Program 2026
Fashion in Helsinki 26.-30.5.2026
19.5.
LUCKY LOSER BY KRISTA VIRTANEN
19.5. at 8.30-10.30 – Morning launch & breakfast
By invitation only
19.5. at 18:00–20:00 – Evening launch & opening
Free Entry RSVP via link
Location: Fold.studioshop, Pitkänsillanranta 11, Helsinki
Krista Virtanen is a Helsinki-based fashion designer. Her new collection Lucky Loser is an upcycled tennis collection.
The day unfolds in two moments: an intimate morning launch and an open evening event.
In the evening, the space opens up for a public gathering with the premiere of the Lucky Loser fashion film. Drinks, ice cream and music by DJ J-Dawg.
The collection will be available at Fold.studioshop for three weeks following the launch.
Instagram.com/kristavirtanendesign
Instagram.com/luckylosersports
22.5.
Marimekko Day
Location: Esplanadi park, Helsinki
Fashion shows at 12, 13.30, 16 & 18
Welcome to celebrate patterns of joy! On Marimekko Day, May 22, we’ll come together once again, invite summer into the city and fall for Marimekko’s latest fashion arrivals at Esplanadi Park.
26.5.
LUNCH DISCUSSION – RESPONSIBLE COTTON FROM EUROPE
26.5. at 13.00 – 14.30
Location: St. George Wintergarden, Yrjönkatu 13, Helsinki
Register for the event here
Cotton is the most produced natural fibre. Unfortunately, a large part of the problems in the textile industry related to environmental responsibility, working conditions and social responsibility are exacerbated by cotton production, as its production is often concentrated in developing countries and rural areas worldwide.
The EU Cotton Initiative aims to influence the sourcing of raw materials by European companies by raising awareness of European responsible cotton, which is grown in Greece and Spain. European responsible cotton is traceable, strictly monitored and is grown using renewable methods with a focus on the circular economy.
The EU is preparing legislation that will make a digital product passport mandatory for textiles after 2026. This means that every manufacturer of a garment must be able to prove the origin and carbon footprint of its materials. The EU will also introduce a strict ban on forced labor, which companies will be responsible for monitoring. How will these affect companies’ value chain management and material sourcing?
You are welcome to hear more about the topic at a lunch event at Hotel St. Georgen Wintergarden, where speakers will include Dimitris Polychoronos, President of the European Cotton Alliance, Emilia Gädda, Sustainability Expert at the Finnish Textile and Fashion Association, and Kirsi Niinimäki, Professor at Aalto University.
A spring lunch with drinks will be served at St. George Wintergarden.
Fashion Community Helsinki and Juha Vehmaanperä curated fashion evening and guided tour of the Craft Punk exhibition
26.5. at 17.00 – 20.00
Location: Museum of Architecture and Design, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki
Tickets: Free admission on the evening of 26.5 (16-20)
Through a growing network of around 50 designers, Fashion Community Helsinki creates opportunities for designers and the public to meet at events where fashion meets art and culture. The collective offers emerging designers a space to grow and develop, and promotes sustainable practices and diversity in the field of fashion.
Juha Vehmaanperä’s exhibition at the AD Museum Helsinki presents a bold and tactile exploration of contemporary knit art. Bringing together garments, installations, and material experiments, the exhibition highlights Vehmaanperä’s distinctive approach that merges craft traditions with punk attitude and conceptual design. His work challenges ideas of fashion, gender, and authorship through vivid colors, hand-made processes, and expressive forms. Rooted in slow fashion and DIY culture, the exhibition emphasizes making as both a political and poetic act. It invites visitors to experience craft as a powerful medium for storytelling, identity, and resistance.
Instagram.com/fashioncommunityhel
KOE26 Fashion show
26.5. at 20.00
Location: Cable Factory, Merikaapelihalli, Tammasaarenlaituri, M1entrance by the sea,Helsinki
Doors 19.00, showtime 20.00.
”LAB Muotoiluinstituutti”, The Institute of Design and Fine Arts at LAB University of Applied Sciences, in Lahti, showcases annually the talent of upcoming fashion designers.
KOE26 showcases the graduate collections of 10 designers. Each collection is the result of research for their graduate thesis. The collections explore stains in clothing, body textures as inspiration for knit surfaces, emotional security without words and surrealism. Themes also include the use of handcrafted techniques in upcycled materials.
KOE26 also presents looks and concept collections designed by second and third-year students.
VIP guests will be sent invitations.
Free entry for standing places through this link https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/D0E0FAB7440B15FA
27.5
CHRISTIAN CHIRAYU
27.5. at 15.00
Location: Club Stadium, Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmen tie 1
By Invitation only
CHRISTIAN CHIRAYU by Oliver Ahlmark is an independent designer focusing on formal dresses made from recycled materials. The brand combines classic femininity with a contemporary sensibility, bringing a couture-inspired approach to the Finnish fashion scene.
Founded two years ago and named after the designer’s second and third names, the brand operates on a small scale, with each garment designed and handmade by Ahlmark in Seinäjoki, Finland.
This show marks CHRISTIAN CHIRAYU’s first fully independent runway presentation, featuring selected emerging creatives as part of the overall styling.
Instagram.com/christian_chirayu
HANAHOLMEN DINNER FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
With ASK Scandinavia
27.5. at 16.30
Location: Hanaholmen, Hanasaarenranta 5, Espoo
By invitation only
Hanaholmen is a Swedish-Finnish cooperation and cultural centre with its own hotel and restaurant, located a stone’s throw away from Helsinki center with a beautiful Finnish archipelago just outside the window. Hanaholmen’s own restaurant, PLATS, is a favourite of both guests and food critics. Its food philosophy is rooted in the finest seasonal ingredients and Nordic gastronomy.
ASK Scandinavia is a Helsinki-based premium bag brand defined by Nordic values and with a vision of creating pieces that blend style and substance through Nordic Design, Innovative Materials, and Radical Transparency. Born from a market need for innovation-driven alternatives, ASK Scandinavia crafts timeless, uncompromising designs with focus is on clean, sculptural aesthetics and driving the industry away from extractive resources and toward mindful choices. Every piece is made with integrity in Europe with trusted partners, using traceable materials that support a journey toward a more circular future.
STUDIO LAMEA SS27 Showcase
27.5. at 16.15, show 16.45
Location: Balderin Sali, Aleksanterinkatu 12, Helsinki
Free entry, RSVP via link
Studio Lamea is a Helsinki-based clothing brand focused on creating timeless garments for contemporary use. Their collections are built around thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and longevity. Their approach is material-driven, working with both surplus and newly sourced fabrics, always selected for their quality, functionality, and durability. Studio Lamea’s goal is to create garments that stand the test of time — both in use and in expression.
Danny Wu Reading Salon Powered by ApÉro Journal
27.5. at 18.00 – 22.00
Location: Gadeplan, Annankatu 22, Helsinki
Open for all
Fashion magazines and Bloody Mary’s.
Instagram.com/gadeplanhki
Instagram.com/aperojournal
Fashion in Helsinki Presentation at Seurasaari
27.5. at 18.00 – 19.30
Invitation only event at 20.00 – 21.30
Location: Seurasaarentie 15, Helsinki
Tickets are sold here
Presenting the collections of Idaliina Friman,Linda Kokkonen,Sini Saavala,Taneli Ukura,Ellen Rajala,Jim Bergström,Ilari Kokkola,Apollo Da Costa Doria,Enni Lähderinne, Nana Lybeck, Anni Salonen.
Fashion in Helsinki presentation brings together 11 emerging Finnish fashion designers, each showcasing their creative vision, craftsmanship, and fresh perspectives on contemporary Nordic fashion. This event celebrates the talent and diversity of Finland’s next generation of fashion makers and rich architecture history.
Seurasaari island combines delicate island nature and Finnish cultural heritage at the open-air museum gathering cultural historically significant buildings from all of Finland.
Event is done in collaboration with Suomen Kansallismuseo, The National Museum of Finland
Artistic direction Minttu Vesala. Hair by Miika Kemppainen & Team, Make-up Jenny Jansson & Team.
28.5
Sofia ilmonen – collection installation
28.5. at 14.30-16.30
Location: Ruusutie 142, Helsinki
Open to all, RSVP via link
Set in the surroundings of Kumpula Siirtolapuutarha, Sofia Ilmonen presents her new collection of modular garments. Visitors are invited to experience the pieces up close at their own pace, in a setting inspired by seasonal blooms and an evolving, adaptable way of dressing.
Reflecting a balance between transience and enduring structure, the collection explores versatility and longevity through transformable forms. Ilmonen’s design philosophy celebrates femininity and individuality, with size-inclusive pieces designed to adapt to the diversity of every body.
ASK Scandinavia Presentation & party
28.5 at 17.00-20.00
Location: ASK Scandinavia Showroom, Merikatu 1, Helsinki
ASK Scandinavia presents new designs and current collections. Drinks and music.
ASK Scandinavia is a Helsinki-based premium bag brand defined by Nordic values and with a vision of creating pieces that blend style and substance through Nordic Design, Innovative Materials, and Radical Transparency. Born from a market need for innovation-driven alternatives, ASK Scandinavia crafts timeless, uncompromising designs with focus is on clean, sculptural aesthetics and driving the industry away from extractive resources and toward mindful choices.
Every piece is made with integrity in Europe with trusted partners, using traceable materials that support a journey toward a more circular future.
Danny Wu Cafe & shop
28.5. – 30.5.
Location: Pohjoisesplanadi 35
Opening times: Thursday-Friday 8 – 18, Saturday 10 – 18
Danny Wu takes over Cafe Noir. Good coffee and Danny Wu jeans & T-shirts.
Music with DJ and live radio stream on Saturday 30th May from 10 – 18.
Näytös and Näyttely26- Aalto Fashion Graduation Show
28.5 at 19.00
Location: Amos Rex courtyard, Mannerheimintie 20-24, Helsinki
Ticket sale will start later
The annual fashion show and exhibition features graduating BA Fashion and MA Fashion and Textile Design students’ work. Aalto University’s fashion and textile studies are characterised by highly skilled, distinctive approaches to materials. The presentations, both in an exhibition and runway set-up illustrate the practice-based learning methods, allowing students to extensively experiment with textiles and incorporate them into their fashion design work. In the year 2021 Aalto University’s fashion and textile major programmes were ranked best in the world by CEO World Magazine. Aalto University’s alumni work at many of the industry’s leading fashion houses, brands, mills and institutions.
Näytös26 will be streamed to The Rex screen facing Narinkkatori with open access from 19-20.
Näyttely26 exhibition is open for public 30.5 – 7.6. at Bio Rex foyer, open Mon 11-20, Wed – Fri 11-20, Sat – Sun 11-18.
NÄYTÖS26/NÄYTTELY26 AFTERPARTY ★ BY STAR KIDS
28.5. at 22:00-03:00
Location: Kaikukatu 4, Helsinki
Official afterparty for Näytös26/ Näyttely26 annual graduate fashion show and exhibition of BA and MA fashion and textile design students at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Afterparty is hosted by Star Kids in Kaiku
Lineup: FASHION STARS
Tickets 12€ (+ security fee 3,90€)
Limited pre-sale tickets 10€ (+ security fee 3,90€)
Pre-sale tickets are available via link
29.5.
Aalto Fashion&Textiles / Fashion in Helsinki Talks hosted with A Magazine Curated By & Näytös/Näyttely26 Award Ceremony
29.5. at 13.00 – 16.30
Location: Bio Rex, Mannerheimintie 20-24, Helsinki
Tickets 12€ sold here
Student admission free – RSVP via link
Fashion in Helsinki Talks presents a series of discussions bringing together designers, editors, and respected figures from across the industry. Hosted in collaboration with A Magazine Curated By, the conversation will delve deep into the evolving landscape of fashion, with a particular focus on the role of emerging creativity in shaping the future of fashion. These talks will explore how fashion intersects with and reflects our culture, examining how young designers navigate the challenges of a rapidly shifting world. How does fashion respond to global change? What role does creativity play in uncertain times? And what elements are shaping the future of the fashion industry?
Panelists:
Alain Paul, Co-Founder, Designer, ALAINPAUL
Luis Philippe, Co-founder & Commercial Director, ALAINPAUL
Alexis Djouahra, Director of Communications, The Hyères International Festival
Sanna-Kaisa Niikko, Chief Marketing Officer, Marimekko
Tuuli-Tytti Koivula, Designer
Taylore Scarabelli, Writer, Editor, Consultant
Moderated by Albert Shyong, Senior Editor, A Magazine Curated By
After the talk, the NÄYTÖS26 and NÄYTTELY26 Awards will be announced and the guests will have a chance to view the Näyttely26 in the Bio Rex foyer.
SS26 SPACE by Minttu Vesala, exhibition Generation 2026
29.5. at 16.00
Location: Amos Rex, Mannerheimintie 20-24, Helsinki
Opening event 29.5. at 16.00, free entry to the shop
Shop opening times 11-20 (same as museum)
Amos Rex museum shop turns into a curated sales gallery SS26 SPACE, showcasing selected fashion pieces, styling gems and obscure objects by Finnish designers.
The SPACE also acts as a community stage for special events, and its reading corner carries a selection of magazines and books highlighting art, fashion, and queer culture.
All items are handpicked by Minttu Vesala.
SS26 SPACE is active throughout the Generation 2026 exhibition that presents works from 50 young artists.
The Generation 2026 exhibition presents 50 young artists sharing their concerns, dreams, and struggles through diverse practices – from painting and performance to video games. The Generation triennial highlights Amos Rex’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging artists and connecting with new audiences.
APLOMB, Aperitivo
29.5. and 30.5. at 16.00 – 20.00
Location: Pursimiehenkatu 21 ( Canvas Canteen)
Join us to explore the fragrances of Aplomb during our aperitivo!
Enjoy snacks, drinks, and Aplomb’s perfumes
APLOMB is a Scandinavian contemporary luxury perfume brand that redefines the art of fragrance. Founded by Ina Niiniketo, a professional chef with a lifelong passion for perfumery, APLOMB offers distinctive scent experiences inspired by real-life muses, crafted in collaboration with one of the world’s leading perfumers.
At the heart of APLOMB lies a unique concept: each fragrance is a letter addressed to its muse. With a tagline that resonates — Every scent a letter — each perfume encapsulates a story, creating a sensory journey that celebrates personal storytelling through fragrance. Rooted in Scandinavian tradition and crafted in Helsinki, Finland. APLOMB invites individuals to connect with their inner selves through the power of scent.
S2 Magazine Launch Party
29.5. at 18.00-22.00
Location: Kaiku, Kaikukatu 4, Helsinki
By Invitation only
Magazine, music, drinks, and a celebratory vibe
S2 Magazine is an independent platform exploring fashion, design, art, music, and visual culture through the lens of contemporary, diverse Finland—spotlighting voices and perspectives often underrepresented in the media.
On May 29th, S2 releases its first print issue. The publication brings together highlights from Issues 1 and 2 alongside a brand-new Issue 3, built around the theme SHIPS (relationships)—exploring connections between communities, art forms, people, places, and ideas.
Behind S2 is a team of professionals in fashion, design, and culture, including Anne Törnroos and Claudia Cifu, with layout by Graphic Designer of the Year 2026, Viivi Prokofjev.
Join us to celebrate the launch!
The official launch party is powered by 1664.
OTSAMO Fashion Show
29.5. at 18.30
Location: Kämp hotel, Pohjoisesplanadi 29, Helsinki
By Invitation only
OTSAMO is a Helsinki-based fashion label founded by designer Mert Otsamo and entrepreneur László Kalmár. The brand merges craftsmanship and modern tailoring, characterized by precise construction, fit, and material choice.
The brand’s design philosophy centres on clarity of form, structural integrity, and longevity. OTSAMO stands for modern archetype clothing with a couture soul — disciplined in construction, functional in use, and not restricted by social norms.
Partners: Hotel Kämp, OKSANEN+TIKANOJA, Oribe, Duroy, BRAND, Paparazzi, Hagelstam, A.Tillander, SAUSO, BrightBio
FINNISH FASHION AWARDS 2026 & 1664 afterparty
29.5. at 20.00
Location: Veturitallinkuja 34, Helsinki
By Invitation only
Finnish designers are known for their creativity and craftsmanship. Less is more in almost everything – except parties.
Finnish Fashion Awards celebrates the country’s fashion and design industries. Organized by Fashion in Helsinki, the awards show wishes to highlight the multitude of the industry in Finland. Awards will be given out in categories such as New Talent, Beauty, Branding, Style Icon of the Year, Sustainability and many more.
The official Awards afterparty is powered by 1664.
Partners: Zalando, Make Up Store, 1664 Blanc, Miele, Flow Festival, Hotel St. George & LAB
30.5.
VAIN ss26 IN STORE
30.5. at 18.00 – 20.00
Location: VAIN Store, Runeberginkatu 8, Helsinki
Join us for an Spring–Summer 2026 collection shopping event. Music, drinks, and a curated atmosphere.
RSVP Required: https://link.jimivain.com/fih26-rsvp
Saturdays Book Club — A Conversation
30.5. at 18.00-19.00
Location: St. George Bakery & Bar, Yrjönkatu 13, Helsinki
Free & Open to all
Saturdays Book Club hosts an evening conversation exploring storytelling, cultural influence, and narratives in contemporary Finland. This conversation night brings together Alice Mutoni, cultural curator and co-founder of Ubuntu Film Club, with Claudia Cifu, Creative Director of S2 Magazine.
Continuing the celebration of S2 Magazine’s print launch from the previous day, the discussion explores storytelling, cultural influence, and who gets to shape narratives in contemporary Finland. Refecting on the role of fashion, publishing, art, and community in shaping culture and amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives. We’ll explore how these creative fields intersect to influence contemporary narratives and cultural conversations in Finland.
Our Guests:
Alice Mutoni is a cultural curator and co-founder of Ubuntu Film Club, a Helsinki-based collective expanding narratives through film screenings and community gatherings. The name Ubuntu means “humanity” and reflects the idea “I am because you are,” which continues to shape her work. She is currently studying Sustainable Business, focusing on culture-driven community impact.
Claudia Cifu is a creative, brand consultant, and stylist with over 20 years of experience in fashion, media, and branding. She has worked with brands such as J.Crew, Marc Jacobs, and URBN, as well as publications including Elle, Glamour, and The Fader. Since 2019, she has been based in Finland, focusing on diversity and inclusion within fashion and media.
Instagram.com/saturdays.bookclub
Evol fashion show
30.5. at 20.00
Location: Öljysäiliö 468, Saaristolaivastonkatu 15, Helsinki
Doors 19:00, Showtime 20:00
Tickets: https://linktr.ee/evol.fashionshow
A new fashion show focusing on the fresh new Finnish designer scene and interesting local cultural locations. Evol is a platform for creative talent; creators and businesses that are trying to establish their presence in the industry. The debut show, Siren, is alerting the start of a new era.
Designers: Aleksi Peräkylä, Annika Kallio, Aura Ritola, Ella-Kristiina Sainio, Emma Levy, Hilla Koivula, Katariina Kekoni, Linnkay & K. Jurnee, Macy Brace, Pali Albin, Sakari Säämäki, Sandra Hartikainen and Studio7 -collective.
Instagram.com/evol.fashionshow
More information: fashionshow.evol@gmail.com
31.5.
ALEX LUONTO X GALLERIAIA
“THE FIRST DECADE” FASHION SHOW
31.5 at 16.00
Location: Pengerkatu 22
Tickets: Free admission
The First Decade fashion show presents selected works from Alex Luonto
from the past 10 years as a fashion artist. Selected looks are
celebrated on the streets of Kallio organized together with Galleriaia.
The fashion show accompanies the fashion exhibition ’’The Blueprint’’ at
Galleriaia (21.05-31.5). The Blueprint fashion exhibition presents key
works that have been the most influential in Alex Luonto’s career so
far. Exhibition opening 21.05 at 17-20.
Alex Luonto’s work in fashion plays with minimalism with intention,
attention to detail, craftsmanship and breaking norms within the
industry. Utilizing unexpected materials from metal nails to suiting
wools and mundane everyday materials such as t-shirts, napkins and
collectible objects turning fashion into ready-made art.
Both events are free to public and open for everyone.
@alexluonto @galleriaia
galleriaia.com
Exhibitions (ongoing)
Generation 2026
Location: Amos Rex
Amos Rex is hosting the Generation 2026 triennial, which brings together 50 artists and working groups whose young artists aged 17–23 offer a direct view of the current concerns, dreams and social issues of young people. The exhibition deals with, among other things, identity, power structures and the environmental crisis, and breaks the traditional boundaries of art.
Juha Vehmaanperä CRAFT PUNK exhibition at AD Museum
Location: Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki
Juha Vehmaanperä’s exhibition at the AD Museum Helsinki presents a bold and tactile exploration of contemporary knit art. Bringing together garments, installations, and material experiments, the exhibition highlights Vehmaanperä’s distinctive approach that merges craft traditions with punk attitude and conceptual design. His work challenges ideas of fashion, gender, and authorship through vivid colors, hand-made processes, and expressive forms. Rooted in slow fashion and DIY culture, the exhibition emphasizes making as both a political and poetic act. It invites visitors to experience craft as a powerful medium for storytelling, identity, and resistance.