KARHU by zomer Mestari Kesä

The collaboration between KARHU and Zomer is a study of duality — where tradition meets experiment, precision meets playfulness and two perspectives merge into one.

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The Mestari Kesä is based on the classic Mestari KARHU silhouette and is reinterpreted by zomer's expressive, bold design signature. The split color design embodies this balance — a visual representation of contrast and coexistence.

Through material, form and color, this partnership questions conventions, but at the same time remains deeply rooted in craftsmanship. It shows that great design is created precisely in this area of tension between opposites.

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This collaboration is a dialogue between past and present—where KARHU’s legacy of Finnish craftsmanship meets zomer’s instinct for pushing boundaries. The Mestari Kesä reimagines an archival classic, proving that heritage is never static but always in motion.

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KARHU x zomer Mestari Kesä — KARHU by zomer Mestari Kesä

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zomer’s approach to design is rooted in curiosity and experimentation, while KARHU’s DNA is built on performance and precision. Together, they create something unexpected—where movement shapes the design and the shoe becomes an extension of the body.

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This collaboration is more than just a project — it is the result of a natural creative exchange. It is based on trust, friendship, and the shared conviction that great design comes from spontaneity, instinct, and a willingness to look at things from a new perspective.

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For the campaign shoot of this collaboration, the focus was on the essentials: The connection between body, movement and shoes. The interaction of skin, form and material creates new, dynamic silhouettes — raw, fluid and yet precise.

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Photographer Dan Tobin Smith, known for his technical sophistication, has captured movement and stillness in a unique way. Professional dancers, dressed only in sneakers, shape their bodies into ephemeral, sculptural figures.

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The images capture these moments, full of reverberating energy — as frozen sequences of bodies in motion.

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The series of pictures shows mandala-like compositions in which organic elements form solid structures. The human form is blurred in the collective — only sneakers mark the beginning or end of the body.

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This visual presentation reflects the idea behind the collaboration: the interplay of form and function, in which the human body and its movement are both the basis and final form of expression of creativity.

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zomer is the brainchild of designer Danial Aitouganov and stylist Imruh Asha, a brand that experiments with sculptural shapes and rich textures. Born out of a need for self-expression, much like art, that is one of the brand’s main inspirations.

Like children who wanted a space to play and create freely, the essence of zomer lies in listening to the inner child and bringing humor while maintaining a sophisticated design approach.

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“zomer”, which means "summer" in Dutch, aims to bring warmth and energy, just like the season itself. Rooted in a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, zomer brings a fresh perspective to ready-to-wear, with each collection offering a masterclass in craftsmanship and artistic flair. With their third show set to light up the Paris Fashion Week, zomer is firmly planting itself as a rising force in the global fashion arena.

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For the official pre-launch of the Mestari Kesä, zomer & KARHU invite you to an exclusive pop-up event in Paris from March 7 to 9.

Location: 50 rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Opening party: March 7, 6.30 pm to 10 pm

The Mestari Kesä will initially be available exclusively in the Paris pop-up store during Paris Fashion Week. Further pop-ups in Milan, Tokyo and New York are already being planned and will follow shortly.

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