The annual Aalto graduate fashion show, Näytös26, and the exhibition opening for Näyttely26 were held on May 28 at Lasipalatsi, an iconic landmark in the heart of Helsinki. Eight awards and four honorable mentions were presented at the Fashion Talks award ceremony.

This year the event’s award partners were the Amos Anderson Foundation, Architecture and Design Museum, Bloom Agency, the Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA), the Finnish Textile and Fashion Association, Fiskars, Iittala and Marimekko.

Amos Anderson Fund Award

Johanna Hehemann (MA) – Growing Ideas

“The work opens up a reflection on the future of fashion, which is, in many ways, also the future of creativity itself. Rather than merely recycling, reassembling, or reconfiguring existing materials, Hehemann’s work returns to the origin of an idea and to the question of how ideas are cultivated — quite literally. Taking flax as a point of departure, she reflects on and demonstrates that the future is not simply about rearranging what already exists — almost in the way AI operates — but about relearning, from scratch, how to configure the world anew. Even when this means sowing a seed, caring for it through its growth, harvesting its fibres, and understanding how raw materials can be shaped and transformed across different stages.”

Honorable mentions:

Alexandra Hellberg (MA) – Flesh 

 “The work courageously explores alternative ways in which clothing can shape our understanding of the body. The garment, much like the body itself, becomes a trace of memory, carrying the marks of all that we attempt to correct, conceal, or transform.

Eetu Kakriainen (BA) – Dress as a Spatial Practice

“The work invites us to reconsider clothing as a maker and shaper of space — something that transforms not only how we move, but also how we inhabit and relate to the environments around us.”

Jury: Itha O’Neill, Head of Curatorial at Amos Rex, Irene Campolmi, Curator for Art, Technology and Society at Amos Rex, Khanyisile Mbongwa, Curator of Art in the Public Realm at Amos Rex

Architecture and Design Museum Award

Bethel Degefu (BA) – Yager Lij – Carrying tradition in motion

“From this impressive Näytös/Näyttely26, one collection stood out for embodying the values the Architecture and Design Museum holds closest. Powerfully combining form, color, material, and technique, it told a story of shared ideals across cultures, and did so with conviction and grace.

Growing up between two cultures – Ethiopian and Finnish – Bethel Degefu drew on personal experience to create a forceful and moving statement about the beauty, aesthetics, and ethics of expanded cultural horizons. Her collection brought together traditional Ethiopian dress and contemporary skater wear in tribute to the young women of Addis Ababa’s skater subculture, combining daring creativity, rigorous craftsmanship, and an inspiring sense of optimism.”

Jury: Pilvi Kalhama, Museum Director CEO, Carson Chan, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, Suvi Saloniemi, Head of Exhibitions, Leena Svinhufvud, PhD, Title of Docent, Leading Researcher, Saara Suojoki, Director of Communications and Brand CBO

Bloom Agency Award

Auri Lukkarinen (MA) – Techno is freedom

“The Bloom Agency Award is presented to Auri Lukkarinen for an exceptionally strong visual vision. Personal experience and influences from rave culture blend with a distinctive use of materials to create a powerful sense of atmosphere. The work demonstrates an exceptional ability to create fashion that resonates both visually and culturally.”

Jury: Elina Staff-Ahokas, CEO, Tom Sjöberg, Partner, Essi Vähäkari, PR & Communications Manager, Janita Sivunen, PR & Communications Manager, Emma Leppänen, PR & Communications Coordinator

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art Award

Sasu Takko (BA) – Ihokas

“In the spirit of EMMA, the recipient of the EMMA Award 2026 works at the intersection of sculpture, fashion, and design, exploring the boundaries between function and non-function. The jury was deeply impressed by the precision and sensitivity with which the designer engages with a demanding material, reflecting a sustained interest in embodiment, vulnerability, and the relationship between humans and animals. Through the use of transparent leather, the works evoke both fragility and interdependence while revealing the expressive potential of craft and material imperfection and challenging the conventional ideals of beauty. It is with great pleasure that we present the EMMA Award 2026 to Sasu Takko,” says Krist Gruijthuijsen, Director of EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art.

Jury: Salla Engstrom, Shop Manager, Krist Gruijthuijsen, Director, CEO, Reetta Kalajo, Head of Audience Engagement and Experience, Ingrid Orman, Head of Exhibitions, Chief Curator, Iris Suomi, Marketing and Communications Manager

Finnish Textile & Fashion Award

Jarkko Karppinen (MA) – Outsiders

“This MA thesis project presents a clear artistic view and a complete collection that is commercial and unique at the same time. The collection is an eye catcher with skillful usage of colors and materials, the pieces are attractive, and one can instantly see them in use.

Honorable mention:

Sasu Takko (BA) – Ihokas

“This BA thesis project presents innovative use of materials and a unique, coherent collection. The designer’s artistic view is clear, recognizable, and understandable, and the pieces are executed beautifully.”

Jury: Kristiina Raitala, Editor in Chief, Gloria, Sanoma Lifestyle, Marja-Liisa Permikangas, Managing Director, Finnish Textile & Fashion, John Higginson, Chief Executive Officer, Eco Age, Jaana Hjelt, Marketing Manager and co-owner, Lapuan Kankurit, Antti Laitinen, Design Director, Frenn Company

Fiskars Award

Sasu Takko (BA) – Ihokas

“Sasu Takko is awarded the Fiskars Award for his material-driven approach, where transparency, imperfection, and craftsmanship are used to reveal deeper narratives about humanity and the body. His thoughtful use of materials and hands-on techniques strongly resonates with Fiskars’ legacy of functional, honest design rooted in material excellence and enduring craftsmanship.”

Jury: Petteri Masalin, Chief Design Officer, Mari Rouvi, PR and Communications, Miia Suvela, Brand and Communications

Iittala Award

Jarkko Karppinen (MA) – Outsiders

“This collection stood out for its innovative and sensitive exploration of materials. The high level of craftsmanship and execution, combined with a rich variety of textures, weights, and surface treatments, created a distinctive and emotionally engaging vision of contemporary design.”

Jury: Janni Vepsäläinen, Creative Director, Vesa Kemppainen, Art Director

Marimekko Award

Nanna Marie Christensen (MA) – Clock in, clock out

“When selecting this year’s winner of the Marimekko award, we were drawn to a collection that had a strong sense of purpose behind it. We saw a designer with a genuine interest in designing for real people and their everyday needs.

There was a strong concept and storyline running throughout the work. The technical execution was beautifully done, with thoughtful material choices, strong fabric development and playful details.

What impressed us was the way the designer approached fashion through listening and dialogue. The collection reflected the different roles women move between during the day, from moments that require formal clothing and structure to moments that allow for more ease and comfort. This year’s Marimekko award goes to the collection “Clock in, clock out” by Nanna Marie Christensen.”

Honorary mention: 

Hanna Ruha (BA) – Bodily antiquities

“First, we would like to give an honorary mention to a collection that explored femininity through traditional methods while creating a new sense of bodily freedom. Behind the work is a lifelong fascination with historical clothing and deep research into the subject, which is strongly reflected throughout the collection.

The result is both intimate and empowering — soft yet undeniably strong. The attention to detail and craftsmanship has been taken to an extraordinary level. This honorary diploma goes to the beautiful collection Bodily Antiquities by Hanna Ruha.”

Jury: Anna Lundbäck-Dyhr, Design Director, RTW, Bags & Accessories, Satu Maaranen, Head Designer, Concept & Collaborations, RTW, Bags & Accessories, Laura Väinölä, Creative Concept & Art Director

Congratulations to all!

All photos: Kristian Presnal