LAPLAND’S TALENTS SHINE AT THE INDEPENDENCE DAY BALL
● Heikki and Saara Autto will celebrate Finland’s Independence Day dressed in reindeer and salmon.
● Arctic design will be showcased at the Presidential Independence Day Reception on several invited guests.
The craftsmanship of Lapland’s designers and makers will once again be visible at the Presidential Independence Day Reception.
Member of Parliament Heikki Autto (National Coalition Party) from Rovaniemi and his wife Saara Autto will attend the Ball after a few years’ break, wearing outfits created by local fashion designers.
“This time we wanted to focus especially on our outfits and highlight local creators,” says Heikki Autto.
Autto explains that he contacted fashion designer Mariela Pokka, known for her reindeer leather creations, well in advance. From her collection, he found a suit that seemed tailor-made for him.
Reindeer leather garments by Rovaniemi-based Pokka have been seen at the Ball before: last year, Member of Parliament Eeva-Maria Maijala and journalist Liisa Talvitie wore reindeer leather evening dresses.
This year, Pokka’s leather will be seen only on Heikki Autto.
“This feels excellent to wear,” Autto praises.
From Pokka’s collection, a reindeer leather bow tie could also have been chosen — but this time Autto opted for salmon leather instead.
“Reindeer and salmon are both equally important parts of Lapland’s identity,” he remarks.
Designers Behind the Looks
The bow tie adorning the MP’s neck was designed and crafted by Rovaniemi-based fashion designer Kirsi Nordberg, who also designed Saara Autto’s evening gown.
Nordberg graduated last year as a clothing designer from the University of Lapland and now works as an entrepreneur and designer in her own company Kinos Design.
This year marks the first time a dress designed and made by Nordberg will be seen at the Independence Day Ball.
“It has long been my professional dream to design a gown for the Ball — and now it’s come true,” Nordberg says joyfully.
The design process began unusually — from the man’s outfit, which was already known.
“Usually it’s the other way around, but this time we thought about how Saara’s dress would complement Heikki’s reindeer leather suit,” Nordberg explains.
A Celebration of Local Craftsmanship
Saara Autto wanted a refined but festive ensemble that could also be reused. The dress was designed as a two-piece, allowing the top and bottom parts to be mixed later.
“We don’t want to make closet fillers,” Nordberg says.
The bodice is made from a leather-like material, while the skirt is heavy satin, hand-painted by Nordberg with a golden northern lights motif.
The same pattern appears on reindeer leather earrings designed by Kaisa Sipovaara of Kaima Design, another Rovaniemi-based designer.
The ensemble is completed with a clutch bag from Nordberg’s Kinos Design collection — featuring a salmon leather flap and a reindeer leather body.
Saara Autto is extremely pleased with her outfit.
“This has been really fascinating. I’ve had the chance to influence the final result myself, and Kirsi has listened to my wishes with great sensitivity,” Autto says appreciatively.
Promoting Lapland’s Design Heritage
Nordberg, Pokka, and the Auttos all agree that Lapland’s design and craftsmanship deserve greater visibility. The Presidential Ball offers one important opportunity to showcase it.
“In Finland, there are only two universities where one can graduate as a fashion designer. The University of Lapland is one of them, but it tends to remain in the shadow of Aalto University,” Nordberg notes.
Heikki Autto believes that as a Member of Parliament from Lapland, his duty is to promote local expertise and support regional livelihoods.
“These garments are one way to draw attention to these issues,” he says.
Source: Sinikka Pylkkänen