❤ What are you wearing today?
The shoes, bag and jumper are my own designs. I have started making knitwear for my AW 09/10 collection.
The hat is by J. Smith Esquire.
❤ What are your inspirations?
I get inspired mainly by the history of fashion, I love the 30s and 40s, as you can easily tell from my designs! I especially like fetish drawings and shoes from that era. There is a sense of innocence and sensitivity in them.
❤ How would you describe your latest collections?
The current one’s name is “Bedtime Stories” (SS 09). I used mostly lingerie colours, pastels and creams. I also used lingerie materials, like satin. Some shoes from this collection mix satin and leather, and the shapes are inspired by corsetry.
The AW 09/10 collection has a stronger silhouette, more graphic. I included knitwear as well this time. I enjoy working with knitwear as you can use a very soft and innocent material to create strong shapes. Jumpers are very figure accentuating as well which makes the naughty/nice contrast even more interesting!
The shoes will be following the same lines, and I have been using bold colours like electric blue, black and coral.
❤ Since you mentioned lingerie as one of your influences, what type of lingerie do you prefer?
I like antique lingerie, and more specifically Victorian or Victorian style.
❤ Have you always been into antiques and vintage style?
Yes, my parents have a passion for old things so I grew up in a house full of them. Second hand things, antique, vintage clothes, everything! I haven’t always dressed like this though. My style evolved and will probably change again.
❤ What was your style like as a teen?
I have had so many different styles… I used to dress like a skater girl when I was 15. I had piercings and stuff. Then around 2000 I started dressing more electro clash, it was right at the time. I don’t regret anything. I like experimenting with my style. It is more fun that way.
❤ What do you like most about London?
I have lived here for 5 years. I loved designer shops and boutiques. You don’t find boutiques like that in Finland.
❤ Which city makes you the happiest?
My hometown! I wasn’t meant to go back there, but now I am happy to be here. I live 200m from the sea, I can drive to the forest and lakes…
❤ Does it influence your designs?
There is no direct finnish influence in my work, but it is a calm place. I have a lot of space to think and create. London is hectic. I feel like in Helsinki you can fulfill your dreams, you don’t compete or feel like you have to be running everywhere all the time.
I do love the pure form of Scandinavian design in decoration though, the colours, the shapes…
❤ Describe a typical day in your life
I don’t really have a routine because I work for myself. I do so many different things! One day I will be doing admin stuff, and the next I will be designing a new piece…
❤ What is your design process?
I see what people think of previous collections. That gives me an idea of which direction to take. The design happens in my head first before I start to draw. It is a very personal process actually.
❤ Are you going to branch out in clothing one day?
For now, I am going to focus on developing the knitwear collection. No clothes apart from that. I am branching out in accessories though, I am going to make small leather accessories, like gloves etc.
I am off to Paris for a few days, but I will come back with some surprises for you!