All the fashion highlights from the 2025 Finnish Independence Day Reception

On the 6th of December, the streets of Finland fall quiet and the gentle glow of two candles perched on countless windowsills illuminates the dark winter day as the nation embraces its Independence Day – a significant milestone the Finns have commemorated since 1917. To celebrate the occasion, the President hosts the annual Independence Day Reception, which, over the past century, has transformed from a modest gathering into a grand and sophisticated ball, bringing together the country’s biggest and brightest at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki for an evening of mingling, dancing, music and fine dining.

To receive the wax-sealed invite is an immense honour. Each year, the palace’s majestic and opulent rooms, strewn with glimmering crystal chandeliers, are filled with over a thousand guests, representing the full breadth of Finnish society, from artists, athletes and politicians to diplomats and scientists. As the esteemed invitees flock to the palace dressed to the nines, the rest of Finland tunes into the live TV broadcast of the event, crowned consistently the most-watched programme of the year, drawing an audience of millions.

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This year marked the second reception organised by President Alexander Stubb, who set the theme of ‘Education and cultural refinement as builders of Finnish society’ for the 2025 festivities. The theme was reflected both in the guest list – comprising a bevvy of Finland’s top education professionals – and in the palace’s decorations, including a photography exhibition highlighting the importance of the Finnish comprehensive school system.

Finnish fashion was prominently on show as well, with the event’s ‘unwritten rule’ of guests opting for homegrown designers in full display. Eurovision alum Erika Vikman stunned in a custom, form-hugging gown by Anna Sarasoja, while former Prime Minister Sanna Marin dazzled in silvery Anne-Mari Pahkala dress. Sustainable choices remained front and centre, too, with Green Party Chairperson Sofia Virta renting her sculptural two-toned frock and Kalevala jewellery from the popular Finnish high-end fashion rental app, Robes.

Below, we take a look back at all the sartorial highlights from the 2025 Finnish Independence Day Reception.

President Alexander Stubb and his wife, first lady of Finland Suzanne Innes-Stubb looked impossibly elegant, with Suzanne’s artfully draped, shimmery silver dress courtesy of Finnish designer Kaisa Turunen.

Finnish pop phenomenon Mirella, who dominated the country’s charts this year, had the privilege of performing at the reception, wearing a seraphic floor-grazing, pearl-encrusted gown by her go-to designers, Heini Lambert and Malin Elmvik.

Show producer and theatre performer Matti Myllyaho served up one of the most eye-catching men’s looks of the night, arriving at the palace in a dapper Teemu Muurimäki suit adorned with delicate gold floral details.

Another acclaimed artist who had the honour of singing at the ball was Jenni Vartiainen, who awed with her snow-white, cascading long-sleeve frock by Katri Niskanen.

Staying true to her past Independence Day Reception looks, former Prime Minister Sanna Marin opted for a streamlined and sleek, silvery number by Anne-Mari Pahkala.

Erika Vikman, Finland’s entrant for Eurovision 2025, turned heads in a custom, sculpted, figure-hugging creation by Anna Sarasoja, rendered in soft beige and finished with gossamer black opera gloves.

Beloved pop artist Robin Packalen kept it classic, rocking up to the palace in a sharp tail coat that checked all the boxes of the event’s black-tie dress code, designed by Teemu Muurimäki for Turo.

Green Party Member of Parliament Fatim Diarra’s look for the night comprised a striking scarlet corset gown designed by Aura Ritola, paired with a matching Pihka Collection clutch.

Chair of Finland’s Green Party Sofia Virta made waves with her entirely rented ensemble, with her sculptural black-and-white gown, raven opera gloves and Kalevala jewellery all sourced from the luxury fashion rental app Robes.

Painter Vilma Peltonen turned to Independence Day ball veteran Mert Otsamo to dream up her dramatic metallic brocade long-sleeve gown, finished with a sweeping train and a plunging open back.

Another sustainability win of the ball came courtesy of Green Party Member of Parliament Bella Forsgren, whose crisp white, contoured and textured frock by Sarianna Niskala was crafted from repurposed lace bedsheets and linen tablecloths.