Fashion - thisisFINLAND

Dogs, bedbugs, games: Helsinki’s Maria 01 houses more than 100 startups

Maria 01, a former hospital recently repurposed as a startup hub, is still growing. We meet three companies: one designs online games specifically for women, another makes an app that trains puppies, and a third is putting bedbugs out of business.

Business & innovation Sustainability

Finland aims to bid farewell to rubbish dumps

Recycling waste saves natural resources, produces raw material for the circular economy and generates new business opportunities.

Arts & culture Fashion

Bold Finnish fashion designers attract global attention

Aalto University’s spring fashion show, held every May in Helsinki, is on the agendas of international journalists, scouts, bloggers and anyone else who’s into apparel. What’s behind the most recent success of Finnish designers?

2015

Helsinki Fashion Week held for the first time

Source: Helsinki Fashion Week

Business & innovation Sustainability

Fibre innovation from Finland may change textile industry

As the global clothing industry struggles with a sustainability crisis, several Finnish companies are offering solutions.

Business & innovation Design

Freedom in fashion in Finnish kids’ clothes

Children’s clothing designers in Finland look to influence the whole industry by designing clothes that are not only beautiful and comfortable, but also ethically produced, long-lasting and free from gender bias.

2005

The year Helsinki Design Week, Scandinavia's biggest design fest, was founded

Arts & culture Design

Courageous Finnish hobbyhorsing inspires designers

The world’s newest equestrian craze started in Finland. Hobbyhorsing is creative, inventive and independent – all qualities that attract designers, as well.

Arts & culture Design

Design nation Finland also becoming illustration nation

Helsinki Design Week, September 7–17: Design means more than simply ceramics and other household items. We talk with Kustaa Saksi, one of many gifted Finnish illustrators you should keep your eye on.

Business & innovation Lifestyle

There’s a hat for that: Finland’s shiny happy “pipo” people

A woolly hat – “pipo” in Finnish – is an essential accessory during the cold Finnish winters, but it can also be trendy. We look at several success stories from the thriving local knitwear industry, including one designer who wears a hat in the summer, too.