Aalto, the Paris-based label of Finnish designer Tuomas Merikoski, moved deep into the future for the spring collection, calling on the world to consider its responsibilities toward a damaged planet with an elegant mix of futuristic clothing.
Merikoski played with volume, building it through elaborate gathering techniques, which he contrasted with tight-fitting over-the-elbow gloves.
Fending off detractors who might consider the environmental bent a lofty directive, Merikoski sent recyclable nylon delivery bags by Repack down the runway, embellishing them with mock labels and leather handles. They are used for mailing clothing orders, and can be neatly folded and sent back for reuse.
“A digital world with no waste is what we’re aiming for,” said Merikoski.
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The collection mixed pale hues with splashes of bright yellow that has become his trademark, as well as a bright, shimmery pink. The mish-mash of styles, a shimmery pink dress over gingham checked trousers, for example, was meant to represent the flood of information that the modern mind is subjected to.
He also played with a series of fake logos, repurposing them to project values like “Equal Virtuality,” “Flowers of Tolerance,” and “Grl Powa 4ever.”
It was a compelling show and the audience agreed, judging by vigorous clapping, whoops and hollers that followed Merikoski backstage after the show.
“I can be very hardcore, but I think at the end of the day it’s the optimism that’s very important,” he said.