The Finnish designer’s collection was going to be presented in a location a bit far from the city, and after leaving the bus stop, a promenade alongside some boats and water reflecting the twilight was mandatory. I arrived as the sun was saying its last goodbye, and perfectly aligned was the concept behind the show that I was about to witness: No distance left to run.
Rolf Ekroth brings down to earthlings the Sun. A Sun that we can find in patterns with a green background, in hat shapes, jacket colours and knitted jumper decorations. Never forgetting his wink to the Finnish culture with key pieces from previous collections and cultural details such as pompons on trouser’s sides and retro wallpaper motives.
The collection has two meanings, one is the Sun worshipping that all the northern countries develop in winter months, and therefore «running towards the sun» to get the most of it as long as they can. The other one, more metaphorical, alludes the feelings that have been hanging around Rolf’s thoughts «(…)Cycles I’ve been navigating in fashion over the past few seasons. It symbolizes those moments when progress feels stalled, the work becomes heavy, and hope seems distant (…)».
The catwalk was a circle. And around it on the inside and outside, some human circles of guests. Having a look at the seating distribution, I could only discover that all the Vogue’s and Elle’s and big name magazines were going to be there. A brand that last year was saying hi for the first time to this part of the industry, is now one of the most desired.
And so the show has begun with a crowded space but just two lights fighting against the complete darkness of the industrial unit. Everything was black but the person walking_ no people, no visual information, no distraction other than the models. Models who were literally running under this poetic sun with some Puma sneakers on and braided hairs. This show instead of being nostalgic as per usual, was looking right into the bright future.
Words and photography by Ionela Bona for VEIN MAGAZINE
