The union of fashion and art

The Night of the Arts (Taiteiden yö) is always crowded. On my way home from work there was no way I could have not noticed the event is on again. The streets were full of people strolling around and salesmen with their small stands full of cute pieces of handwork. I thought I could take a shortcut via Senaatintori market, but as I reached the corner of it the sight reminded me of the day when Finland won the world championship in ice-hockey. The market was super crowded, because the peak of the night - a huge domino built around the city - ended there. I didn't have time to see the grande finale, since I had to rush to Amos Anderson Art Museum with friends right after a quick stop by at home. It was open to all audience due to the special night.

They have an exceptional exhibition Boutique, in which they have paired Finnish artists and fashion designers to come up with imaginative combinations of these two forms of expression. One might think that whereas art represents something long-lasting and highly valued, fashion can easily be seen as superfcial and fastly changing. For me it is hard to make difference between these two, isn't fashion design also just another form of art? 

Minna Parikka shoes + Jani Leinonen's pop art inspired wallpaper.

Performance installation called "15 %" by designer Timo Rissanen and space designer Salla Salin. In a process of making a garment, 15 % of used fabric goes to waste. You can buy t-shirts made in this "factory" with 4,95 € and you also get that 15 % of fabric with you.

Tyttöevakot: figures by artist Katja Tukiainen, clothes by designer Samu-Jussi Koski.

Short film by Paola Suhonen, onto which Mikko Ijäs has done paintings.

Design Markets & Fashion Film Festival

Last week was my "Fashion week". As part of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 theme, Lasipalatsi organized a several day long set of fashion-related events. I took part in the Design Market and a lecture called Fashion goes mobile. I was also supposed to go to the opening of the Fashion Film Festival to see Blow up (1966), a fashion classic by Michelangelo Antonioni, but couldn't make it. I had a friend coming over who I hadn't seen in a long time so I HAD to bake her cupcakes. I know, sounds silly, but that's what happened. Will post about the cupcakes later, they turned out delicious! :P

Everything started on Wednseday with Design Market, where Finnish designers got to present and sell their artwork. Fresh, beautiful, and innovative indeed! Here are some pics of the pieces I found most interesting.

Mari & Arrow necklaces. Me likey a lot. Take a closer look at Tumblr: http://mariandarrow.tumblr.com/

 Very interesting t-shirt designs by 19st, a group of 19 graphic students. 

Iina Vuorivirta vases. A few years ago I probably wouldn't have been that enthusiastic about these beautiful pieces of art, but recently I've noticed my inner antique lover to give room for my inner modern design seeker. 

 Kauniste towels and trays.

&Bros colorful design.

 Pogostick Failure t-shirt, design called Vilho. An interesting detail for a girl from Eastern Finland: this brand is from Kuopio. They didn't have sizes left, but I need to get this. I want this dog!

Fashion went mobile

I was glad to get invited to an event 'Fashion goes mobile' on Friday. I went with my friend Karo, who had just found a fabulous DKNY purse (see below). Besides being super nice, the size is perfect for both day and night usage :).

The idea of the day was to introduce Ivana Helsinki and software developer Sunduka co-operation. Paola Suhonen has directed a short film, Miss You My Sailor, to introduce Sunduka Ringi, a service you can visualize your phone calls with. Also, Ivana Helsinki membership card will be available mobile this fall in Sunduka's mobile card service. 

Not only does Paola design the most amazing clothes and prints, but her directions are awesome, too. Can't wait to see her first long film 7 Heaven Love Ways at Flow festival tomorrow.

 Anne Kukkohovi interviewing Paola.

Sparkling wine and strawberries afterwards!

Fashion Film Festival afterparty

Before meeting up with the friend I made the cupcakes for, we rushed to Fashion Film Festival afterparty at Ivana Helsinki store at Uudenmaankatu. Too bad we could stay only for a short while.

Fell in love with these jumpers! 

 Downstairs looked magical with blue lights and video projector. 

Running to restaurant Farang in the worst rain of this summer. The whole outfit is second hand, except the umbrella.

Away above the Los Angeles chimney tops

The Griffith Park was on our to do list in L.A., but since we went there only on one of the last days of my trip, we didn't have too much time to spend. I could have wandered at the park and checked the other activities such as The Griffith Observatory exhibits for the whole day. Or two. However, at the southern slope of Mount Hollywood (where The Griffith Observatory is located) we got to see the breathtaking view over Los Angeles, which was amazing in itself. It's also a good spot to phorograph the Hollywood sign. By the way, did you know they have altered the sign during the years? Wikipedia says that for example in 1987 when the Pope visited L.A., the second L was covered to make the sign say HOL YWOOD. Rad! :)

 Zara blouse, second hand lace shorts, Michael Kors handbag, Jeffrey Campbell clogs, Cheap Monday shades, vintage jewelry.