The 2025 Helsinki Design Week runs from 5 - 14 September and commences in mere days. Below, discover your Vogue-approved guide to all the can't-miss happenings during the event, from immersive exhibitions and inspiring talks to must-visit design markets
As we step into September and brush off remnants of summer holidays, the return to routines brings much to look forward to. While the sartorially minded crowd flocks to international fashion weeks, design aficionados have equally exciting events on their calendars – including the 2025 Helsinki Design Week, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and kicks off in just a few days.
For 10 days, the Finnish capital transforms into a hub of buzzy exhibitions, thought-provoking talks, innovative launches and must-visit markets, all spotlighting design – one of our region’s greatest calling cards.
Keen to join in but not sure where to start? Fret not. Below, Vogue Scandinavia has gathered all the can’t-miss highlights of 2025 Helsinki Design Week, plus where to secure your tickets.
Suomitalo, the main location for this year's Helsinki Design Week. Photo: Helsinki Design Week
'Designing Happiness' exhibition at Suomitalo
For the eighth consecutive year, Finland was chosen as the happiest country in the world by the 2025 World Happiness Report. This year’s Helsinki Design Week’s leading exhibition, Designing Happiness, dives into the very topic, pondering: Can happiness be designed?
Curated by Finnish curator, researcher and educator Anniina Koivu, the showcase, which spans the entire week, draws inspiration from what has been dubbed ‘the happiness cocktail’ – a blend of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. The production of these chemicals can be bolstered by everything from music and nature to laughter and sugar, contributing to our experience of wellbeing and joy. The latter will undoubtedly be on the menu for those visiting the exhibition, which features works of renowned designers from all corners of the globe, including Eero Aarnio, Erwan Bouroullec, Oiva Toikka, Clara von Zweigbergk, Paula Pääkkönen, and many more.
Lönnrotinkatu 5, 00120 Helsinki
Secure your tickets here
Photo: Justus Hirvi
Design Market at Kaapelitehdas
What would a design week be without a market brimming with the best finds across high-quality furniture, homewares and clothing, courtesy of a wide range of sellers from Finland and beyond? The market runs from 6-7 September at Kaapelitehdas, and we recommend heading there early to snatch up the top gems.
While you’re there, check out the neighbouring site Valssaamo, which hosts Artefakti, the final‑year exhibition by MA students from Aalto University’s Contemporary Design programme. And on the gallery level of Merikaapeli Hall, Lahti Institute of Design students organise open‑studio workshops for all ages – no tickets needed.
Kaapeliaukio 3, 00180 Helsinki
Free admission
Photo: @arkken_fi
Arkken Design Piazza at the Arkken Showroom
Premium Finnish kitchen company Arkken brings a slice of Italy to the Finnish capital with its Design Piazza, open to all from 12-14 September at the brand’s showroom in the city’s heart. Curated by creatives Anna Pirkola and Kirsikka Simberg, expect a vibrant event mimicking a bustling Italian market square, spotlighting design and everything kitchen-related. Think mouth-watering aperitifs, eclectic market stalls and eye-catching art installations – all soundtracked by infectious Italo disco beats and a lively atmosphere. The perfect rejuvenating stopover as you power through the week’s events.
Fredrikinkatu 20, 00120 Helsinki
Free admission
Photo: @habitarefair
Habitare fair at Messukeskus
Keen to get the scoop on what’s next for the design industry, or simply in the mood to browse the latest in interior design, homewares, decorations and more? Stop by at Habitare, one of the Nordics’ leading design and interiors fairs, featuring everything from new product launches and innovative material presentations to networking opportunities for designers and buyers, and vintage treasures. The fair takes place 10-14 September at Messukeskus – be sure to set aside plenty of time to wander and explore all the different areas on offer, including Kids, Workshops, Antiques and Talents.
Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki
Secure your tickets here
a20 Fashion Show at Suomitalo
This year’s Helsinki Design Week also pays tribute to Finnish fashion through an intimate, salon-style runway show held at Suomitalo on 10 September. The spectacle gathers 18 emerging Finnish fashion designers – along with two Scandinavian guest talents, Swedish Stina Randestad and Danish Tilde Herold Winther – who present their looks, which are an interpretation of the fashion show’s theme, ‘celebration’, nodding to Helsinki Design Week’s 20th anniversary milestone.
Some of the homegrown names featured include Satu Rauhamäki, Juha Vehmaanperä, Henna Lampinen, Linda Kokkonen, and Sini Saavala.
Lönnrotinkatu 5, 00120 Helsinki
Secure your tickets here
Artek x Marimekko collection launch at Artek flagship store
Two icons of Finnish design, Marimekko and Artek, have joined forces on a new collection, and the duo is inviting everyone to come marvel at it at an exhibition held in Artek's flagship store in central Helsinki. The collaboration brings together Marimekko’s signature vibrant printmaking and Artek’s expertise in wood bending, resulting in a joyful line-up where Maija Isola’s iconic prints meet Alvar Aalto’s celebrated furniture. Not in town during the design week? Don’t worry – the exhibition runs until 4 October.
Keskuskatu 1 B, 00100, Helsinki
Free admission
Photo: Lucas Ruska Martin
Fargo showroom grand opening in Kruununhaka
Vintage design lovers, rejoice! One of Helsinki’s top vintage interiors stores, Fargo, is officially opening the doors to its new showroom in Kruununhaka. Happening on 12 September as part of Helsinki Design Week’s Open Studios, the grand opening features a covetable selection of hard-to-find pieces from Nordic and international design greats, while also giving visitors a chance to meet the Fargo team – plus enjoy light refreshments and funky beats from DJs at Timmion Records.
Meritullinkatu 11 C, 00170, Helsinki
Free admission
Success/Meaningfulness – Reflections on Succeeding in the Creative Industry panel discussion at Luonnos
Among the highlights of this year’s Helsinki Design Week talks is the Success/Meaningfulness – Reflections on Succeeding in the Creative Industry, organised at gallery Luonnos on 12 September. Timely and relevant to today’s creative landscape, the discussion explores what makes a designer successful or their work meaningful, featuring CEO and creative director Timo Berry, university lecturer Tuomas Kortteinen (Aalto University), creative director Seena Talvi and freelance designer Veera Kortelainen, moderated by designer Anni Laser Tolvanen.
The panel also examines the contradictions of the creative industry, asking: “Is success financial gain, recognition within the scene, excellence, personal comfort, or entirely something else? How should a designer position themselves in relation to these goals if they want to succeed, let alone do something reasonable or even meaningful?”
Uudenmaankatu 13, 00120, Helsinki
Free admission, doors open at 17:45
Photo: @helsinki.playground
Made in Japan – A Pop-Up Shop and Exhibition
On 6 September, you’ll get a chance to get your hands on exquisite Japanese design, as Helsinki Playground hosts Made in Japan, a pop-up shop and exhibition at its showroom in Hakaniemi. In collaboration with the Japanese brand Kijinokanosei, the event celebrates the country’s craftsmanship, boasting an exclusive collection of handmade woollen blankets, rugs, and cushions. Also joining in is Tokyo-based creative director Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau (Yuthanan), who will be presenting a curated exhibition of Japanese ceramics, reimagined with a Finnish twist. The best part? Every piece on display will be available to purchase.
Saariniemenkatu 1, 00530, Helsinki
Free admission