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I’m back in New York now but I wanted to quickly post these shots from my Helsinki trip. Ilona, who I met “under the clock” at the famous Stockmann department store; Aleksandra, who was eating at Tori, my favorite Helsinki hangout with the coolest staff and clients and the best reindeer meatballs you’ve ever had; and Jenny, who I met while biking to the beach. Yes, there’s a beach for swimming in Helsinki. Yes, the water is cold. xo
Oh Helsinki, so much to answer for. You reply with your beautiful waterfront, quaint trams, stunning architecture, your attractive and friendly people – I’ll miss you when I leave. The Stylesightings summer road trip is nearing its end, but I was sent off in style (natch) today in Helsinki. I started off by biking over one of the many bridges to Hesher Town…umm, I mean Kallio – an up-and-coming area that sort of forgot to set its alarm and actually get up and come. There’s not a lot to do or see there unless you like drinking heavily during the day – but the authenticity of the residents (in these ironic times) is truly stunning. I’m waiting for i-D magazine’s Kallio cover story. Then it was on to Helsinki 10 – a really good concept store that feels and looks like a Finnish version of Opening Ceremony. I bought an April77 t-shirt and the new Annie single on 7-inch vinyl. Later on it was over to Kiasma – Helsinki’s Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibits I checked out weren’t bad, but the real draw here is the terrace cafe and skate ramp out front. This is one of cool Helsinki’s top gathering spots and turned out to be the perfect starting point for the main attraction on Friday – Helsingin Taiteiden Yo. This is Helsinki’s one-night-only annual Night of the Arts which just happened to occur during the time of my visit. There were runway shows from the two biggest and best Finnish fashion houses – IVANAhelsinki and marimekko. I went to both of these and then ran around and saw lots more stuff for free. They dance to their own beat in Helsinki and I love them for that. xo eddie
Helsinki, Finland – The Jewel of the Baltic, H-Town, The City by the Sea…umm, I’m not really sure what the local nickname for Helsinki is…or if they even have one. I’m pretty sure it’s not H-Town though. Sorry about that. I just arrived this morning on the night boat from Stockholm. Today – smoked salmon and fresh peas and apples eaten while walking around the harbor market this morning. Lunch at the buffet at the Volunteer Fireman’s Hall (grilled salmon, mashed potatoes, pea soup, blintzes and berry compote, and hot tea – all for less than 10Euro in their assembly hall where the original 1956 design and fixtures are untouched – amazing). Salmon and potato soup for dinner in case you’re wondering – just basically lots of salmon. I rented a bike this morning around 11am. The bike is even better here than in Stockholm because Helsinki is so small – I was easily able to bike to several different neighborhoods to shoot street style photos. Speaking of Helsinki style…well, I’m not sure there really is a certain Helsinki style. (Stockholm definitely has a more easily identifiable “look” on the street – polished preppy uniform with some interesting touches was the prevailing look there – the sort of look that makes me think everyone has been shopping at A.P.C.) Helsinki – by first appearances – is a bit more all over the map style-wise. Some things that I’m seeing – punk, metal, and gothic influences; 50’s inspired dresses, sunglasses, and hairstyles; and of course, influences from the extreme weather that this city experiences much of the year – things like chunky metal and wood jewelry and Lapland/native inspired prints. In general, the feel of things here is noticeably a bit more rough and tumble and Eastern Bloc rather than typically Scandinavian. I think it’s brilliant up here. x eddie
