Join us for the Canadian premiere of UPMADE IN.EE, an exhibition introducing a new wave of Nordic-inspired circular fashion and design to Toronto.
The opening reception takes place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Studio LL-108, 401 Richmond Street West.
As a featured highlight of KESKfEST, the festival celebrating the culture and spirit of the global Estonian community, the exhibition marks the 35th anniversary of Estonia’s restored independence.
Opening Reception
Thursday, August 20, 2026 Studio LL-108, 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Remarks and designer introductions begin at 6:00 PM, followed by a presentation of selected pieces from the exhibition.
Guests are invited to enjoy wine and Estonian snacks while meeting the designers and creative professionals behind the collection.
About the Exhibition
Running from August 15–23, 2026, UPMADE IN. EE explores how Estonian designers combine cultural heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary circular innovation.
The exhibition is intended for buyers, media representatives, design professionals and everyone interested in the future of responsible fashion and product design.
Presented as part of KESKfEST, the showcase offers an intimate look at how designers are rethinking materials, production methods and the lifespan of everyday objects.
Curators
The exhibition is curated by:
– Ilona Gurjanova, MA
Past President of the Estonian Association of Designers, organiser of Tallinn Design Festival / DISAINIÖÖ and founder of Estonian Design House.
– Reet Aus, PhD
President of the Estonian Association of Designers and internationally recognised sustainable fashion designer.
Together with Tallinn Design Festival / DISAINIÖÖ and KESKUS International Estonian Centre, they present five key approaches to circular design.
Five Pillars of Circular Design
Upcycling
Textile leftovers, leather remnants and industrial offcuts are transformed into meaningful new objects. The works demonstrate how thoughtful design can give discarded materials a valuable second life.
Tradition and Craftsmanship
Centuries-old techniques are combined with contemporary aesthetics to create timeless, carefully crafted pieces shaped by knowledge passed down through generations.
Recycling and Regeneration
Products are designed with longevity, modularity and reuse in mind. Easy disassembly and responsible material choices support a more resilient circular ecosystem.
Digital Innovation and 3D Printing
Digital precision is combined with creative freedom to produce complex and customised objects while reducing unnecessary material waste.
Biomaterials
Designers experiment with bioplastics, natural fibres and sustainable composites that challenge traditional material use and contribute to closing the waste loop.
Registration Information
Please note that the main registration link is exclusively for the UPMADE IN. EE Evening Reception on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Other KESKfEST events, including the Denim Reborn workshops and the Circular Design Luncheon, require separate registration through their dedicated event links.
Workshops and Exclusive Events
Denim Reborn: Hands-On Upcycling Workshop
Experience circular design in practice with sustainable fashion designers Reet Aus and Eva-Karlotta Tatar.
During this hands-on workshop, participants will transform an old pair of jeans into a unique tote bag with a leather handle. The workshop also explores local reuse, responsible production and the issue of textile waste in the fashion industry.
The workshops take place on:
Friday, August 21, 2026 Saturday, August 22, 2026
Choose your preferred date and register in advance to secure your place.
Registration: Denim Reborn Upcycling Workshop
Fashion Forward: Circular Design Luncheon and Industry Dialogue
Join us on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 12:30 PM for an exclusive luncheon and industry discussion in the KESKfEST outdoor tent at KESKUS.
Location:
KESKUS International Estonian Centre
8 Madison Avenue, Toronto
The event brings together designers, industry professionals and guests interested in the future of circular fashion.
Live Fashion Showcase and Photoshoot
Go behind the scenes of a live fashion photoshoot featuring the UPMADE IN. EE collection.
The session offers a rare look at the creative process behind sustainable fashion imagery and presentation.
Industry Insight and Dialogue
Designer Reet Aus leads a conversation about the current state of the fashion industry and the tension between fast fashion and truly circular design.
The discussion explores how Estonian designers are shifting the focus from what is simply new to what is durable, meaningful and made to last.
By combining heritage techniques with contemporary innovation, they demonstrate that quality, creativity and environmental responsibility do not have to be competing values.
UPMADE IN.EE: TORONTO SHOWCASE – SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FROM ESTONIA
UPMADE IN.EE — Canadian Premiere in Toronto
Join us for the Canadian premiere of UPMADE IN.EE, an exhibition introducing a new wave of Nordic-inspired circular fashion and design to Toronto.
The opening reception takes place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Studio LL-108, 401 Richmond Street West.
As a featured highlight of KESKfEST, the festival celebrating the culture and spirit of the global Estonian community, the exhibition marks the 35th anniversary of Estonia’s restored independence.
Opening Reception
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Studio LL-108, 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Remarks and designer introductions begin at 6:00 PM, followed by a presentation of selected pieces from the exhibition.
Guests are invited to enjoy wine and Estonian snacks while meeting the designers and creative professionals behind the collection.
About the Exhibition
Running from August 15–23, 2026, UPMADE IN. EE explores how Estonian designers combine cultural heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary circular innovation.
The exhibition is intended for buyers, media representatives, design professionals and everyone interested in the future of responsible fashion and product design.
Presented as part of KESKfEST, the showcase offers an intimate look at how designers are rethinking materials, production methods and the lifespan of everyday objects.
Curators
The exhibition is curated by:
– Ilona Gurjanova, MA
Past President of the Estonian Association of Designers, organiser of Tallinn Design Festival / DISAINIÖÖ and founder of Estonian Design House.
– Reet Aus, PhD
President of the Estonian Association of Designers and internationally recognised sustainable fashion designer.
Together with Tallinn Design Festival / DISAINIÖÖ and KESKUS International Estonian Centre, they present five key approaches to circular design.
Five Pillars of Circular Design
Upcycling
Textile leftovers, leather remnants and industrial offcuts are transformed into meaningful new objects. The works demonstrate how thoughtful design can give discarded materials a valuable second life.
Tradition and Craftsmanship
Centuries-old techniques are combined with contemporary aesthetics to create timeless, carefully crafted pieces shaped by knowledge passed down through generations.
Recycling and Regeneration
Products are designed with longevity, modularity and reuse in mind. Easy disassembly and responsible material choices support a more resilient circular ecosystem.
Digital Innovation and 3D Printing
Digital precision is combined with creative freedom to produce complex and customised objects while reducing unnecessary material waste.
Biomaterials
Designers experiment with bioplastics, natural fibres and sustainable composites that challenge traditional material use and contribute to closing the waste loop.
Registration Information
Please note that the main registration link is exclusively for the UPMADE IN. EE Evening Reception on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Other KESKfEST events, including the Denim Reborn workshops and the Circular Design Luncheon, require separate registration through their dedicated event links.
Workshops and Exclusive Events
Denim Reborn: Hands-On Upcycling Workshop
Experience circular design in practice with sustainable fashion designers Reet Aus and Eva-Karlotta Tatar.
During this hands-on workshop, participants will transform an old pair of jeans into a unique tote bag with a leather handle. The workshop also explores local reuse, responsible production and the issue of textile waste in the fashion industry.
The workshops take place on:
Friday, August 21, 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Choose your preferred date and register in advance to secure your place.
Registration: Denim Reborn Upcycling Workshop
Fashion Forward: Circular Design Luncheon and Industry Dialogue
Join us on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 12:30 PM for an exclusive luncheon and industry discussion in the KESKfEST outdoor tent at KESKUS.
Location:
KESKUS International Estonian Centre
8 Madison Avenue, Toronto
The event brings together designers, industry professionals and guests interested in the future of circular fashion.
Live Fashion Showcase and Photoshoot
Go behind the scenes of a live fashion photoshoot featuring the UPMADE IN. EE collection.
The session offers a rare look at the creative process behind sustainable fashion imagery and presentation.
Industry Insight and Dialogue
Designer Reet Aus leads a conversation about the current state of the fashion industry and the tension between fast fashion and truly circular design.
The discussion explores how Estonian designers are shifting the focus from what is simply new to what is durable, meaningful and made to last.
By combining heritage techniques with contemporary innovation, they demonstrate that quality, creativity and environmental responsibility do not have to be competing values.