IVANAhelsinki

Finnish fashion comes to Manila

Fashion, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,
but everyone will agree that it's all about making a
statement and standing out. Both can be said about
Paola Ivana Suhonen's IVANAhelsinki collection.

"Finland may be noted for Nokia and Armi Kuusela, the
first Miss Universe winner, but there's more,"
Ambassador Riitta Resch said during a recent press
conference at her residence, stressing the Nordic
country's prominence in areas like paper and wood
technology. Include Suhonen into the list.

Suhonen was a fashion design student when Finland went
through a recession. She wasn't only among those
responsible for reviving the Finnish fashion industry
but she also became in-demand in fashion circuits in
both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. At the moment,
IVANAhelsinki clothes are being sold in more than 20
countries. Philippines will soon join the ranks.

The main inspiration of her collection is the camping
lifestyle, which is popular in Scandinavia during the
70s and also reflects the Finnish designer's laidback
outlook. Every product are hand-made. Paola believes
in designing more and producing less.

For many designers, the choice of colors or style
would be enough for a trademark. However, Suhonen
circulated a story about a Russian named Ivan J.
Paolovski who established a match factory east of
Helsinki several decades ago. He became known for his
easygoing approach to his business and kind treatment
to his employees. The tale is fictional but it puts a
romantic touch to Paola's collection. A lighted
matchstick, which is IVANAhelsinki's logo, is both
original and eye-catching.

Two of her designs were unveiled during the presscon.
Light colors were used but that doesn't mean her
designs were less attentive. We were disappointed when
we found out that Paola wasn't around but she'll be
when more than 60 designs of hers will be showcased
during the March 31 fashion show at Shangri La Plaza
Mall.

(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)