Oceanista

New talents meet some of the world’s foremost fashion designers.

From knitted and functional sailor sweaters to spectacular creations by international superstars. In this touring exhibition, we trace nautical influences in the fashion world, where world-renowned fashion houses merge with maritime craftsmanship and seafaring history.

The exhibition, recently shown at the Finnish Maritime Museum in Kotka, allows us to experience some of the greatest fashion designers’ creations up close and to explore an exciting part of our maritime cultural history. At the Maritime Museum Aquarium exhibition, exclusive additions include works by a couple of local designers and Swedish garments.

Oceanista is a tribute to the sea, seafaring, and the craftsmanship behind it.

The exhibition showcases designers who have drawn inspiration from the sea in a broader sense, influenced by corals, fish, and water. For example, the innovative designer Iris van Herpen, who combines traditional tailoring methods with science and new technology, such as 3D printing. The exhibition also features milliner Philip Treacy, who has designed hats for both Queen Elizabeth and Lady Gaga.

The hat Silver Ghost Ship, from Philip Treacy Studio, is a work of art in itself and references France in the 1770s, when Marie Antoinette, among others, wore extravagant hairstyles with ships to honour the French navy’s war efforts against the British. Photo: ©Nick Harvey

Harald Forsberg fishing with a rod in 1939. Photo: Maritime Museum and Aquarium

The exhibition has been produced by the M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør and is touring internationally in collaboration with Expona, Museum Exhibition Network in Italy.