KARHU is looking to the landscape surrounding its home country for its latest collaboration, teaming up with Boreal, the newly Michelin-starred Helsinki restaurant, to introduce three new colourways of the Mestari 76.
Bringing together two brands working in very different creative fields, the collaboration is united by a shared appreciationfor Finnish nature, craftsmanship and the changing seasons. KARHU and Boreal decided to keep the concept grounded in the natural world, using earhy tones and understated details to reflect the landscapes that continue to influence both brands.
The partnership feels like a natural meeting point. KARHU has long carried Finland’s relationship with nature into its footwear, taking inspiration from the country’s forests, changing weather and outdoor culture, while Boreal approaches the same environment through food and hospitality. Both are concerned with the things that surround an experience, whether that means the materials and constructionof a sneaker or the ingredients, techniques, flavours and presentation of a dish.
The Mestari 76 Gets an Earthy Rework
At the heart of the collaboration of the Mestari 76, one of KARHU’s most recognisable vintage-inspired silhouettes.
First introduced in 1976, the model sits within KARHU’s archive of performance footwear while continuing to work naturally within the brand’s contemporary lifestyle offering. For the Boreal collaboration, its familiar shape becomes a canvas for three new earthy colourways.
The palette reflects the quieter side of Finnish nature, moving away from overly bright seasonal treatment in favour of tones that feel of tones that feel connected to the soil, stone, vegetation and the changing landscape.
This approach allows the construction of the Mestari 76 to remain visible. The colour choices even reinforce its archival character while also giving the shoe a fresh identity perfect for the current season.
Where Food Meets Footwear
Boreal’s involvement adds another dimension to the collaboration. Based in Helsinki, the restaurant has built its identity around a contemporary interpretation of Nordic and Finnish ingredients, placing a strong emphasis on seasonality and the landscape.
Both brands look towards their surroundings for inspiration, but translate that inspiration through completely different mediums. Boreal works with ingredients and flavour, while KARHU works with materials and colours. The collaboration united those perspectives without attempting to force one into the language of the other.
Colourways
The release includes three colourways:
KARHU Mestari 76 Jet Black / Blanc De Blanc
KARHU Mestari 76 Marron / Cloud Cream
KARHU Mestari 76 Gravel / Chocolate Torte
Available Now
The KARHU x Boreal Mestari 76 collaboration is available now through KARHU’s online store, at KARHU concept stores in Helsinki, Tokyo, Turin and Cuneo, as well as selected retailers worldwide.
KARHU x Boreal Reimagine the Mestari 76 Through Finnish Nature
