Since his Aalto University days back in 2015, Rolf Ekroth has been a name to watch in the fashion world, earning finalist status at the Hyères Festival and claiming victory at the Designers’ Nest competition. More recently, he took on the task of breathing new life into Terinit, a legendary Finnish sportswear brand.

This time around, Ekroth takes us on a journey through the concept of ‘missing.’ It’s an idea that’s as multifaceted as his gender-neutral designs. Draped aprons that brush the ankles, oversized silhouettes, and hand-painted patterns all come into play. These elements connect to his cultural roots while evoking a sense of nostalgia that transcends generations.

The Spring/Summer 2024 collection is where Ekroth’s longing for the ’90s meets his parents’ memories of the ’60s and his grandparents’ yearning for the past. It’s a delicate balancing act of irony and empathy, all seen through the rosy lens of nostalgia. That rosy outlook is manifest in a repeated rose motif that adorns prints and details, a thread that weaves together a tapestry of cultural references, from video game Zelda to the simple elegance of 1930s Scandinavian women in the fields.

And in keeping with the theme, Ekroth digs into Kalevala’s 85-year cultural heritage, adding a dash of ’80s and ’90s street fashion vibes with hoodies that sport faded colors and retro cuts. But there’s more to it – each hoodie comes with a unique recycled Kalevala Preloved jewelry piece, adding a touch of history and tradition to contemporary style.

But perhaps the most striking aspect of Rolf Ekroth’s approach is his dedication to sustainability. Around 80% of the materials used are sourced from deadstock or recycled sources, featuring organic cotton and technical fabrics crafted from recycled bottles.

Check out the collection below:

Photographer: Otto Virtanen
Stylist: Richard Ntege
Models: Dustin Glickman, Leon Jah