FRENN x Lapuan Kankurit Limited Edition

Finnish textile companies join forces. Lapuan Kankurit and FRENN have created the KUURA merino wool scarf, combining Finnish design and weaving expertise with the power of collaboration. The scarf draws inspiration from the nature of nearby forests.

The Power of Collaboration

The Kuura scarf originated from the shared desire of two Finnish textile and clothing companies to collaborate and create something new. Lapuan Kankurit is a weaving mill in Ostrobothnia, owned by the Hjelt family, with roots dating back to 1917. FRENN is a Helsinki-based menswear brand founded by Antti Laitinen and Jarkko Kallio in 2013.

Decades of Experience

Jaana and Esko Hjelt of Lapuan Kankurit and Antti Laitinen and Jarkko Kallio of FRENN have known each other for a long time. Each of these four industry veterans has more than 30 years of experience in the Finnish textile and clothing industry.

Friends for many years

“We visited the wonderful Lapua factory with Antti in the summer of 2025. I had wanted to see the weaving mill and learn more about its operations for a long time. Jaana suggested a collaboration, and we were immediately enthusiastic about the idea. That was how it all began,” recalls Jarkko.
 
“Antti and Jarkko do excellent work in the clothing industry, so developing something together felt natural. Our goal was to combine Finnish design and weaving expertise to meet the needs of today's customers. The result is the soft and stylish KUURA merino wool scarf,” says Jaana proudly.

Finnish design and weaving

The Kuura scarf's pattern was designed by Leonardo Hidalgo, who drew inspiration from the natural world of nearby forests, with their varied materials and textures. The scarf's dimensions and colourways were designed by FRENN's head designer, Antti Laitinen. Its surface is divided into two contrasting colour areas that create an interesting interplay depending on how the scarf is worn and tied around the neck. Kuura is available in two colourways: Blue Rust and Grey Ochre.
 
Working to create a better everyday life
The scarves are woven at Lapuan Kankurit’s own mill in Lapua from 100% mulesing-free merino wool. The wool fibre comes from Australia and New Zealand. The wool yarns are spun and dyed within the EU in accordance with REACH regulations and meet the requirements of the OEKO-TEX® certification.

Eero Hjelt is a fifth-generation weaver, while Antti Laitinen is co-founder and head designer of FRENN

Lapuan Kankurit is a weaving mill in Lapua, Ostrobothnia, now run by the fifth generation of the Hjelt family. Its roots date back to 1917. Lapuan Kankurit weaves jacquard textiles from pure natural materials, including linen and wool. FRENN is a Helsinki-based menswear brand founded by Antti Laitinen and Jarkko Kallio in 2013. The brand makes life easier for working men with stylish, comfortable and versatile clothing. Both companies operate responsibly, working to create a better everyday life.

Shop Kuura scarf -> frennhelsinki.com/en/collections/accessories

The Kuura scarf measures 35 × 200 cm and costs €69.90. It is available from Lapuan Kankurit and FRENN stores and online at lapuankankurit.fi and frennhelsinki.com.
 
For further information
Jarkko Kallio, Frenn Helsinki Oy, jarkko@frennhelsinki.com
Jaana Hjelt, Lapuan Kankurit Oy, jaana.hjelt@lapuankankurit.fi