Estonian Design House hosted a sustainable fashion performance and show in collaboration with Kitty Florentine

Last week, on March 11 (2025), the Estonian Design House, a platform founded in 2010 that brings together Estonian designers, presented the creations of 15 Estonian designers in an engaging and unprecedented performance at “The Canvas 3.0” gallery located in the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York. This unique event showcased the latest collections of Estonian designers worn by genuine New Yorkers. Fashion photographer Mauricio Zelaya, based in New York, participated in the show, capturing the entire event as part of a cohesive concept. The performance featured music by Kitty Florentine, a fresh voice in the Estonian alternative music scene. The show was directed by Reet Aus and Eva-Karlotta Tatar.

The creative performance of Estonia’s sustainable fashion design highlighted beloved brands such as Oksana Tandit, Reet Aus, Xenia Joost, Kirill Safonov, Luxe Hapsal, Sandra Luks, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Helena Tikunova, Alpaka, Franz Raver, No(N)s, Nordhale, Tie & Apron, Tuub, and Sokisahtel.

“In New York, signs of fatigue from mass production are clearly visible, and people are discovering the principles of circular design for themselves, with sustainability capturing their interest. Europe and Estonia are certainly at the forefront in this area, and Estonian designers offer an exciting and, according to Americans, high-quality alternative to mass production,” noted Reet Aus, a senior researcher and designer at the Estonian Academy of Arts.

The event was part of the Estonian Association of Designers and the U.S. platform The Canvas project “design diplomacy,” which follows the sustainable design exhibition “Upmade in Estonia” held in SoHo, New York, in May 2024. The exhibition aimed to introduce Americans to various possibilities for material recycling and the use of biomaterials in design and architecture. This exhibition will also reach Singapore’s Design Week in September this year and later France.

“Estonian designers have gained attention in America for their innovative and environmentally friendly mindset. Through ongoing projects, our designers can learn international business diplomacy, share their experiences, and promote Estonia and our culture worldwide,” commented Ilona Gurjanova, one of the initiators of the project and chairwoman of the Estonian Association of Designers.