Wednesday 5 November 2024

To start, (trying not to sound too much like I’m trying to perform or execute this journal with any kind of efficiency,) I simply must excuse myself and explain the gap between this and the last entry. My 2024 has been a cyclone of changes – both figuratively and literally as I’ve spent a whole lot of time in between places –, achievements, and personal growth. Without a doubt winning Project Runway Finland (crazy to think that the shoot started exactly a year ago) was one of the most significant highlights, but what came after the experience has possibly been even more intense than being on the show itself, pushing me to new creative limits (which to me equals growth and for which I’m very, very grateful). The win opened doors, leading not only to an exciting (and nerve-racking for someone with control freak perfectionist tendencies) collaboration with Stockmann, for which I’ve been developing my first collection under my own name (the label says Miro, eek!!), but also to numerous new fantastic and incredible colleagues and mentors. It’s been an absolute rollercoaster of a journey and I’m so, so keen to see what might come next!

Parallel to these professional milestones, I started a more personal, passion-driven exploration of style and now about nine months in, I’ve noticed how rewarding it’s been to be more analytical about it. At the beginning of the year I began documenting my outfits, not as a meticulous daily habit but more as a spontaneous fête of those days when my look felt just right. This project so far has provided me with realisations about my past and present as well as thoughts about my future. I’ve been able to recontextualize habits from my childhood and in the present moment it’s made me want less, in other words: I’ve consumed less, the only things I’ve bought this year so far are a skirt that reminded me of Prada, a “Sexy Strappy” bag from George, Gina & Lucy, and trousers that look a lot like they’re Phoebe Philo’s  — all three second hand.

Having split so much of my time between Amsterdam and Helsinki in the past year, I’ve also been reflecting on the differences between the two. In comparison Helsinki feels like “new-world” with its relatively new cityscape. It’s a city with a modern, somewhat minimalist vibe, that seems to reflect on to Finnish design and fashion as well. Amsterdam, on the other hand, is steeped in history, with its layers of the past visible everywhere you look. Cycling through its streets, you can feel the weight of time, the stories embedded in the city (which, I know, some find overwhelming, but I love!). It’s a city that feels lived-in, with a rich cultural tapestry that contrasts sharply with the newer, more straightforward character of Helsinki, and I’ve come to realise that these two characteristics are present in both my work and my style. A very concrete manifestation of this is my preference for things that don’t look too new, I appreciate a lived-in or distressed quality in clothes and accessories and in some (to me yet unknown) way I find it makes things look more luxurious. To me it also signals that an item is dear to its wearer when you can tell that it's been worn a lot. I love a worn and rich yet simplified and thought through look. I guess also a bit along the lines of “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory” as Coco Chanel is supposed to have said.

As the year is just one party-season away from drawing to a close, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me, both in my career and in my ongoing exploration of personal style, and especially how the two influence each other, and how the synergy between the two develops. Already now I see the two colliding and influencing each other. This past year has been one of extreme contrasts — between the old and the new, the professional and the personal, the predictable and the spontaneous. I see the fashion industry reflected in my life; it’s both exhilarating and totally exhausting, and that exhausting aspect makes it exciting again. Whether I’m developing a collection for a major retailer, taking stock of my wardrobe, or simply navigating the differences between two cities, I can’t help but be constantly reminded of fashion’s role as both a mirror and a tool for shaping who I am.

Current obsession: Phoebe Philo “boyish tailored trousers”, Dries van Noten Fall 2000 fringed scarves, The Row medium N/S Park Tote in leather (the leather is unbelievably supple and pleasant to touch), Miro woven glitter denim midi skirt (biased I know but I’m obsessed with the fit of this skirt), argyle socks.

Photos are from Miu Miu, Phoebe Philo, Dries van Noten, The Row, and Miro.

Sincerely yours,
Miro