Journal
Männyt
Design Ildar Wafin
Kalevala launches a new jewelry collection that blends the essence of Finnish nature and mystique with modern, innovative design. The Männyt (Finnish for “pines”) collection marks the first line led by Kalevala’s new Creative Director, Aino Ahlnäs.
Designed by young Finnish designer Ildar Wafin, the collection draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of ancient pine trees found in the Finnish archipelago. Wafin, a graduate of the London Royal College of Art, has interned at Louis Vuitton and achieved international success, including recognition at the Hyères Festival fashion competition.
Ildar Wafin was selected as the winner of the Finnish Fashion Awards in the New Talent category on May 31, 2024. Wafin received the award for his exceptional talent and craftsmanship and for weaving his Tatar background into the stories of his stunning jewelry.
"The pine trees' intriguing forms and patterns encapsulate nature's vigor and mystique." – Ildar Wafin
The collection is inspired by the rugged beauty of ancient pine trees found in the Finnish archipelago. “The pine trees encapsulate nature’s vigor and mystique in their intriguing forms and patterns. The swirling shape of the old pine trees is translated into the collection, creating sculptural jewelry pieces that reveal new forms when observed from different angles”, says Ildar Wafin.
"We aim to blur the line between traditional jewelry-making and modern design while creating wearable pieces that suit a wide range of people." – Aino Ahlnäs
“The modern yet timeless Männyt collection follows Kalevala’s strong design heritage, combining sculptural shapes with powerful storytelling. These jewelry pieces are like wearable sculptures meant to be worn every day", tells Aino Ahlnäs.
"We aim to blur the line between traditional jewelry-making and modern design while creating wearable pieces that suit a wide range of people”, adds Ahlnäs.
Männyt tells a story of Finnish nature, its strength and beauty, and the significance of traditional craftsmanship.
All Kalevala jewelry is handmade in Helsinki, Finland, combining traditional Finnish goldsmiths’ craftsmanship and modern technological innovations. In its long history, Kalevala has consistently challenged conventions of jewelry design. Kalevala is a pioneer in the circular jewelry business and has been investing in the circular economy for years, for example by using recycled materials and providing a jewelry maintenance service.
