Designer

Ildar Wafin

Young Finnish jewelry designer Ildar Wafin is inspired by nature.

Ildar Wafin, a graduate of the London Royal College of Art, has interned at Louis Vuitton and achieved international success, including recognition at the Hyères Festival fashion competition. Ildar Wafin was selected as the winner of the Finnish Fashion Awards in the New Talent category on May 31, 2024. Wafin received the award for his exceptional talent and craftsmanship as well as for weaving his Tatar background into the stories of his stunning jewelry.

"The pine trees encapsulate nature’s vigor and mystique in their intriguing forms and patterns" – Ildar Wafin.

The new collection by jewelry designer Ildar Wafin draws inspiration from old pine trees that grow in the archipelago, their resilience, and rugged beauty. The Männyt jewelry series combines the mystique of Finnish nature with modern, innovative design. The same rawness found in the archipelago pines is reflected in the Männyt collection.

The sculptural design of the jewelry echoes the way pines grow. As the direction of light and the angle of view change, the jewelry takes on a new shape. Wafin has observed how trees and their branches intertwine: "Just like a piece of jewelry that merges with the skin and body — becoming a part of the person. The Männyt collection is meant for everyone, regardless of gender," Wafin explains.