Näytös/Näyttely26 – A celebration of fashion and textiles took over Helsinki’s Lasipalatsi

At the Näytös/Näyttely26 event, altogether 30 students graduating from Aalto University’s Bachelor’s program in Fashion and the Master’s program in Fashion and Textile Design present their final projects.

The runway was set up in the Lasipalatsi square. Besides on-site in the audience, the fashion show could be followed on a large screen at the Lasipalatsi end facing Narinkkatori or via a live stream online.

Following the fashion show, the program continued on Friday afternoon with a fashion seminar, which concluded with the presentation of the fashion show awards.

The event continues at Lasipalatsi from May 30 to June 7 with Exhibition26, which features not only the collections but also video works, concepts born out of multidisciplinary collaboration, and textile-focused works, such as interior textiles.

The Näytös/Näyttely26 event series showcases not only Aalto’s expertise in textiles, clothing, and fashion but also the university’s broader areas of specialization. This year, the event was also organized by students and faculty from Aalto’s visual communication design, sound design, and film programs.

Award-winning Collections

Eight awards and four honorable mentions were presented at the event.

The event’s award partners are the Amos Anderson Foundation, Architecture and Design Museum, Bloom Agency, the Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA), the Finnish Textile and Fashion Association, Fiskars, Iittala and Marimekko.

Amos Anderson Fund Award

Johanna Hehemann – Growing Ideas

“The work opens up a reflection on the future of fashion, which is, in many ways, also the future of creativity itself. Rather than merely recycling, reassembling, or reconfiguring existing materials, Hehemann’s work returns to the origin of an idea and to the question of how ideas are cultivated — quite literally. Taking flax as a point of departure, she reflects on and demonstrates that the future is not simply about rearranging what already exists — almost in the way AI operates — but about relearning, from scratch, how to configure the world anew. Even when this means sowing a seed, caring for it through its growth, harvesting its fibres, and understanding how raw materials can be shaped and transformed across different stages.”

Honorable mentions:

Alexandra Hellberg – Flesh 

 “The work courageously explores alternative ways in which clothing can shape our understanding of the body. The garment, much like the body itself, becomes a trace of memory, carrying the marks of all that we attempt to correct, conceal, or transform.

Eetu Kakriainen – Dress as a Spatial Practice 

“The work invites us to reconsider clothing as a maker and shaper of space — something that transforms not only how we move, but also how we inhabit and relate to the environments around us."

Jury: Itha O'Neill, Head of Curatorial at Amos Rex, Irene Campolmi, Curator for Art, Technology and Society at Amos Rex, Khanyisile Mbongwa, Curator of Art in the Public Realm at Amos Rex

Architecture and Design Museum Award

Bethel Degefu – Yager Lij – Carrying tradition in motion

“From this impressive Näytös/Näyttely26, one collection stood out for embodying the values the Architecture and Design Museum holds closest. Powerfully combining form, color, material, and technique, it told a story of shared ideals across cultures, and did so with conviction and grace.

Growing up between two cultures – Ethiopian and Finnish – Bethel Degefu drew on personal experience to create a forceful and moving statement about the beauty, aesthetics, and ethics of expanded cultural horizons. Her collection brought together traditional Ethiopian dress and contemporary skater wear in tribute to the young women of Addis Ababa's skater subculture, combining daring creativity, rigorous craftsmanship, and an inspiring sense of optimism.”

Jury: Pilvi Kalhama, Museum Director CEO, Carson Chan, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, Suvi Saloniemi, Head of Exhibitions, Leena Svinhufvud, PhD, Title of Docent, Leading Researcher, Saara Suojoki, Director of Communications and Brand CBO

Bloom Agency Award

Auri Lukkarinen – Techno is freedom

“The Bloom Agency Award is presented to Auri Lukkarinen for an exceptionally strong visual vision. Personal experience and influences from rave culture blend with a distinctive use of materials to create a powerful sense of atmosphere. The work demonstrates an exceptional ability to create fashion that resonates both visually and culturally.”

Jury: Elina Staff-Ahokas, CEO, Tom Sjöberg, Partner, Essi Vähäkari, PR & Communications Manager, Janita Sivunen, PR & Communications Manager, Emma Leppänen, PR & Communications Coordinator

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art Award

Sasu Takko – Ihokas

"In the spirit of EMMA, the recipient of the EMMA Award 2026 works at the intersection of sculpture, fashion, and design, exploring the boundaries between function and non-function. The jury was deeply impressed by the precision and sensitivity with which the designer engages with a demanding material, reflecting a sustained interest in embodiment, vulnerability, and the relationship between humans and animals. Through the use of transparent leather, the works evoke both fragility and interdependence while revealing the expressive potential of craft and material imperfection and challenging the conventional ideals of beauty. It is with great pleasure that we present the EMMA Award 2026 to Sasu Takko," says Krist Gruijthuijsen, Director of EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art.

Jury: Salla Engstrom, Shop Manager, Krist Gruijthuijsen, Director, CEO, Reetta Kalajo, Head of Audience Engagement and Experience, Ingrid Orman, Head of Exhibitions, Chief Curator, Iris Suomi, Marketing and Communications Manager

Finnish Textile & Fashion Award

Jarkko Karppinen – Outsiders

“This MA thesis project presents a clear artistic view and a complete collection that is commercial and unique at the same time. The collection is an eye catcher with skillful usage of colors and materials, the pieces are attractive, and one can instantly see them in use.

Honorable mention:

Sasu Takko – Ihokas

“This BA thesis project presents innovative use of materials and a unique, coherent collection. The designer’s artistic view is clear, recognizable, and understandable, and the pieces are executed beautifully.”

Jury: Kristiina Raitala, Editor in Chief, Gloria, Sanoma Lifestyle, Marja-Liisa Permikangas, Managing Director, Finnish Textile & Fashion, John Higginson, Chief Executive Officer, Eco Age, Jaana Hjelt, Marketing Manager and co-owner, Lapuan Kankurit, Antti Laitinen, Design Director, Frenn Company

Fiskars Award

Sasu Takko – Ihokas

“Sasu Takko is awarded the Fiskars Award for his material-driven approach, where transparency, imperfection, and craftsmanship are used to reveal deeper narratives about humanity and the body. His thoughtful use of materials and hands-on techniques strongly resonates with Fiskars’ legacy of functional, honest design rooted in material excellence and enduring craftsmanship.”

Jury: Petteri Masalin, Chief Design Officer, Mari Rouvi, PR and Communications, Miia Suvela, Brand and Communications

Iittala Award

Jarkko Karppinen – Outsiders

“This collection stood out for its innovative and sensitive exploration of materials. The high level of craftsmanship and execution, combined with a rich variety of textures, weights, and surface treatments, created a distinctive and emotionally engaging vision of contemporary design.”

Jury: Janni Vepsäläinen, Creative Director, Vesa Kemppainen, Art Director

Marimekko Award

Nanna Marie Christensen – Clock in, clock out

“When selecting this year’s winner of the Marimekko award, we were drawn to a collection that had a strong sense of purpose behind it. We saw a designer with a genuine interest in designing for real people and their everyday needs.

There was a strong concept and storyline running throughout the work. The technical execution was beautifully done, with thoughtful material choices, strong fabric development and playful details.

What impressed us was the way the designer approached fashion through listening and dialogue. The collection reflected the different roles women move between during the day, from moments that require formal clothing and structure to moments that allow for more ease and comfort. This year’s Marimekko award goes to the collection “Clock in, clock out” by Nanna Marie Christensen.”

Honorary mention: 

Hanna Ruha – Bodily antiquities

“First, we would like to give an honorary mention to a collection that explored femininity through traditional methods while creating a new sense of bodily freedom. Behind the work is a lifelong fascination with historical clothing and deep research into the subject, which is strongly reflected throughout the collection.

The result is both intimate and empowering — soft yet undeniably strong. The attention to detail and craftsmanship has been taken to an extraordinary level. This honorary diploma goes to the beautiful collection Bodily Antiquities by Hanna Ruha.”

Jury: Anna Lundbäck-Dyhr, Design Director, RTW, Bags & Accessories, Satu Maaranen, Head Designer, Concept & Collaborations, RTW, Bags & Accessories, Laura Väinölä, Creative Concept & Art Director

Follow Aalto fashion and textile!
Instagram: @aalto_fashion ja @aalto_textiles

Further information: 
aalto.fashion 
textiles.aalto.fi/nn
https://fashiontextiles.aalto.fi/
 

Credits for making it happen

Students participating in Näytös/Näyttely26: 

Aleksandra Hellberg, Auri Lukkarinen, Bethel Degefu, Claire Pixie Aunison, Eetu Kakriainen, Ekaterina Brazhnik, Elias Ruuska, Ella Mustaniemi, Eskil Holten, Hanna Ruha, Iiris Latva-Somppi, Jarkko Karppinen, Johanna Hehemann, Kaapo Sinervo, Laura Sarmanto, Marina Piva, Meri Malminen, Mia Bøgedal, Nanna Marie Christensen, Natasa Hódosi, Noora Bragge, Ola Velure, Olli Autio, Paju Hyvärinen, Riikka Laaksoharju, Sasu Takko, Tomas Piltonen, Tuomo Martelius, Venla Kokkola, Viena Honkala

NN26 Team:

BA and MA graduates 26 Näytös/Näyttely26 Creative direction: Ilona Hyötyläinen, Maarit Salolainen, Julia Valle Noronha
Production: Vanessa Agostini  
Production assistant: Jere Vilo  
Students’ mentoring: Veronika Abbrederis, Siru Juntunen, Krzysztof J. Łukasik, Laura Scott-Rosales  
Styling: Cristina Firpo  
Social media management: Ervin Latimer   
Award Juries Communication: Anna-Mari Leppisaari  

BA and MA Fashion and Textiles Faculty: 

Maija Fagerlund, Petra Haikonen, Ilona Hyötyläinen, Ervin Latimer, Anna-Mari Leppisaari, Kirsi Niinimäki, Paul Nyström, Jane Palmu, Elina Peltonen, Maarit Salolainen, Julia Valle Noronha, Annamari Vänskä  

Workshop masters: 

Hanna Ahonen, Alba Arillo García, Zachary Compton, Slate Grove, Petra Haikonen, Eeva Heikkinen, Sari Kivioja, Joshua Krute, Anna Leinonen, Reetta Myllymäki, Mikko Ristimäki Tiina Saivo, Santtu Teerihalme, Tatu Vuorio  

Näyttely26:   

Exhibition design: Emilia Lonka  
Tech and Lighting Management: Laura Törnroos  
Exhibition Construction: Hitomi Asaka, Elisabeth Bureau, Eevi Hautanen, Jule Timm  Makeup And Hair: Kaisa Laitala  
Models: Ada Anttikainen, Alois Auer, Siiri Kanto, Kevät Kurjenpuu, Stefania Malkova, Satu Paavola, Aleksandra Peus, Roope Pyykönen, Melissa Sende, Malhar Shirur, Iska Strang, Jianpeng Teng, Johannes Wu, Stella Yellowhair  

Näytös26:   

Casting direction: Oksanen+Tikanoja, Ida-Sofia Tuomisto  
Choreography: Berenike Melchior 
Hair and make-up: Fatma Bendris and Mikko Vainio  
Näytös production support: Oksanen+Tikanoja 
Production support and seating plan: Jesse Brandelin

NN26 collaboration

Amos Anderson Fund  
CEO: Stefan Björkman  
Director for Communcations and Development: Mary Gestrin  
Production, Lasipalatsikortteli: Marjo Sahi 
AV technician, Lasipalatsikortteli: Antti Ikonen  

NN26 visuals  

Visual Identity and Communication 
Design: Pier Elia Benetti, Karen Charlot-Wauquier, Maya Kurella, Kristian Presnal, Marta Zannoni  
VCD Team Supervision: Rupesh Vyas  
Branding, visual lead and social media: Maya Kurella  
Motion Graphics and media for live streaming: Pier Elia Benetti  
Web design and implementation: Marta Zannoni 
Photography for visual identity: Kristian Presnal  
Graphic design assistant: Karen Charlot-Wauquier  

Photography   

NN26 Photography: Kristian Presnal  
Photography assistant: Joonas Sdiri  
Video, photo and light equipment: Aalto Studios 
Photos technical support: Laura Törnroos, Lassi Salo  

Videography

NN26 Videography: David Bošnjak, Dãvis Gauja, Philip Leierer, Moritz Scherzer, Ivar Vuori  Film Team Supervision: Rauno Ronkainen 

Exhibition Videos:  
Concept / Direction / Production: David Bošnjak 
Direction of Photography / Lights / Grip: Philip Leierer & Moritz Scherzer  
Technical Production / Production Management: Ivar Vuori  Editing: Dãvis Gauja 

Live stream: Direction of the live show: David Bošnjak  
Live Editing: Dãvis Gauja  z

Cinematography / Camera Operators: Philip Leierer & Moritz Scherzer  
Motion graphics: Pier Elia Benetti  
Video, photo and light equipment: Aalto Studios 
Photos technical support: Laura Törnroos, Lassi Salo  

Music production 

Music Direction: Koray Tahiroğlu  
NN26 Original Music Composition and Performance: Mercedes Krapovickas, Sirja Puurtinen  NN26 Sound Design Programming and Performance: Mikael Hokkanen  
Näytös Intro and Finale Music Composition: Mercedes Krapovickas  

Student Interviews by Aalto Studios  
Production: Hetta Huhtamäki  
Video technician: Lauri Heikkinen  
Teaser editing: Lauri Heikkinen  
Editing: Samuli Salonen  
Motion graphics: Pier Elia Benetti  

Lookbook images and videos 

Creative Direction: Elina Peltonen  
Lookbook movement direction: Berenike Melchior 
Photography: Kristian Presnal  
Photography assistance: Joonas Sdiri  
Photos technical support: Laura Törnroos, Lassi Salo  
Casting direction: Oksanen+Tikanoja, Ida-Sofia Tuomisto  
Lookbook makeup: Fatma Bendris  
Lookbook makeup assistant: Titti Heinrichs 

Lookbook videos by Aalto Studios Production: Hetta Huhtamäki  
Video technician: Lassi Savola    
Light technician: Laura Törnroos  
Camera operator: Iisa Pellikka  
Live editing: Hetta Huhtamäki, Maria Rantamäki, Lassi Savola  
Additional editing: Lauri Heikkinen
  
Lookbook models: Ada W, Ajak Kulang, Aleksandra Peus, Alina Wikström, Alois Auer, Dion, Grace K, Ilona Järvelä, Jeni Lohva, Joanna Wetterstrand, Johannes Wu, Jonna O, Kaisla Viljakainen, Katariina Haakila, Kiia W, Kim Nguyen, Liina Sivonen, Liina Sivonen, Melissa Sende, Mikaela Manninen, Mikaela V, Sofia Topinoja, Stella Yellowhair, Timur Samarskiuy, Vado J, Vesa Kemppainen, Yaroslav Hoi, Zalfa 

Aalto ARTS Communications: Sini Koskimies, Krista Kinnunen, Liivia Pallas  
Video, photo and light equipment: Aalto Studios 
Photos technical support: Laura Törnroos, Lassi Salo  
Workshops Student assistants: Iris Kareoja, Markus Anttonen  
Social media assistant: Iida Arvola  
Events assistants: NN26 Student assisting team 

Thank you:  
Aalto School of Arts, Design and Architecture Main partner: Amos Anderson Fund   Mikko Jalas (Department of Design), Jonna Kotiranta (Aalto Spatial), Vuokko Meriläinen (Aalto Photostudio), Pirita Posti (Aalto Corporate Relations), Jesse Brandelin (Aalto Producer), Sini Koskimies (Aalto Communications), Tiia Hermansson (Budget), Ida Nagy and Kiia Tolonen (Dynamics), Sirpa Tikkanen and Bratuš Anže (Salesforce), all friends and family members, all BA Fashion and FaTe MA thesis supervisors and advisors, BA and MA students and everyone else who has provided help!  

Award Partners: Marimekko, Fiskars, Iittala, EMMA, AD Museum, Suomen Tekstiili ja Muoti, Bloom Agency  

Partners and collaborators: Juni Communication, Lumene, Cutrin, As You Are Agency, Brand Model Management, Paparazzi Model Management, VANELLI Textiles, Capital AV, FilmLike, Pågå, ValoFirma, Forsman, Kinos Rentals, Angel Films and private donors.