Vilma & Katriina,
Tärähtäneet ämmät
/ Nutty Tarts
“When we first got this idea from Mrs Elina Halttunen (the woman with only one breast and a passion for swimming) we were blown away! We fell in love with this project in a sec. The issues within ideal beauty have been one of the main topics in our art work for several years. Nothing is more interesting than digging deep into our cultures norms of what is considered beautiful and accepted and what is not. Our swimwear is the first Monokini 2.0 ever designed, and we wanted to play around with the concept of a beach and swimwear in the spirit of Helmut Newton.”
Elina Halttunen (PhD)
“The idea of Monokini 2.0 was born out of a need for clothing down as much as possible during a persistent heat wave. Having only one breast made finding fitting bikinis difficult, therefore I fashioned my own Monokini. Having done that, I thought that maybe there would be others out there like me, women who wanted swimwear that would not make them feel that they were missing a breast. Besides, being one-breasted creates great possibilities for cool swimwear design.”
Tyra Therman
“I got excited about Monokini 2.0 -project immediately, when The Nutty Tarts / Tärähtäneet ämmät introduced this idea to me. I felt really grateful that I was given the opportunity to participate this project. It gave me a chance to think about the different and interesting aspects about femininity, which plays a huge role in work as a underwear designer. Designing a swimsuit for Virve gave me new ideas about nudity and modesty.”
Tyra Therman designs finnish luxury underwear and accessories. The main focus on her design is the style and comfort. The style is build up of beautiful, simple cuts and extravagant details. The comfort comes from luxurious materials and practical solutions.
KAKSITVÅ
“KAKSITVÅ is part of Monokini 2.0 because we love hot ladies in swimming suits.”
Designer duo Marjo Kuusinen & Piia Keto run together KAKSITVÅ from Helsinki, Finland. KAKSITVÅ includes an accessory brand and a design office. The spirit of KAKSITVÅ comes from the nature of the designers, humor and love of adventures. Inspiration for the design comes from everything that happens around them.
Vilma Riitijoki
“I wanted to be a designer in this project because I am a swimmer who cannot swim and I do not wear a bra. When I started my fashion studies eight years ago I dreamed of designing a swimming suit. My Monokini 2.0 is hand made of fishing supplies. We are all swimming in the same water, we all have our missions and we all are perfect. There is someone waiting to catch us with their net, no matter if we have none, one, two or three breasts. I believe this project will open up a new perspective to humanity and inner beauty. Respect.”
“Fashion is the only form of art people can wear.” Vilma Riitijokis VILMAVA is quality, ecological values and lasting design.
Timo Rissanen
“When the invitation to participate came, I’d followed Monokini 2.0 on Facebook for a couple of months and was deeply moved by the models. The thought of getting in front of a camera in a swimsuit is scary for most of us. Here are women whose bodies defy the narrow ideals we’ve collectively set for them, and yet they are modeling swimwear with a twinkle in their eyes. Thank you for the privilege Nutty Tarts and Camilla.”
Dr Timo Rissanen is an Australian-trained Finnish fashion designer and academic. He is currently in the role of Assistant Professor of Fashion Design and Sustainability at Parsons The New School for Design in New York. His research centers on fashion, sustainability and pedagogy.
Sasu Kauppi
“I wanted to contribute to this project simply because of it’s value as an important cause.”
SASU KAUPPI is a Helsinki based fashion brand established in 2011 by its head designer Sasu Kauppi. During his MA studies at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London Kauppi gained interest in high end sportswear to which he decided to dedicate his label. Prior to his BA Fashion studies at University of Art and Design Helsinki, he studied sewing and pattern cutting to gain expertise in garment construction.
The SASU KAUPPI aesthetic could be described spontaneous with a raw immature twist. Unisex elements are apparent throughout the collections. All in all the brand’s aim is to create fashion with an attention to detail inspired by subcultures and phenomena.
Outi Pyy
“The one thing I don´t like about fashion is the distorted body image it gives to women. Fashion is supposed to represent who you are in a positive and comfortable way. These women are so beautiful, so brave and so strong. I wanted to make an outfit that would represent that in the photo. 80´s sequined tops make a scaled mermaid surface to the piece and the strong shoulders gives a more warrior-Lady-Gaga-type of attitude. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful project! It was an honor.”
Mert Otsamo
“When the artistic team of Monokini 2.0 told me about their project I was touched by the idea. Gourage and strenght were the two words that I had in my mind when thinking of these women. Those two words in my mind I designed my version of Monokini 2.0. I’m happy for the publicity and the positive feedback that this project have gained. Monokini 2.0 models deserve that all!”