Yesterday I was privileged enough to attend the Finnish fashion label, Kaksitvå’s first ever runway show at the Cable Factory, in Helsinki.
The dynamic design duo, Piia Keto and Marjo Kuusinen, created the main body of their ideas for this Spring/Summer collection 2010 called JAALA, at a remote cottage in Eastern Finland last summer.
This could well be sensed in the show as music and seen in the collection as knots, weaving and prints derived from traditional folk techniques.
The atmosphere was fantastic - warm, friendly, creative and supportive. The evening started with a performance from the absolutely disarming amateur dance group Wannabe Ballerinas, and in the fashion show Saara Kivimäki’s stunningly beautiful shoe designs took my breath away. Also in the fashion show presented were styles from Elina Priha’s final project designed for Kaksitvå.

All together Jaala was a happy, truly individual, stylish and yet fully wearable collection.
By using non-professional models in the show - some with tattoos, some with really sexy round bums &such - Kaksitvå identified themselves as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to optimistic style, brand personality and approachability in the Finnish fashion scene.
Every single piece of clothing was something I would gladly wear myself and the entire flow of the show worked really well.
What especially grabbed my attention at the show, were the accessories. Kaksitvå’s recycled leather bags, knotted scarves and Saara Kivimäki’s wonderful shoes, truly made the clothes as well as the people carrying them sparkle. I can already see a huge & wonderful future for Kaksitvå accessories and for Saara’s shoes.

What most of all struck me yesterday about this show, is how few of them we have here in Finland, and knowing how reluctant the old school design + fashion scene of Helsinki & Finland is for a true change.
I applaud Kaksitvå for their always eligible, fun & succesful style, for their encapturing enthusiasm and of course radiant individuality. Well done girls, have fun in Mexico, you deserve it !

Kaksitvå’s Jaala -collection is available at Beamhill & Helsinki 10. For more info visit -
http://www.kaksitva.com/

All photos by courtesy of the brilliant Kai Kuusisto -
http://www.kaikuusisto.com