Glass Couture to New York Fashion Week

As the final countdown begins, Infinity Vessel team is gearing up for New York Fashion Week. The collection is a fusion of glass, tech and contemporary fashion, shaking the very foundations of how we perceive this ancient craft.

Infinity Vessel by Sini Majuri and Marja Hepo-aho is a statement. This year, they are transporting the UNESCO-listed glass art right onto the catwalks of NYFW, challenging the norms with their eight-part series of wearable sculptures. Each piece in this collection is a narrative, reflecting the spectrum of female archetypes, from the Whore to the Madonna.

At the heart of this creative storm is Mira Ollila, a dancer who will walk 30-centimeter glass shoes, reminiscent of a futuristic Cinderella, bringing a physical embodiment to these powerful themes. These shoes, crafted by the skilled Tytti Porvari, are a mirroring the exquisite craftsmanship and daring innovation. The 3D specialist of the project, Alex Holmes has created sculptural parts from UPM:s 3D wood in collaboration with Aalto University.

The Infinity Vessel initiative is not just confined to the runways. It spills onto the streets of New York with a thrilling treasure hunt, democratizing the experience of glass art and making it accessible to all. This adventure blurs the lines between art and public participation, inviting everyone to engage with this once-elitist medium.

Moreover, a panel discussion at the Finnish Embassy will look into the future of design, addressing pressing topics in today's world. The team, including cloth technican Aino Simola and tufting artist Joonas Salo, is a diverse mix of talents, each bringing a unique perspective to this project.

This venture is a commentary on societal values, ecological sustainability, and the ethical challenges in the fashion industry. It's a reflection on how clothing manufacturing and consumption affect our environment and health, and how the portrayal of women influences societal perceptions and treatment. From collaborating with Boston Dynamics and Aalto University for the RoboBallet in 2023, to blending holographic art with augmented reality in Venice in 2022, this team has consistently pushed boundaries. Now, at NYFW, they're set to redefine the role of glass in fashion, while challenging the elitist perceptions of this art form.

Representing Finnish identity, the team includes diverse collaborators like model Caritapani, Material Helsinki, Tikkitupa, Kalaparkki, Coolhead Brewery, and Pandan Lakritsi. Each brings a piece of Finland's rich cultural tapestry to this global stage.

As the plane takes off for New York, with the final preparations underway, the excitement is palpable. Infinity Vessel is a movement, a dialogue between tradition and innovation, and a daring leap into the future of glass art and fashion. Stay tuned as this extraordinary journey unfolds at one of the most watched fashion stages in the world.