ONAR is a Helsinki-based fashion label introducing a contemporary and minimal take on Nordic craftsmanship.

ONAR, which means “dream” in ancient Greek, is the brainchild of designer Irene Kostas. It sprang to life out of love for quality materials, craftsmanship and wear-forever design. Kostas, a second-generation designer, learned about the craft from her father who works on made-to-measure tailoring.

Kostas is inspired by contrasts and the fusions of unlikely matches. She draws her inspiration from abstract art. In her design, Scandinavian graphic shapes and minimalism meets Middle-Eastern mysticism and the simple, loose silhouettes borrowed from the monastics. Kostas is also influenced by music. The soundtrack of her studio ranges from obscure italo disco to experimental electronic soundscapes.

For Kostas, sustainability is a strong value. The ONAR collections utilize already existing materials. Nothing is farmed. The materials are hand-picked from a variety of Finnish wild game pelts, recycled vintage fur and Italian lamb skins that are byproducts of sheep farming.

The clothes and accessories are handmade by artisans in areas that are specialized for centuries in the traditional craft of leatherwork.

enquiries: onar@onarstudios.com