Journal
Kalevala Muse
Mikko Puttonen
In our Kalevala Muse article series, we interview interesting people and delve into the stories behind their favourite jewelry.
For our very first article, we sat down with Mikko Puttonen, Finnish fashion influencer and photographer based in London. Together with his husband and work partner Lucas Ruska Martin, Mikko runs the creative studio Puttonen Ruska focusing on photography, art direction and production.
Hi Mikko! How have you been and what have you been up to lately?
It has been an exciting year so far and I have been filled with inspiration recently. I have been working on some new projects such as the lovely project I got to do together with Kalevala early this year featuring a selection of their iconic pieces. We shot the photos at Lucas’ second home, Valencia under the Spanish sun.
Recently I have spent also some time at our new second base in Finland. We are currently planning some small renovations for the Spring, and I am excited for the snow to melt and to see the garden blossom.
What has your path been like to where you are today? How did you end up working in fashion and photography?
It all started in Muurame where I grew up with my parents and four siblings. I got interested in photography at a very early age when I started to photograph nature, my siblings and friends. I started my blog when I was around 15 and that was my first step into the path I’m currently on.
I studied photography in Finland and after my graduation, I thought it was time for a little change of scenery. I had barely travelled and didn't properly speak English but I had dreamt about working in fashion so I decided to move to London which has opened many exciting doors. I have been always very passionate, curious and committed and I am sure that has a lot to do with my journey.
We can tell fashion and aesthetics have been a big part of your life, but what about jewelry more specifically? What kind of role has it played in your life?
I have always admired the artistry and craftsmanship behind jewelry-making. Now I wear jewelry every day and I love how a piece of jewelry gives a final touch to a look. I love classic jewelry with a twist and even though I mostly wear silver, I love mixing different materials and styles together.
I recently visited the Kalevala factory and I fell in love with the extravagant bronze archive pieces. My mother and grandmother have always worn their Kalevala pieces for special occasions. At our wedding, my grandmother wore the classic Moon Goddess pendant in bronze and whenever I see this piece somewhere, it reminds me of her.
I love mixing different materials and styles together.
How do you choose your favourite pieces and what do you appreciate in a piece of jewelry?
I try to choose pieces that I will wear for years ahead and I always aim for quality. When it comes to jewelry specifically, I prefer recycled materials when possible and once again craftsmanship and quality are important to me. I believe jewelry should be something that lasts time, can be polished or repaired and can be passed on to the next generations.
Could you tell us your favourite Kalevala pieces?
The Shuttle ring is my current top one. I admire Björn Weckström's work, and I especially love the organic sculpture-like shape of this ring. It is a lovely everyday piece that makes me feel elegant. Another favourite by Weckström is the golden Hippu bracelet: the piece reminds me of Finnish nature, rocks and water. I love the melting-like surface and structure.
A more recent Kalevala piece I’ve been wearing a lot lately, is the Kosmos choker necklace. I love that it can be worn in many ways, and I feel like it’s easy to style it with anything. It is beautiful on its own but can be also layered with other pieces.
If you were to give Kalevala jewelry as a gift, which piece would you choose and to whom would you gift it to?
I would gift my niece the My Foolish Heart necklace by Björn Weckström. I want to become this eccentric uncle who travels the world, wears fabulous outfits and appears at the Christmas table with extraordinary gifts, haha!
