Sculpting Legacy – Kalevala Flagship

Helsinki – FinlandRetail

Kalevala, a renowned Finnish jewelry brand with over 80 years of history, is deeply rooted in values of design, nature, craftsmanship, and heritage. These guiding principles have not only inspired generations but have also cultivated a devoted customer base. When Yatofu was invited to take on the interior design of Kalevala’s new flagship store in the heart of Helsinki, it became clear that the primary design challenge was to translate these timeless values through a modern, contemporary lens.

At the heart of the interior concept, Kalevala’s jewelry is seen as sculptural pieces of art, inspiring the creation of a gallery-like retail space that reflects the brand’s aesthetics and the thoughtful craftsmanship behind each piece.

Yatofu developed a unique system for displaying and securing the jewelry without the need for traditional glass enclosures, allowing customers to touch and feel the products while maintaining security.
Every design choice reflects Kalevala's core values, creating a space that whispers the brand’s heritage and story to all who enter.

The store’s façade is framed by a pair of two-story glass windows, offering a clear view of the inviting interior from the street. Inside, the space is open and welcoming, characterized by sculptural forms and a striking contrast of materials

A semi-private VIP area is located on the mezzanine, offering a secluded environment for private shopping or styling services for events and special occasions.

In balancing contemporary design with the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship, Yatofu employed a material and color palette that highlights the metallic nature of the jewelry while contrasting it with warm woods and a vibrant sky-blue hue. The sculptural elements in the space create dynamic perspectives, inviting visitors to explore the store through multiple angles.

Given Kalevala’s frequent collaborations with designers and artists, it was a natural extension to also design the space as a gallery for rotating exhibitions. This approach allows the brand to share and promote the work of other artists and craftspeople, in keeping with their ethos of creative collaboration. The most recent installation showcases the work of artist Milla Vaahtera, with her brass and colored glass mobiles and stabiles adding a captivating dimension to the space.

Kalevala’s new flagship store exemplifies the essence of experiential retail. The contemporary and artful environment invites visitors to engage deeply with both the brand and its products, enhancing their overall experience while celebrating Kalevala’s enduring legacy of craftsmanship and design.

Spatial Photography: Aleksi Tikkala, David Jakob
Photography Styling : Piia Emilia
Film: Mark Vicuña
Retail Concept, Strategy and Service Path: Kokokuva

Exhibited Artworks:
Glass & Brass Hanging Mobiles and Stabiles – Milla Vaahtera
Brass Sculptural Lamp – St’okla by Aleksi Remsu
Floor-Standing Wooden Totem – What Would I Do Without by Eemeli Sahimaa
Table-top Wooden Sculptures – Piccolo Series by Heli Juuti
Painting – Obstacles 1 by Linda Linko
Storefront Metal Sculpture - Alluring Earrings - Juslin-Maunula
There are more trees thank people - Juho Huttunen