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Presenting the Jury: They Will Select the Winner of the Finnish Textile Award 2025
Finnish Textile & Fashion will award a 1,500 euro prize to an outstanding fashion student at the Näytös/Näyttely25 event. The prize is intended for a student whose collection stands out for its creativity, practicality, and sustainability.
The winner of the award will be chosen by an expert jury, chaired this year by Swedish fashion industry professional Ana Kristiansson, who brings extensive international experience. The jury also includes Taru Lahti, Head of Design and Product Development at Dimex and co-founder of HEDVIG Collection; Jenny Jännäri, longtime business journalist at Kauppalehti, who closely follows the creative industry’s development and its growing significance for Finland’s economy; Marjut Rahkola, founder and creative director of the fashion brand VIMMA; and Marja-Liisa Permikangas, Managing Director of Finnish Textile & Fashion.
– For a student just stepping into the real working world, this kind of recognition gives an invaluable boost of self-confidence. It’s proof that someone sees their potential, that hard work pays off, and that they’re on the right path, says jury chair Ana Kristiansson. – This award is like a little nudge from the universe saying, “Go ahead, take that leap, push those boundaries, create something amazing.” It motivates them to keep going. And for others, watching someone step up and win can be incredibly inspiring. It shows that with creativity, persistence, and a little courage, anything is possible.
In selecting the winner, special emphasis is placed on the collection’s creative and visionary execution, combining usability, commercial potential, ecological sustainability, and thoughtful material choices.
The award criteria:
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Usability: The garments are innovatively designed, suitable for everyday use, and accessible at a reasonable price point.
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Sustainability: The design takes into account durability and recyclability.
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Materials: The collection utilizes advanced and ecologically responsible materials.
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Uniqueness: The collection reflects a new artistic vision and creativity, while also demonstrating commercial potential.
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Social impact: Inclusivity is visible through consideration of diverse sizes, body types, and genders.
The award is intended to serve as an incentive for young designers who aim to develop responsible and creative fashion that resonates both artistically and commercially.
Jury
Finnish Textile & Fashion Award 2025 -palkintoraati.
Ana Kristiansson
Ana Kristiansson is an experienced leader in the apparel industry with over 25 years of expertise. She is the founder of PORTIA, Desinder & Apparel Entrepreneurship. With a BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, Kristiansson has worked with top global brands and earned multiple innovation awards.
Marjut Rahkola
Marjut Rahkola is the founder of Vimmacompany Oy (VIMMA). She serves as both the business developer and creative director of the company. Marjut is passionate about multidimensionality, color, and texture — as well as the story behind each product and the purpose of its existence.
Taru Lahti
Taru Lahti is an experienced professional in the textile and fashion industry. She leads the design and product development at the workwear company Dimex and is also active in the fashion world as the co-founder of HEDVIG Collection. “My passion is to combine fashion, beauty, high-quality materials, and practicality into timeless, insightful garments where style and functionality go hand in hand.”
Jenny Jännäri
Jenny Jännäri is a journalist at Kauppalehti with a 25-year career in business journalism. In addition to economic affairs, she has always followed the creative industry closely and believes its importance to Finland’s economy will only grow in the future.
Marja-Liisa Permikangas
Marja-Liisa Permikangas is the Managing Director of Finnish Textile & Fashion and a key influencer in the development of Finland’s textile and fashion industry. She has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, research and development, innovation activities, and international business. In recent years, she has focused especially on promoting digitalization in the textile and fashion sector as well as the international growth of consumer brands.