Aalto University was founded in 2010 through the merger of three historic and prestigious institutions: the University of Art and Design Helsinki, the Helsinki University of Technology, and the Helsinki School of Economics. The fashion department at Aalto University, many of whose alumni work for some of the world's top fashion houses, holds its graduation show in Helsinki every May. The 2017 event was held in a spacious, minimalist space renovated from a former cable factory, welcoming an audience of approximately 1,000. Twenty-eight students enrolled in the BA (Bachelor's) and MA (PhD) programs presented collections for women's or men's wear, each of which was selected for their major.

This major event, attracting industry professionals from Japan and abroad, is a valuable opportunity for students to shape their future careers. The students were Finnish as well as international students from Scandinavian countries. While some pieces were artistic and avant-garde, others featured simple silhouettes and intricately designed textiles, delighting the audience with the diverse lineup typical of a student show.

At the end of the show, three prizes were announced: the Diesel Prize, the Marimekko Prize, and a special prize judged by creators and artists active at the forefront of the fashion scene.



From the collection of Diesel Award-winning designer Heini-Maria Hynynen

From the collection of Marimekko Award-winning designer Elina Äärelä

From the collection of Sini-Pilvi Kiilunen, who won a special prize

This was the graduation show of a fashion student based not in Paris or London, but in Helsinki. I had no idea what kind of pieces would appear until I saw it in person, but seeing the garments bursting with bold, original power completely changed my perception of Finnish fashion. With young, talented creative sense and the honest work style that is innate to the Finnish people, it seems we may be seeing more and more Finnish designers in action around the world in the future.



>>See [Series] Fashion in Finland