01.04.2025
In March, Saga Furs Creative Hub organized a workshop for a motivated group, further strengthening its partnership with fashion and design-focused educational institutions. Collaboration with Paris College of Art and the Fashion and Design School of Copenhagen has been ongoing for a couple of years. In addition to representatives from these organizations, two Italian designers – introduced through previous academic contacts – also explored the diversity and sustainability of fur.
Once again, it happened: even at the entrance of the Creative Hub, you could sense the participants’ complete focus on the material and its possibilities.
“It’s wonderful to see how happy the students are when they get to engage in hands-on work and learn new things. We feel truly welcome, and everything is well-organized,” said Claire Jochum, a professor at Paris College of Art and a textile designer.
Her own relationship with fur revolves around garments made decades ago, recycling, and remodelling them. Sustainability aspects of the material are key.
“Any material can be problematic in principle. It all depends on how it is produced. I find the diversity of different fur types fascinating – when combined with creativity, the possibilities are endless.”
In addition to sustainability, Claire emphasizes the importance of physically experiencing fur.
“You have to touch the material to appreciate its finesse. That’s why I believe online shopping doesn’t serve fur well.”
A new perspective on professional diversity
Charlotte Biancardi is a great example of the group’s international and multidisciplinary background. Originally from California, she is studying fashion photography at Paris College of Art and is about to graduate.
“My field is a combination of fashion, music, and clothing design, with a focus on recycled and second-hand materials. I want to push the boundaries of traditional photography and create new, emotional experiences,” she describes.
Charlotte was eager to see how those who have worked with fur for a long time modify it. She sees fur as a highly challenging material, yet one with countless possibilities for combination and reinvention – all stemming from its longevity.
After graduation, Charlotte wants to stay in Europe. Following the workshop, she was heading to visit her relatives near Oulu – for the first time.
Meeting the demand for sustainability knowledge
Saga Furs Creative Hub’s skilled furriers organize workshops and seminars while also serving as an innovation center for the fur industry. Students and fashion professionals get the opportunity to deepen their skills and learn new, innovative techniques.
Raising awareness about sustainability is always an integral part of the program. This ensures that teachers can answer their students’ questions, and students can spread the message within their own networks. Participants learn about fur farming, animal welfare, and what certifications signify.
Saga Furs’ Sustainability Manager, Marika Peuhkuri-Grön, provided insights into fur’s connection to sustainable development across the entire value chain. The group also appreciated the opportunity to meet Saga Furs’ Chairman of the Board, Jari Isosaari, which allowed them to ask industry-related questions directly to a fur producer.
Thank you for your visit, Claire, Amina, and Charlotte (Paris College of Art); Vilde and Alfredo (Fashion and Design School of Copenhagen); as well as Domenico and Teresa.