Samuji
Samuji is a Finnish fashion and design label founded in Helsinki in 2009 by designer Samu-Jussi Koski. It makes minimalist womenswear and menswear in natural fibres, along with accessories and shoes.
| Founded | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Samu-Jussi Koski |
| Headquarters | Helsinki, Finland |
| First collection | Spring 2011 |
| Menswear | Since autumn 2013 |
| Website | samuji.com |
What is Samuji?
Samuji is a Helsinki design label founded by Samu-Jussi Koski, whose name it takes. It is known for simple, well constructed clothing in natural fibres, with a colour palette drawn from the Finnish landscape.
History
Koski joined Marimekko in 2003, designed collections under his own name there from 2005 and became its creative director in 2008. He started his own company in 2009, and the first Samuji womenswear collection launched in spring 2011. The idea began as a complete women's wardrobe of ten pieces, which became the Classic Collection. A menswear line followed in autumn 2013.
Products and positioning
- Classic and seasonal collections for women
- Menswear
- Hats, scarves and shoes
- Wool, cotton, silk and linen garments produced in Europe
Textiles come mainly from the UK, Italy and Japan, and Koski cites Alvar Aalto as an influence. The company also works in design and consulting, and Koski has designed textiles for the Finnish weaver Lapuan Kankurit.
Distribution
Samuji operates its own stores in Helsinki, including Samuji Espa and Samuji Erottaja, alongside online sales.
Why it matters
Samuji is an independent Finnish label carrying forward a modernist Nordic design tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Samuji?
Samuji was founded in 2009 by Finnish designer Samu-Jussi Koski, formerly creative director of Marimekko.
Is Samuji a Japanese brand?
No. Samuji is a Finnish label based in Helsinki, named after its founder Samu-Jussi Koski.