Meet the Designer: Samuji
Samu-Jussi Koski
WHERE DO YOU GATHER INSPIRATION?
That's a tricky question. My inspiration comes from so many different sources. Sometimes an old movie can inspire a collection, other times I find inspiration and ideas from the nature. Maybe, my oldest and still ongoing inspiration is the Finnish nature. I was born in a small town in the middle of forests and lakes, and nowadays I live outside Helsinki, also surrounded by forests, and the sea. The changing seasons of the nature just keep inspiring me.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY UNIFORM?
My own wardrobe is very boring - compared to the collections we design at Samuji :) I usually wear the exact same things: jeans and a sweater, or jeans and a college shirt. My friends say my own style resembles an old Italian grandpa. I take it as a compliment.
WHAT IS YOUR MORNING RITUAL?
I'm trying to teach myself to eat breakfast! If I have time, I love to make porridge in the morning.
DESCRIBE THE AESTHETIC OF YOUR HOME.
I live in a small, old wooden croft, surrounded by forests and fields. All my neighbours have tractors. I guess the overall style of the house is quite old-fashioned, but I try to keep it interesting with some modern art.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE?
Another tricky question! I'm not sure I succeed in that at all. I try to get enough rest, and take time to heat my traditional smoke sauna every now and then (the heating process takes approximately six hours—a perfect Saturday recreation). For Finns, sauna is close to meditation.
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL TO AND WHY?
Every summer I travel to the same small island in Greece. I love the Greek hospitality, all the colours, scents, and nature there. And the food, obviously.
SHOP SAMUJI
About Samuji
Samuji is a design and consulting brand based in Helsinki founded by Samu-Jossi Koski. Before establishing the brand, Kossi went to Lahti University of Applied Sciences in Finland where he got his Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design. Then went on to get a Master's Degree in Fashion Design from the Polimoda Fashion School in Florence, Italy. Afterwards, he began working at Marrimekko, the Finnish textile house, as Assistant Designer in 2003. Eventually getting promoted to Creative Director in 2008. In 2009 he left Marrimeko to develop his own label.
Samuji launched it's first womenswear line in 2011. Kossi's mission for the brand was to promote sustainable, high quality pieces with timeless character. Today the brand releases 4 womenswear lines a year, along with a menswear line, launched in 2013, and a home goods line launched in 2014.