many of the qualities associated with contemporary Finnish fashion: dark tones, sculptural silhouettes, artistry and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Take a look at what Finnish fashion looks like through the eyes of a new generation of designers.
Linda Kokkonen’s gothic-inspired designs were perfectly suited to the church setting.
A runway show in Karuna Church showed off clothes designed by Linda Kokkonen.
Enni Lähderinne won the Young Designer of the Year award in 2025. The woven garment this model is wearing comes from the winning competition entry and takes inspiration from the centuries-old tradition of ryijy textile weaving.
Sustainability plays a major role in the work of Idaliina Friman, who designed the garment shown here.
Outfits by Idaliina Friman, winner of the Young Designer of the Year award in 2021, have garnered international attention.
Kahiluoto Manor House originally stood in southwestern Finland before relocation to Seurasaari in 1926.
Enni Lähderinne’s work combines knitting, rya weaving (similar to ryijy) and recycled materials.
Ilari Kokkola’s designs feature delicate colours and intriguing silhouettes.
Designs by Apollo Da Costa Doria brought rock-and-roll energy and attitude to the runway.
Text and photos by Emilia Kangasluoma, June 2026.
