VirQ and Women's Bank
VirQ Fashion Show Supported Women's Work
On Sunday, March 15th, something special was experienced in Imatra: the collection of local VirQ by Virkkukoukkunen shone in a fashion show at the "Celebrate Woman to a Profession" charity event, organized by Naisten Pankki Imatra (Women's Bank Imatra). The event combined beauty and meaning in a wonderful way - timeless VirQ outfits were presented while raising funds for over 70 women to receive professional training in the global South.
Women's Bank's Important Work
Women's Bank is a Finnish invention founded in 2007 that supports women's work and entrepreneurship in developing countries. The organization's origin story is heartwarming: it began with a call from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first female president, to carry forward "a message of hope."
"A woman's work is never just work," Women's Bank states on their website. "It brings security, hope, and decision-making power to the woman herself, but also to her family and the entire community."
In Professional Hands
On the left, the model is wearing the lovely Blumma pattern. On the right, Tiina Kärkäs-Sund
The fashion show was hosted by VirQ's founder and designer Tiina Kärkäs-Sund. The fashion show was organized by Tiina together with our pattern master Mirka Alho, who has solid expertise in organizing fashion shows.
The fashion show was carefully planned by the dedicated volunteers of Women's Bank Imatra. On Saturday, a rehearsal show was held so that everything would go perfectly on Sunday.
Individual Style for Everyone
Mirka Alho (left) organized the fashion show
The volunteers participating in the fashion show visited the VirQ boutique beforehand to try on clothes. Our pattern master Mirka selected suitable clothes and accessories for each model - both in terms of style and colors. Everyone had three charming outfit combinations to present.
Many wouldn't have necessarily chosen these clothes for themselves and discovered completely new favorite colors. So it's worth giving colors a chance and being brave enough to play with colors!
VirQ Collection's Glory
Atmosphere before the fashion show began. In the picture Mirka (left) with her models
Sunday was the big moment! The audience got to enjoy a wonderful presentation of the VirQ collection, featuring no less than 45 outfit combinations with scarves, bags, and jewelry.
In the fashion show VirQ's colorful and joyful patterns brought joy to the March day. The collection's versatility came into its own, and the audience could admire beautiful ensembles.
Models in Toivehulmu
Pattern magic: the show featured admiration for patterns drawn by VirQ's Tiina Kärkäs-Sund, which make each garment a unique work of art.
Stylish classics: included were beautiful black and white Kulttuuri Ponchos and Simpsakka dresses, representing VirQ's timeless elegance.
Versatile styles: pinafore dresses and Hiipula jackets were presented, as well as hoodies for a more relaxed style.
Celebration of colors: Gorgeous blue dresses and beautiful pink prints
The collection's solid-colored dresses were accessorized with jewelry and scarves, showing how VirQ clothes give space for personal style and creativity.
Promise of spring: upcoming new releases were also featured
Formal wear: festive cotton poplin and linen dresses showed how VirQ suits both everyday and celebrations.
Surprises and Insights
Many interesting comments and conversations were heard at the fashion show:
"Clothes really come alive when worn!" The models made observations about how differently clothes look when they're on compared to when they're displayed on hangers. When on hangers, clothes lack dimensionality, but on a person they get their proper shape and come to life.
It was noted that it's always worth trying on a garment if it sparks interest and pleases the eye, as you see it completely differently when it's on.
This is exactly what we've aimed for in our online store too: we have many models of different ages and sizes in our photos so that as many people as possible can relate and truly see the garment. The VirQ collection is created to bring joy to everyone - we haven't pre-selected our customers. If the style appeals to you, welcome to join us! We encourage everyone to keep an open mind about colors!
Beautiful blue dresses on lovely models!
Authentic Finnish Design and Craftsmanship
The conversation sparked discussion about how our designer Tiina Kärkäs-Sund truly draws all the patterns herself! Admiration and respect were also aroused by understanding how comprehensive VirQ's operations are - from pattern design to garment design, from collection assembly to sales and online store. Practically everything happens here in Imatra, and we have only outsourced the sewing work.
This means an enormous amount of work behind the scenes, but also that every detail is under our control. We are proud that VirQ by Virkkukoukkunen truly represents Finnish craftsmanship and design at its purest.
Plans and fullfileld dreams
For a Good Cause
The fashion show was much more than just presenting clothes. VirQ and the volunteers of Women's Bank Imatra organized a wonderful event and succeeded in raising funds through ticket sales for over 70 professions in the Global South.
"It was wonderful to be part of providing visual joy to those present and to participate with our work in doing good," VirQ thanks in their Facebook post.
During spring, items coming to sale include this lovely green Jazz dress
Community and Hope
Thank you to the Women's Bank models - you are amazing women!
The event was a perfect example of how fashion can be a force for good. When VirQ's colorful patterns met Women's Bank's mission, something beautiful emerged - hope, support, and community.
Thanks to the women of Women's Bank Imatra for the idea and wonderful commitment to presenting the VirQ collection. Thanks also to the wonderful audience for their interest!
This is how fashion and meaningfulness came together in Imatra - VirQ's clothes carried a message of hope and women's empowerment around the world ❤️
EXPLORE THE VirQ COLLECTION HERE
Check out the fashion show compilation below!
