The fashion industry is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. More and more creators are turning their backs on fast fashion in favor of slow, intentional work that values quality, individuality, and sustainability. The rise of upcycled fashion has shown that beauty does not have to come at the cost of the planet. Pieces with a story and purpose are not just garments but statements about how we live and what we value.
In the heart of this movement is Art By Mummi, a brand that weaves together creativity, resourcefulness, and personal meaning. Founded by Finnish designer Katri Hiltunen in the summer of 2024, the label is built on a love for art, a deep connection to family, and an unwavering belief that clothing can be both joyful and responsible.
A Name Born from the Heart
When Katri became a grandmother to twin girls five years ago, her life shifted in profound ways. In Finland, there are many affectionate names for grandmothers, and “mummi” became hers. The word carried warmth, love, and identity, and when she finally decided to start her long-dreamed-of business, she knew it had to be part of the name. Art By Mummi became a reflection of two things closest to her heart: her art and her family.
For Katri, this was more than starting a fashion label. It was a personal milestone, a merging of passion and purpose. Having studied and graduated as an artisan seamstress, she brings craftsmanship and technical mastery into every creation. She describes pouring her heart and soul into her work, treating each design as a piece of herself. By embedding her role as a grandmother into her brand identity, she honors the values of care, tradition, and storytelling that inspire her work.
Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
Katri’s creative approach began decades ago when she graduated from a craft and art school as a seamstress in the early 1990s during a period of economic depression in Finland. Fabrics were scarce, and she learned to work with what was available, often repurposing materials that others had discarded. This experience shaped her belief that beauty could be found in the overlooked and that skill and imagination could turn “trash” into something worth treasuring.
Before launching Art By Mummi, Katri spent 18 years working in the technology sector with Nokia and another 15 years as a nurse. These experiences deepened her appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and human connection.
Today, she sources her materials from Oulu’s city-run recycling center Likke, second-hand shops, and generous individuals who pass along fabrics they no longer need. Many of her designs are made from old curtains, tablecloths, and other textiles that would otherwise be thrown away. The result is clothing that is vibrant, unique, and filled with life, each piece carrying a story of transformation.
Designs with Purpose and Ambition
Art By Mummi’s creations range from colorful dresses — Katri’s personal favorite — to headbands, bags, and overalls. Her work reflects a philosophy that fashion should be empowering, joyful, and sustainable. She believes that colors have the power to lift the spirit and share joy with those around you, and this belief is evident in her bold and lively designs.
Looking ahead, Katri dreams of taking her work to a global audience while staying true to her values. She hopes to educate people on the benefits of natural fibers, the possibilities of upcycling, and the importance of reducing waste in the textile industry. Plans for hosting courses where people can learn to make their own garments are already in motion. For Katri, Art By Mummi is more than a business. It is a mission to change the way we see and use fashion, one thoughtful piece at a time.
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