Sofia Ilmonen reveals a new SPINNOVA collection at Fashion in Helsinki

Hyères-awarded designer Sofia Ilmonen launches her third joint collection with Spinnova, showcasing modular outfits from fabrics made with SPINNOVA® fibre. The collection draws inspiration from the corset – one of the most controversial garments in the history of fashion – and is featured today at Fashion in Helsinki, an event showcasing the rising stars of the Finnish fashion industry.

Taking place from May 28th to June 2nd 2024, Fashion in Helsinki showcases Finnish creativity, artistic practice and craftsmanship through fashion shows, presentations, and exhibitions. As this year’s theme is technological breakthroughs in fashion, the runway show presents a collaborative collection by Finnish designer Sofia Ilmonen and sustainable textile material company Spinnova.

The new collection mixes fabric made with SPINNOVA® fibres and cotton with lighter cotton poplin and silk organza to create voluminous, layered silhouettes in an array of fresh colours. It will introduce elements of the corset structure, such as bones and lacing, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The new techniques allowed Sofia Ilmonen to design the first trousers seen in her collections.

“For centuries, the corset was worn due to its positive associations with status and beauty, while also serving as a symbol of oppression. I wanted to design a collection that acknowledges the corset's historical significance while simultaneously challenging its restrictions with my design philosophy. I appreciate working with SPINNOVA® fibre as it creates zero side streams, which is in line with my zero-waste pattern cutting approach,” says Sofia Ilmonen.

Ilmonen is known for her modular outfits which can be taken apart and rebuilt into different silhouettes. As her designs follow a one size fits all principle, she empowers the wearer to dictate how the garment adapts to their changing body and evolving style preferences – thus reshaping the relationship between the garment and the wearer.

“As Sofia is bringing the zero-waste approach to fashion via design, Spinnova is bringing it via sustainable materials. SPINNOVA® fibre creates zero side streams, and its CO2 emissions and water use are minimal. Just like the event’s theme suggests, we believe Spinnova’s technology is one of the technological breakthroughs needed in the industry, and we’re happy to celebrate it with talented designers who share the same values,” says Spinnova CEO Tuomas Oijala.

For further information, please contact: 

Virva Vesanen
Director of Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations
Tel. +358 20 703 2430
comms@spinnova.fi

Sofia Ilmonen 

Sofia Ilmonen is an award-winning Finnish designer whose work concentrates on modular transformable clothing. Her collections are constructed from square modules and assembled with a button and loop mechanism offering countless possibilities to transform and modify the pieces. The concept concentrates on lengthening garment life through the prospects of reassembling the modular pieces again and again.

Sofia’s design approach strongly embraces femininity and celebrates the diversity of bodies. The collections are size-inclusive and follow the one-size-fits-all principle. Moreover, the core of the brand lies strongly in sustainable values, having won the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Award at the 36th edition of the prestigious Festival de Mode de Hyères in 2021. Ilmonen has also been awarded with Marimekko and Finnish Textiles and Fashion prizes for her innovative approach to sustainable fashion. 

SPINNOVA – Sustainable textile materials, naturally 

Spinnova transforms the way textiles are manufactured globally. Based in Finland, Spinnova has developed breakthrough patented technology for making textile fibre out of wood or waste, such as leather, textile or agricultural waste, without harmful chemicals.

The SPINNOVA® fibre creates zero side streams, and its CO2 emissions and water use are minimal. SPINNOVA® materials are quickly biodegradable and circular. Spinnova is committed to using only sustainable raw materials such as FSC certified wood and waste. SPINNOVA® fibre is produced without harmful or complex chemical processes, and has the touch and feel of natural fibres such as cotton and linen.

Spinnova has received awards from e.g. the Fast Company, ISPO, Scandinavian Outdoor, ANDAM, Monocle and Marie Claire UK.

Spinnova’s shares (SPINN) are listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland.

SPINNOVA® home: www.spinnova.com
Corporate & IR site: www.spinnovagroup.com