Ildar Wafin is an up-and-coming Finnish designer and a graduate of the London Royal College of Art. He has interned at Louis Vuitton and achieved international success for his fashion designs. He is also known for his jewelry collaboration with Finnish brand Kalevala called "Mannyt," where he drew inspiration from the rugged beauty of Finnish pine trees. Ildar Wafin was selected as the winner of the Finnish Fashion Awards in the New Talent category in 2024.

Finnish design has a long history and is know for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It's trademark designs emerged in the early 20th century, and gained international attention through pioneers like Alvar Aalto in architecture and furniture, as well as companies such as Iittala, Artek, and Marimekko. Their work emphasized clean lines, natural materials, and a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality. Everything must have a purpose. Iconic products like the Aalto vase, Artek’s Stool 60, and Marimekko’s bold textile patterns established Finland as a leader in modernist design. Over the next century, Finnish design became synonymous with high quality, technical skill, and timeless aesthetics—qualities that have earned it global recognition, particularly during the postwar years when Nordic design was celebrated worldwide, and still is. Today, Finnish products continue to enjoy international respect, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their reputation of reliability, thoughtful construction, and cultural authenticity.