Did you find love out dancing this summer? Unfortunately, some of the models in Rolf Ekroth’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection did not. Their sun-kissed faces, streaked with tears, reflected the heartache of not finding "love" at the ‘lavatanssit’—the traditional Finnish dance pavilions scattered across the countryside that inspired this season’s collection. “The entire collection's concept, as well as the show, is based on themes from Finland that interest me,” Rolf shared in the press release for the RAKAS Rolf Ekroth x Kalevala Collaboration.
I entered the dark concert venue Poolen, excited for what was coming. I took a seat and enjoyed watching the place fill up. Out of all the people, the one with the biggest pink hat sat down right in front of me, and I thought, "Come on!" Luckily, she took it off just as the show started.
""Lal-lal-laa-la-la-lal-laa" echoed out loudly, enveloping us all in the traditional Finnish mood with the song "R-a-k-a-s" by Tapani Kansa. First model was entering the room.
“The entire collection's concept, as well as the show, is based on themes from Finland that interest me”
-Rolf Ekroth
"Lal-lal-laa-la-la-lal-laa"
Poolen
Refshalevej 189
August 5th 2024
This time, Ekroth collaborated with Puma, Happy Socks, Kalevala Jewelry (recycled silver jewelry), and the Finnish knitting company Novita. All the looks have a rustic feel with sports influences, featuring earthy colors and materials like cotton, wool, and linen, along with plenty of prints—all produced in a sustainable way. “The circular economy is a prerequisite for our operations,” Rolf explains in the press release for the RAKAS Rolf Ekroth x Kalevala Collaboration.
Since January 2023, all brands participating in shows or presentations during CPHFW have been required to conform to a set of standards as part of the sustainability requirements framework.
The inspiration behind the print-covered life vest and lifesaver is rather dark, drawing from the concept of "hukkumisbingo," a grim game where bets are placed on how many drunken people will end up lost in the lake each summer.
One look I still find myself thinking about is the dandelion jeans, which feature 250 handmade pendants that took hours of work to create. Looking at the models' shoes gave me a throwback to when I walked through the schoolyard, proudly staring down at my black Puma shoes.
“The circular economy is a prerequisite for our operations”
-Rolf Ekroth
Founder Rolf Ekroth
The brand Rolf Ekroth champions utilitarianism, nostalgia, and the power of sustainably produced clothing, all in line with the Spring/Summer 2025 collection. It was really fun to see how he spins his ideas, drawing from his Finnish heritage.
This was the third and final showcase as part of the CPHFW NEWTALENT program.
After the show, the setting shifted to an outdoor scene in daylight. The afternoon sun shone on the models as they lined up, with Rolf's creations popping against the backdrop of the newly built wooden fence. Amidst the crowd, I snapped a few photos and took one last look at the outfits.
Co-founders Awa Malina Stelter & Stephanie Gundelach