The Fashion in Helsinki event took over the Finnish capital for May 29-31 to celebrate fashion and creativity.

The events included a runway show in a 200-year-old shipyard and the first-ever Finnish Fashion Awards that highlighted the unique creative talents of one of the most exciting fashion communities in Europe.

The show presented a curated edition of the best Finnish brands including Hedvig, Jenny Hytönen, Rolf Ekroth, Sofia Ilonen and VAIN. The runway show venue, Helsinki Shipyard a huge dry dock built in 1865 is usually filled with ice breakers and cruise vessels soon to ply international waters. Now the huge pool was empty for Finnish fashion to take over.

“The focus [of Fashion in Helsinki] is on highlighting creativity and the processes behind the designers’ creations, while having fun doing it,” wrote Emily Chan, the Senior Sustainability & Features Editor in her report for British Vogue. “It’s clear that the future is bright for Finnish fashion brands.”

Awards were given in 9 categories: New Talent, Branding, Scaling, Retail, E-Commerce, Sustainability, Innovation x Collaboration, Beauty and Most Engaging Social Media.

New Talent: Designer Ildar Wafin

Branding: Designer Samu-Jussi Koski for Borse e Cose and Jeans & Towels.

Scaling: VIBAe Shoes.

Beauty: Make-up artist Jenny Jansson.

Retail: Beamhill.

E-Commerce: Ninyes.

Sustainability: Latimmier.

Innovation x Collaboration: Waste management company Lounais-Suomen Jätehuolto. 

Most Engaging Social Media: Vitun Leija.