BA-graduate Elina Heilanen of Aalto University has taken cues from the philosophical writings of Thoreau and the wandering movement, Wandervögel, and combined them with style inspiration from Renaissance garments and outerwear aesthetics. Heilanen’s oversized menswear collection tells a story of a character, at odds with civilization and society, who becomes immersed in nature and the wilderness. In keeping with the theme of nature, sustainability is at the heart of the work, and all garments are made from deadstock, discarded and recycled materials. Renaissance clothing and armours have served as inspiration for modification of the garments: Lacing details are applied throughout the collection, making the garments modifiable; sleeves can be detached and trousers can be turned into shorts. All textiles are hand-printed using a combination of different unique marbling techniques and dyeing methods.
