A favourite of former prime minister Sanna Marin, Helsinki-based accessories brand has undergone a facelift with a little help from Finland's best fashion talent. Here’s everything you need to to know
What started in 2013 as a small company crafting custom-made, sustainable pieces has, over the years, grown into a fully-fledged brand producing its very own collections. Now, helmed by owners Roosa Mattson and Sofia Salmi, Pihka is ready to take the next step in a new direction. Teaming up with Finnish fashion designer Samu-Jussi Koski, Pihka has carried out a full rebranding.
“Our goal is to grow and find new market areas also outside the borders of Finland. We felt that for our goal, we need to take our brand to the next level,” Mattson says of the updates. “Our values and the core of our company are still the same, but our thinking has evolved. Now we dare to think big,” Salmi adds. “We want to do better responsibility work, take up more space in the fashion field and new market areas, and still do everything with a good and friendly attitude.”
Collaborating with Samu-Jussi Koski and his business partner and graphic designer Kitty Salovaara, Salmi and Mattson set out to revamp Pihka with international appeal in mind. Koski – who has a longstanding experience in the fashion industry with previous posts, including the head designer for Finnish cult design house Marimekko and his own brand, Samuji – has been an invaluable asset in the rejuvenation process. “Our brand visuals and message are now clearer than before,” Salmi explains. “When working on the new Pihka brand, we took into account the international perspective at every step, whether it was about the logo, images or the names of our products.”
Today, Pihka’s selection includes everything from smaller crossbody bags to roomy totes and backpacks. Hand-crafted from sustainably sourced buttery leather, the pieces arrive in a broad colourway comprising a classic black option as well as tangerine orange, cornflower blue and bubblegum pink for those looking to add a pop of colour to their looks.
The pieces’ elegant and minimalist design brings refinement to everyday staples – from Pihka’s collection, you’re bound to find a bag suitable for any occasion. Just ask Finland’s former Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who is often spotted carrying her black Lider -backpack to the various events she attends.