Aalto University’s Näytös/Näyttely26 transforms Helsinki’s Lasipalatsi Quarter into a hub for fashion and textile expertise
Aalto University’s premier fashion and textile event, Näytös/Näyttely26, will enrich the urban culture of Helsinki’s city center this year. The Näytös26 fashion show will take place outdoors on Lasipalatsi Square. Everyone is welcome to follow the fashion show live on Thursday 28 May from 7 to 8 p.m. on the giant outdoor screen at Lasipalatsi Square. It is also possible to watch the show online at aalto.fashion and on Instagram at @aalto_fashion.
Näyttely26, which presents textile, clothing, and fashion design concepts in an exhibition format, will be open to the public in the Bio Rex lobby from 30 May to 7 June, 2026. In addition, a Näytös/Näyttely26 satellite exhibition will be on display on the Aalto University campus until 12 June.
The Näytös/Näyttely26 awards will be presented on the following day, on Friday 29 May 2:50 to 3:50 p.m. during a speaking event held at Bio Rex.
The event showcases Aalto’s comprehensive expertise in textiles, clothing, and fashion, as students graduating from both the Bachelor's Major in Fashion as well as the Master's Major in Fashion and Textile Design will present their thesis work.
From uncertainty to opportunities
The present time of uncertainty is in particular need of the positive force provided by the creative industries. Good design can bring more value, beauty and humanity out of scarcity — with radically fewer natural resources than before. At the same time, social and cultural responsibility can be strengthened.
There is a demand for Aalto's unique combination of fashion and textile design skills, including material and experiential knowledge, and critical thinking. Aalto University supports this development by training top experts known for their vision, originality, and holistic approach. A key strength of Aalto Fashion & Textiles is also the University’s internal collaboration: when experts from different fields come together, new kinds of synergy emerge. Aalto University has indeed established itself as a leading educator of professionals in the global fashion, apparel, and textile industries.
Interdisciplinarity, immersive experiences and urban culture come together
This year, the Näytös/Näyttely26 event offers a comprehensive, urban experience in the heart of Helsinki. The fashion show presents clothing collections on the runway, whereas the exhibition features not only collections but also video works, concepts born out of multidisciplinary collaboration, and textile-focused works such as interior textiles. The event is the result of a wide collaborative effort involving students and faculty in the subjects of fashion, textile, visual communication, sound and film.
Näytös/Näyttely26 is undoubtedly one of Finland’s most important fashion events and part of the broader Fashion in Helsinki fashion week. The main partner of the event is the Amos Anderson Fund, which has made it possible to bring the event to the Lasipalatsi Square in the heart of Helsinki.
”We are absolutely thrilled that the Amos Anderson Fund has decided to support the Näytös/Näyttely26 event and thus are helping our students’ transition into work life and the industry. It’s equally wonderful to be able to hold the event in the stunning setting of downtown Helsinki, where our young talents’ skills will be showcased in a special way,” says Lecturer Ilona Hyötyläinen, Näytös/Näyttely26 creative director and Head of the Bachelor’s Fashion Major.
Näytös/Näyttely26 creative directors Maarit Salolainen, Professor of Textile Design and Head of the MA Major in Fashion and Textile Design and Julia Valle Noronha, Professor in Fashion Design say: ”The works highlight inclusivity, the ever dynamic nature of fashion and textiles, and how through creative work we can positively impact our collective living.”
Extensive network of partners on board
The event has involved a wide range of partners. The CEO of the Amos Anderson Fund Stefan Björkman says: “Aalto University’s fashion and design education is at the very top of the international field, both artistically and creatively, and the Amos Anderson Fund has supported the Näytös/Näyttely for many years. We are delighted to be able to further deepen our collaboration.”
Other partners for the Näytös/Näyttely26 event include Marimekko, Fiskars, Iittala, the EMMA Museum, the Finnish Textile and Fashion Association, the AD Museum, Lumene &Cutrin, and Bloom Agency.
Näytös/Näyttely26 event information
The Näytös26 runway show can be viewed via live stream on the large screen on Lasipalatsi Square, online at aalto.fashion or on the Instagram account @aalto_fashion starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday 28 May, 2026.
Näyttely26 exhibition will be open to the public in the Bio Rex lobby from 30 May to 7 June, 2026.
Free admission
Mon 11-20
Wed-Fri 11-20
Sat-Sun 11-18
Näytös/Näyttely26 Satellite Exhibition at the VÄRE Building on Aalto University campus open until 12 June.
Free admission
Mon-Thu 8-21
Fri 8-20
Sat 9-17
Sun closed
The Näytös/Näyttely26 Awards will be presented on Friday 29 May 29 from 2:50 to 3:50 p.m. as part of the Aalto Fashion&Textiles / Fashion in Helsinki Talks programme at Bio Rex. Learn more about the Talks event here: https://fashioninhelsinki.com/fashion-in-helsinki-program-2026/
Background information, collections and documentation of Näytös/Näyttely25 will be published on the websites aalto.fashion and textiles.aalto.fi
Instagram: aalto_fashion and aalto_textiles
Fashion in Helsinki 26.-30.5.2026 www.fashioninhelsinki.com
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