Last week, Helsinki became a focal point for fashion innovation as Aalto University presented its graduating students’ work at Näytös25. The exhibition featured thesis projects from both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Fashion and Textile Design, demonstrating how the next generation is rethinking clothing and materials.
The projects reflected fashion’s role in addressing current challenges. With sustainability concerns growing, the students explored ways to create value while using fewer resources. Their work highlighted Finland’s particular strengths: material expertise, circular economy approaches, and alternatives to fast fashion models.
Professors Maarit Salolainen and Julia Valle Noronha explained Näytös25’s purpose: “We want to show fashion and textiles beyond wearable items – their stories, textures, and research potential. These works question industry norms and propose new ways to design and produce.“
The participating designers included: Marine Puumala, Markus Anttonen, Eetu Heikkinen, Niklas Järvi, Selma Mataich, Arttu Afeldt, Young (Designer of 2024), Annukka Havukumpu, Katariina Salmela, Eemeli Niemi, Vanessa Agostini, Elisa Nicoloso, Axel Pasanen, Martta Penttinen, Elina Heilane, Miska Kettu, Oliver Saarinen, Peik Westerlund, Ilari Kokkola, Paavo Hemmi, Sophia Linden, Konsta Eskola, Tilda Wallius, and Otto Siponen.
Their varied approaches demonstrated Aalto University’s impact on global fashion education. The projects ranged from material experiments to conceptual designs, all grounded in thorough research.
Näytös25 revealed how fashion education is evolving, not just teaching how clothes are made, but how they might be reimagined. The students’ work suggested possibilities for more responsible production methods and expanded ideas about what fashion can be.
As these graduates enter the industry, they bring skills developed at one of fashion education’s leading institutions. Their projects at Aalto suggest coming changes in how we create and understand clothing.
Check out some of our favorite looks below:
