A new generation of fashion designers based in the Nordic region are transforming the craft of fashion. They are playful, bold and bring new perspectives on tradition, history, and culture.
Rintaro Iino participates in the exhibition. Photo: James Cochrane
Nordic Fashion Now: Knitwear and Print features emerging Nordic fashion designers who create radical and experimental knitwear and print. They have all graduated from Nordic design schools in recent years. Twelve projects by fifteen selected designers will be on display.
The exhibition features twelve installations, displayed as creative universes that span garments, research, process, inspiration, art works, portfolios and films. Through both hand and machine, the designers integrate upcycling, recycling and waste materials into their work, and the knitted shapes and new print techniques on display are developed in response to craft traditions and current societal issues.
The exhibition is curated by Ane Lynge-Jorlén, director of the organization Alpha, and is part of a Nordic collaboration with fashion curator Lynge-Jorlén/Alpha, the National Museum in Oslo, EMMA – Espoo museum of Modern Art in Espoo, and Copenhagen Contemporary. The aim is to support the next generation of fashion designers. Read more about the collaboration here (in Swedish).
Tuuli-Tytti Koivula works with prints inspired by traditional Austrian folk costumes, something she combines with materials from modern ski clothing. Photo: Hilla Kurki.
Alpha is a non-profit initiative that supports fashion talents from the Nordic countries in their early stages after graduation. Each year ten finalists are selected to present their graduate work at the joint Alpha Award show at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Awarded designers receive mentorships, internships and support to produce a commercial collection. Several of the participants in the exhibition are former Alpha finalists. Read more about Alpha.
Participants in Nordic Fashion Now – Knitwear and Print are Linda Aasaru, Serena Coelho, Monika Colja, Sasha Heinsaar, Rintaro Iino, Tuuli-Tytti Koivula, Maibritt Marjunardóttir, Mikaela Mårtensson, Matilda Sundkler, Juha Vehmaanperä, and Boram Yoo, as well as Elina Heilanen, Aleksandra Hellberg, Camilla Naukkarinen and Noora Vihervirta presenting a joint project.
Welcome to the opening of the exhibition on the 12th of May at 4-6 pm.
Exhibition dates: May 12 – October 1, 2023.