A List of Top Finnish Luxury Clothing Brands

Finland is a Northern European nation bordering Sweden, Norway and Russia. Its capital, Helsinki, is the seat of culture, aesthetics and design. Helsinki boasts the fashionable Design District which has become synonymous to Finnish luxury designer brands across the globe.

When it comes to fashion, Finland might easily seem to be in the shadow of its Nordic neighbors. Yet the country has its share of great designers who are making a mark on the international scene. Finnish designers are distinguished by their material sensibility, clear design aesthetic and ecologically sensitive design techniques.

This article explores some Finnish luxury clothing brands, both emerging and long standing, that have the potential of waking up international shoppers to what Finland has to offer -

1. Sophie Sälekari

Image Courtesy : Fashion + Lifestyle

Young Finnish designer Sophie Sälekari is the founder of this brand. The brand is known to be  high-end and luxuriously priced. It caters to both sexes and specializes in print design. Her bold use of color and interesting material choices has been awarded both inside and outside of Finland. Her work stems from a strong personal insight into colors, patterns and materials. Instead of having a fixed outcome in mind, her design work is known to start from intuitive painting and wild experimenting.

2. Satu Maaranen

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Satu Maaranen has a background in art and an expertise in print design and sculptural shapes.

Her astute sense of fashion is a differentiating point between the fashion labels who are known to design just garments. According to her, fashion should offer something you can dream off.

3. Marimekko

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Marimekko established in 1951, is a heritage design house and a household name that stretches across and beyond the borders of Finland. They are recognized for their unique floral print Unikko. With a unique approach that mixes contemporary and classic, Finnish heritage and international appeal, Marimekko continues to print bold and optimistic patterns onto high quality textiles, home decor, clothing and accessories. Marimekko clothing line has an expansive list of products. This is where shoppers go to for that “all-in-one” set of clothing, accessories, bags, classics and even fabrics. The colourful and bright flagship store is located in the heart of Helsinki’s Design District.

4. Mirkka Metsola

Image Courtesy : mirkkametsola.com

Mirkka Metsola’s designer portfolio includes custom-made outfits and evening gowns for several Finnish artists and large companies across segments. She is a Helsinki-based designer and her namesake ready-to-wear label is inspired by art, movies, music and subcultures. The collections are characterized by contemporary edgy, yet feminine silhouettes with splashes of print and color. This brand is nothing like the conventional fashion trends and represents everything Scandinavian. They are leaders who have designs that are out of this world and standard.

5. R/H

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Aalto University graduates Hanna Riiheläinen and Emilia Hernesniemi after working for different labels in different areas of fashion and design came together in 2010 and established fashion label R/H. Since launching the brand, they have gained international recognition for playfully approaching the practical Scandinavian aesthetic by mixing contemporary, effortless silhouettes and minimalistic shapes with interesting prints and details. They are inspired by atmospheres, music and the female anatomy. The brand values the local production practice which has become their underlying operative principle. It believes that local, sustainable practice is essential for well-being.

6. Samuji

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Samu-Jussi Koski is one of Finland’s most talked about designers and his contemporary brand Samuji, launched in 2013, has gained large popularity outside of the country. Samuji collection presents a complete wardrobe for women, bringing together two separate lines: Samuji Classic and Samuji Seasonal. The brand’s ambition is to produce sustainable and timeless designs that serve a purpose yet carries a story. The basic principle of the label is to bring ease and freedom and inspire women to be more confident, to feel beautiful, and to speak up. The entire label focuses on sustainability and functionality thus embodying a sense of understated urban sophistication which many Scandinavian fashion brands have been noted for.

7. Ivana Helsinki

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Out of all the Finnish clothing brands, Ivana Helsinki has a unique element that is hard to match. All their collections are based on founder Paola Ivana Suhonen’s childhood memories.The clothing collections, often inspired by things like dreamy road trips or passionate relationships, is a pioneer in introducing Finnish fashion design to the world. It is also known for keeping Scandinavian melancholy and Nordic heritage and storytelling at its core. The brand has a touch of nature and animals which is the founder’s first love. Thus the collections are always a hit with both humans and the environment.