Fashion career on the rise, home is in Seinäjoki
No, not to Helsinki. That’s what fashion designer Oliver Ahlmark thinks, whose nearly entire clientele is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area. He takes many train trips to Helsinki, sometimes even a couple of times a week, but the fashion professional is not packing up to move.
– More and more I notice how my working life pulls me towards Helsinki. Everything is there — the clients and the fashion industry networks. However, I don’t want to move; Seinäjoki is good.
Oliver Ahlmark is only 20 years old, yet he has already had his own label, Christian Chirayun, present a collection at Helsinki Fashion Week. Specializing in formal wear, Oliver graduated from the vocational school SEDU as a bespoke tailor. In addition to his education, persistent work, a strong social media presence and networking have brought him opportunities to show his work and a name in fashion circles.
– I don’t remember exactly where my interest in fashion started. Maybe from my competitive dance background. When I danced as a youth, I admired the celebratory, flowing fabrics of ball gowns. Oliver was born in Thailand and was adopted as a baby by a family from Seinäjoki. Oliver feels that home is here.
– The more I go south, the more clearly I see Seinäjoki’s good sides. Here I appreciate most the down-to-earth attitude. In the capital region people somehow try too hard, at least I see that among young people.
Usually Oliver designs and sews garments in his own apartment. The work is intensive; several evening gowns can be in progress at the same time.
– Piles of fabric take over my home, and sometimes I get so absorbed in my work that I forget to take meal breaks. That’s how it is.
Aiming for future shows at Nordic and other European fashion weeks, Oliver next turns his gaze to Koulukatu in Seinäjoki. The Framilla FW/26 show, produced with partners, will combine Seinäjoki rap and a fashion show into a spectacle not seen before.