Aalto University and Oulu Art Museum seminar explores the future of fashion

Sustainable design and new ways of thinking take centre stage at the Tomorrow’s Wardrobe & Fashion Futuring seminar in September. The event will be held simultaneously in Espoo and Oulu, with the option to participate online.

Jenny Hytönen, Collection 2021–22. Grand Prix of the 2022 Hyères Fashion Competition. Photo: Marc Medina.

The English-language event brings together internationally recognised experts in fashion design and research to explore what the future of fashion might look like. Registration is now open.

The seminar is connected to Oulu Art Museum’s exhibition Tomorrow’s Wardrobe, curated by artist professor and costume designer Pasi Räbinä. The event offers new perspectives on how fashion can be designed, produced and understood in an era characterised by environmental challenges, uncertainty and rapid change.

The seminar aims to foster dialogue between fashion design, research and the future of fashion. Throughout the day, topics will include the circular economy, new materials, the possibilities offered by technology, and the role of fashion as a force for social change.

The speakers include internationally renowned experts who are also featured in Oulu Art Museum’s exhibition, including Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato (solo exhibition), fashion designer Krista Virtanen, UCLA professor Julia Körner, Aalto University Professor of Practice Ervin Latimer, senior lecturer Heli Salomaa from Victoria University of Wellington, and Aalto University professor Kirsi Niinimäki.

Also taking part is circular economy expert Kirsi Roine from Accelerating Circularity.

The Oulu event will be moderated by Pirjo Kääriäinen and Pasi Räbinä. The day will culminate in a panel discussion, followed by an opportunity to visit the Tomorrow’s Wardrobe exhibition.

Event on 15 September 2026

Check the full programme in the event calendar.

Venue: Oulu, Saari Central Library (Kaarlenväylä 3); Espoo, Aalto University’s Marsio building; and online

Language: English

Registration: by 10 September

Further information:

Kirsi Niinimäki, Aalto University
kirsi.niinimaki@aalto.fi

Pasi Räbinä, curator, artist professor
pasirabina@gmail.com