The best fashion and gift stores Helsinki

It was a brilliant idea of the creator of this ecological brand to use used fabrics and materials to transform them into quality bags, accessories and clothing, 100% recycled, designated in Finland, made in Europe. A few examples: sports bags made of boat sails, cloth handbags of military bags, or keychains made of chips or computer keyboard keys... In 2003, the brand presented the world's first recycled fashion collection in Helsinki and in 2005 it received the Amnesty International Designer of the Year Award.

Probably the coolest record store in Helsinki, whose jazz collections, above all, are to be swooned over. The owner - Emu - always has a story to tell you on the record you're interested in and it's not uncommon for Helsinki musicians who still hang around to tell their little anecdote. Emu knows all the bands in the city and he will probably send you to a concert in a restaurant the same evening. A corner of paradise where it is good to linger, chat, then close your eyes and let yourself be rocked.

This spacious, welcoming, old-fashioned toy store is a veritable Ali Baba's cave for children aged 0 to 77! It's hard not to be tempted, from Djeco creative kits and giant puzzles to Vilac wooden toys, Corolle dolls, Franck & Fischer comforters and Petit Jour Paris bibs and aprons featuring the little Maisy mouse... The boutique also offers a tasteful selection of children's clothing. Don't hesitate to bring your little ones along: a play corner is reserved for them.

It's a bit like entering the other side of Alice's mirror, into a world populated by second-hand books of all origins and in all languages. Once the front door is pushed open, you will be recommended to "venture out", wander through the various small rooms in search of your new bedside book. Don't hesitate to pass by the "chapel", a lair dedicated to philosophy, or the billiard room unless you pass behind the piano.

If you're looking for a musical nugget and you're in the (charming) Kallio area, don't hesitate to push open the door of Black and White records, a record shop with an established reputation in Helsinki! Here, the music selection is cutting-edge, with a predilection for vinyl, both old and new. New or used, local or imported, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for... and probably a lot more besides. A musical voyage not to be missed!

This young clothing and accessories brand, created by Mirkka Metsola, is manufactured not far from Helsinki, in Tallinn, Estonia. Ecology has been taken into account in the creation, we try to reduce waste and to work while minimizing its environmental impact. Although black was originally declined, the brand offers men's and women's clothing that is either colourful or very sober, but which will certainly not go unnoticed! On their online store, you can take advantage of the sales. On the showroom side, it is open by appointment.

Perhaps one of the most exciting Finnish accessory brands of the moment. "Second chance" is their motto. The bags are made from wasted materials such as: industrial cutting waste, discarded salmon skin from the food industry, discarded leather... The work is superb, original and ecological. As for the jewelry, it's all recycled metal: mostly bronze and silver. Prices: earrings cost around €70, handbags at least €300. If you like beautiful bags, at least take a look.

Himo is a boutique currently bringing together five brands: Vejits, Sora design, Pioni+, Tiia Maria and Ompelimo Niina Tarina. These young Finnish designers are presented here to offer a selection of jewelry, elegant and modern plus-size fashion, Thai-Finnish ready-to-wear for men and women, and hyper-contemporary espadrilles. Everything is designed in Finland, everything is produced in Europe. High-quality, trendy fashion. On the other hand, the prices are higher than those of a conventional store in a shopping mall, for example.

The stylist Samu-Jussi Koski, who worked for Marimekko for a long time, has created his own brand, Samuji, and the success is dazzling. This vast, uncluttered boutique, hidden in the inner courtyard of a downtown building, is a prime showcase for these sophisticated collections with no sleeves. Samuji also offers a collection of tablecloths and household linen as well as a few carefully selected items. We fell in love with this brand that perfectly embodies Finnish design without ever falling into the Nordic cliché.

Hanna Riiheläinen and Emilia Hernesniemi, the blonde creators of this cutting-edge label, combine Nordic minimalism with ultra-feminine cuts and materials. The unique and original prints, the modern but sophisticated fabrics make this brand a real pearl of young Finnish design. From a trendy evening dress for a trendy opening to a super stylish everyday sweatshirt, the collection is portable and bursting with inventiveness at the same time. R/H also offers a nice collection for children too. Online shop.

Established in 2003, sisters Sari and Marianne Alamettälä are the driving force behind this pretty boutique. Asuna offers a selection of the most contemporary and cutting-edge fashion labels, from bags to woolly hats, from Comme des Garçons T-shirts to futuristic bracelets. Other leading brands include High by Claire Campbell, Black Label by Rundholz, NO/AN, Marithe & François Girbaud, Zucca and Jean-Paul Knott... Budget-wise, it's a pretty hefty affair, as the brands are rather luxurious.

The creations of Katrin Niskanen, a young Helsinki designer showered with honors and winner of the Elle Finland styling prize in 2014, are ultra-feminine. Niskanen focuses on draping and noble materials. Scandinavian purity, sophistication and sobriety are the designer's watchwords, for fashions that suit a 20-year-old woman as well as an elegant 60-year-old. Of course, such talent and quality come at a price... However, don't forget to visit her boutique or website during the sales, where you'll find great discounts.

It's hard not to notice the Kamppi Center, the largest shopping mall in downtown Helsinki. Good to know, it also houses the bus station in the basement. There's a huge range of stores here: clothing, accessories, supermarkets, games and home decoration. For families, there's a children's area (with changing facilities, rest room and dining area) on the^3rd floor. There's also the Photography Museum annex in the basement. It's also a great place to stop for a snack!

An independent record shop in the Kallio district since 1989, Stupido Market is much more than just a place to buy records. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of vinyl records (33 and 45 rpm, new and used, Nordic and international, of all musical genres), as well as clothes, books and jewelry, all from local artists who are, to say the least, crazy! You're never quite sure what you've come for at Stupido Market, but it's hard to leave empty-handed!

Here's a junk with looks and soul! Armed with a cup of coffee, you can stroll through the museum, as if to go back in time, in search of the hidden treasure among a good selection of vintage clothes, furniture, design objects and soul and jazzy music. While you can find beautiful pieces such as cabinets, desks, and so on, you can also find smaller decorative accessories such as lamps, posters, etc... Online shop. Rather for very good budgets, however it is also interesting to discover Finnish design.

On the second floor of the Forum shopping center, you'll find this boutique to delight Moumines fans! On the menu: tableware, accessories, toys, clothes and even sweets in the Moumines colors. It's a great gift idea for young - and even older - fans of the tender characters created by Tove Jansson. There's also another outdoor boutique, not far from the Chapel of Silence. Two complementary addresses to discover the fascinating world of Moumines!

Aarikka's story began with buttons. More than sixty years ago, Kaija Aarikka was looking for buttons to go with the dress she designed, but finding nothing she liked, she decided to make them herself. Then she creates jewellery made of wood beads and coloured, fresh and natural decorative objects with floral motifs, before working with silver. Very nice Christmas decorations inspired by Finnish tradition, but with a modern touch. Online shop, colorful and original jewelry, good value for money.