AALTO FASHION SHOWROOM – Emerging Finnish Design in Paris
Institut finlandais / 2-5 October 2025
Special opening for the public on Sunday 5 October from 11am to 3pm
This October, the Institut finlandais opens its doors to the future of fashion. From 2–5
October 2025, Aalto University’s BA and MA graduates in Fashion, Clothing and
Textile Design will present their collections in the Aalto Fashion Showroom, held
during Paris Fashion Week.
The showroom showcases fresh perspectives from one of the world’s top-ranked fashion
schools. Aalto students have gained international recognition in major competitions such as
the Hyères Festival, and many alums now design for leading houses including Givenchy,
Balenciaga, Celine, Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Maison Margiela and Louis Vuitton.
The showroom not only presents finished collections, but also the portfolios behind them –
tracing the creative process from first ideas to final garments. Visitors can explore how
concepts evolve into tangible designs, while students gain valuable feedback in the fashion
capital of Paris. Their work has already been praised for its high quality, and the opportunity
to meet and exchange with international experts is an important part of their professional
growth.
Far beyond trends, Aalto’s approach to fashion is rooted in experimentation, research, and
responsibility. This year’s graduates blur disciplinary lines, exploring themes from
speculative ecology to sonic textiles, from craft heritage to new circular systems. Their
collections highlight slower, more thoughtful ways of making – reimagining what fashion
could mean in today’s world.
“The counterbalance to our digital world is seen in the abundance of craftsmanship,
appreciation of materials, and values associated with a slower pace of life”, says Ilona
Hyötyläinen, head of Aalto’s BA fashion program.
The Aalto Fashion Showroom is open to professionals from Thursday 2 to Saturday 4
October, and to the public for an exceptional opening on Sunday 5 October, 11am–3pm.
Visitors are invited to discover the creativity and vision of the next generation of Finnish
designers.
“In a noisy industry, these graduates
propose quieter, stranger, and more
care-driven approaches to design.”
– 1 Granary (19 June, 2025)