Nordic Design Lab unveils its second collaboration with Finnish fashion designer Sami Eskelinen
The Watcher, a sculptural designer bag created by Finnish fashion designer Sami Eskelinen, combines a 3D printed frame, BrightBio® material and Finnish craftsmanship. The bag will make its first public appearance at Qstock Festival through a live collaboration with Finnish artist Nenerchy.
Following the launch of Nordic Design Lab, the platform continues to expand its designer series with its second release, created in collaboration with Finnish fashion designer Sami Eskelinen.
Each Nordic Design Lab drop introduces a new designer’s interpretation of Brightplus’ material innovation through limited-edition products that combine contemporary design, responsible materials and distinctive creative expression.
Known for his bold visual language and couture-inspired creations for artists and performers, Eskelinen brings his distinctive aesthetic into a collection of sculptural bags that blur the boundaries between fashion, object design and wearable art. The collaboration continues Nordic Design Lab’s mission of demonstrating how Finnish material innovation can become desirable and tangible through contemporary design.
Sculptural design inspired by the stage
The Watcher is the second Nordic Design Lab designer release, combining a 3D printed frame, BrightBio® coated textile and Finnish craftsmanship into one distinctive object.
Originally inspired by mythology, stage aesthetics and the contrast between light and darkness, the design has evolved into an original piece with its own identity. Created as both a functional accessory and a collectible design object, The Watcher reflects Eskelinen’s philosophy of creating timeless products that evoke curiosity rather than simply follow trends.
“I’ve spent years designing costumes that help artists tell stories on stage. With The Watcher, I wanted to create an object that carries that same sense of drama, individuality and emotion into everyday life. A bag can be functional, but it can also become part of someone’s identity,” Sami Eskelinen describes.
Where material innovation becomes visible
Developed together with Finnish green-tech company Brightplus, The Watcher demonstrates how advanced material innovation can become an integral part of product design rather than something hidden beneath the surface.
The bag brings together a sculptural 3D printed frame, BrightBio® coated textile and Finnish craftsmanship, illustrating how different manufacturing methods can complement one another to create a new generation of contemporary accessories.
“Nordic Design Lab was created to demonstrate that material innovation becomes truly meaningful when people experience it through design, creativity and culture. Every designer interprets the same material platform differently, and every collaboration expands the story of what these future materials can become,” Milja Hannu-Kuure, CEO of Brightplus, explains.
From the studio to the stage
The Watcher will make its first public appearance at Qstock Festival through a live collaboration with Finnish artist Nenerchy.
The collaboration reflects Sami Eskelinen’s long experience designing for musicians and performers while extending Nordic Design Lab beyond traditional product launches into live cultural experiences where fashion, music and material innovation naturally intersect.
The Watcher is the first piece in the collection. More pieces will follow.
About Nordic Design Lab
Nordic Design Lab is a curated online store and collaboration platform created by Finnish green-tech company Brightplus. Through limited-edition designer drops, the platform brings together visionary designers, responsible material innovation and contemporary Nordic design.
The platform explores how future materials can move beyond industrial applications into fashion, objects and everyday consumer products while giving leading Finnish designers a new platform for experimentation and collaboration.
About BrightBio®
BrightBio® is Brightplus’ next-generation bio-based material technology developed for textiles and consumer applications. Designed as an alternative to conventional fossil-based coating materials, BrightBio® combines durability, functionality and aesthetic versatility while supporting future circular textile systems.
Media enquiries
Milja Hannu-Kuure, CEO, Brightplus
+358 (0)40 064 6533
milja.hannu-kuure@brightplus.com