KARHU X AALTO

As Finland celebrates its 100th year of independence, Karhu teams up with Aalto University to honor the nation’s historical ties in nature. Karhu and Aalto University students from the Department of Design joined forces to produce a t-shirt — entitled NAKUNA — to commemorate Finland’s rich connection to the forest.

13th May Lifestyle, Release
Karhu DE

The forest is central to the Finnish identity — from the darkest moments of history to blissful moments of leisure and recreation. The Finnish forest has been standing tall, protective, nurturing and free for all to roam and enjoy. The word NAKUNA (Finnish for “naked”) represents the very essence of Finland: a raw land of lakes, archipelagos, and forests where the nature and landscape are an intrinsic part of the country’s and its people’s spirit. NAKUNA is a metaphor to undress oneself: to remain open, honest, transparent, natural and equal with the people and the land around.

Karhu DE

The t-shirt’s print is based on Koli National Park's topographical map: the various lines and other graphical elements represent tracks, paths, cliffs, and ponds of the area. Koli National park is one of the most well known national parks in Finland, and its divine scenery has been an inspiration for artists throughout centuries.

Karhu DE

The NAKUNA t-shirt photos were taken at the University’s ateliers in natural light, with only a minimum amount of retouching afterwards to maintain the raw, natural and organic approach of this project. 

The Karhu x Aalto University “Nakuna” t-shirt will see its global launch exclusively in at the Karhu Concept store in Helsinki, Finland and the European web store on Saturday, June 10th, 2017.