(CPHFW) A Nordic Romance: Rolf Ekroth x Kalevala’s “RAKAS” Collection

Image: Sarah Schindler (@thecouleurofstyle)

As the sun dipped below the horizon on August 5, 2024, the fashion world turned its gaze toward Copenhagen Fashion Week, where Finnish designer Rolf Ekroth, in collaboration with the storied jewellery house Kalevala, unveiled a collection that enchant viewers with its profound connection to Finnish culture and innovative design. 

Titled "RAKAS"—a word meaning "loved one" in Finnish—this collaboration captivated audiences with its unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern versatility.

Ekroth, a rising star in the fashion industry and a key figure in the CPHFW New Talent program, is known for his ability to weave narratives into his designs. For this collection, he draws inspiration from "lavatanssit," a Finnish tradition of open-air dances that evoke a deep sense of community, nostalgia, and the melancholic beauty of the Finnish landscape. This spirit permeates the collaboration with Kalevala, a brand synonymous with Finnish heritage and sustainability.

Image: Sarah Schindler (@thecouleurofstyle)

The RAKAS collection features an innovative piece of jewellery that is as adaptable as it is beautiful. Crafted from recycled silver, each piece is a testament to Kalevala's commitment to sustainable practices and Finnish craftsmanship. This versatile jewellery, designed to be worn as an earring, a scarf accessory, or however the wearer imagines, was a focal point of Ekroth's runway show. One standout piece was a dress adorned with 180 of these jewellery pieces, demonstrating the seamless integration of fashion and jewellery into a singular artistic expression.

In this collaboration, Ekroth and Kalevala not only celebrate Finnish design but also push the boundaries of what fashion can be—a blend of tradition and innovation, beauty and functionality. The collection’s rose motif, reimagined in three dimensions, symbolises a longing for the past while looking forward to a sustainable future. 

Image: Sarah Schindler (@thecouleurofstyle)

Kalevala's Creative Director, Aino Ahlnäs, echoes the significance of this collaboration, highlighting its role in fostering co-creation and expanding the global reach of Finnish design. The partnership between Rolf Ekroth and Kalevala is more than a mere collaboration; it is a celebration of shared values—sustainability, craftsmanship, and a profound respect for nature and heritage.

As the curtain rose on Copenhagen Fashion Week, the RAKAS Rolf Ekroth x Kalevala collection stood as a shining example of how fashion can tell a story—one of love, tradition, and a deep connection to the land and its people. This is not just fashion; it is a cultural moment, a dance between the past and the future, brought to life by the hands and hearts of Finland’s finest.