FASHION DESIGNER
IRENE MIKAELA
FASHION DESIGNER
Irene Mikaela
Fashion Designer
Irene Mikaela Häggkvist
Fashion Designer
Creative Director
I am a Finnish fashion designer and creative director based in Milan. With 15+ years of international experience, I build collections, concepts, and brands with clear ideas and clean execution. I collaborate with companies on design, creative direction, and brand identity, bringing fashion expertise, storytelling, and business insight to every project.
about
I’m Irene Mikaela Häggkvist, a Finnish designer based in Milan. With over 15 years in the fashion industry, I combine creativity with strategy, shaping collections, brands, and stories that connect with people.
I hold Master’s degrees in Fashion Design and Design Technology from Istituto Marangoni Milan and the University of Lapland. My work has appeared in Vogue.it, Elle, and Wallpaper among others (where I was on Graduates Directory).
In 2017 I founded House of Horses Helsinki, an equestrian fashion brand that grew into an international label sold in 18 countries. I led the company for seven years, building a team and developing both creative direction and global operations, before selling the brand in 2024.
Most recently, I have worked in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda on Via Montenapoleone / Via Santo Spirito. I gained first-hand experience in luxury retail, client relations, and store management in one of the world’s most prestigious fashion districts. I am comfortable working in international settings in both English and Italian.
Today, I work as a freelance designer and creative director. I help brands grow with clear design, strong identity, and smart go-to-market strategies.
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
Founder & Creative Director of House of Horses Helsinki (2017–2024), sold internationally in 18 countries
Professional experience in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda (luxury retail & operations)
Winner of the Swarovski & Istituto Marangoni design competition (2009)
Work featured in Vogue.it, Elle, Wallpaper, Haute Couture Collezione
Experienced in leading international teams and developing digital retail
WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelancer
Fashion Designer
March 2025 – Present
Developing brands in a coherent and strategic way
Fashion design and illustrations
Visual image
Helping brands grow and position themselves in the market
Dealing with tailor-made projects ranging from branding to design
Involvement in digital marketing and e-commerce
Assisting with Go-To-Market strategy
Gefin Srl
Senior Sales coordinator and Store Manager at Cortigiani flagship boutique in Via Santo Spirito
June 2024 – March 2025
Responsible for the complete management of the store with a 360° operational and strategic role
Optimized the CRM and created tools for monitoring KPIs and collected data
House of Horses Helsinki
Founder & Creative Director
January 2016 – March 2024
Founded, developed and led the House of Horses Helsinki brand from the very beginning
Built the brand identity, product and market presence
Development, branding, design, communication, sales strategy (B2B, B2C and D2C),logistics, production, marketing and customer experience
Led an international team of up to 10 people, coordinating the work between Europe and Asia
Distributed the brand in 18 countries through retailers, own e-commerce and international trade fairs (ISPO, etc.) and trough Amazon Germany and France (FBA)
The brand was sold in March 2024
Helsinki Design School
Producer and fashion teacher
May 2013 – November 2015
what i do
Help brands grow with clear design, strong identity, and smart strategy
Creative direction for brands and campaigns
Fashion and product design (women's fashion, pets, jewellery)
Brand identity and storytelling
E-commerce and retail strategy, digital flow
Team building and leadership support
(04)
PROJECTS
Sales experience in Milan's Quadrilatero della moda
I managed a luxury menswear store. This experience gave me deep insights into the Italian fashion industry and luxury retail sales.
Founder and Creative director of House of Horses Helsinki
I built a brand from concept to international presence, leading a team across Europe and Asia and expanding into 18 countries through retail partners, e-commerce, trade fairs, and Amazon FBA.
Jewelry collection for Kultakeskus
I designed a bold jewelry collection for Kultakeskus, launched nationwide through Timanttiset, one of Finland’s largest jewelry retail chains.
Producer and teacher in the Helsinki Design School
I improved operations and social media, introduced new procedures, and taught courses in branding, collection development, illustration, and fashion history.
(05)
Testimonials
One of the most impressive aspects of working with Irene was her support and guidance. Irene was incredibly helpful. She created an environment where everyone felt valued and encouraged to grow professionally. Whenever I faced challenges or made mistakes, she was always there to provide guidance and support, ensuring that I had the necessary resources to succeed.
She created the best atmosphere and the positive work environment for her employees.
Irene’s combination of professionalism, support, and careful attention to detail sets her apart as an exceptional employer. I am grateful for the opportunity to work under her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader. / former employee
Irene is an incredibly creative and innovative person with infinite ideas. Therefore, she is an extremely talented designer. She possesses excellent skills as a leader as she finds out employees' strengths and encourages them to use them. In addition, Irene works passionately to guarantee the best result possible. She always listens heartwarmingly to other's opinions and suggests receptively.
Irene isn't afraid of taking risks, and her responsiveness is primarily rapid. Whatever she puts her focus into, always turns out to be something brilliant as an outcome.
In a summary, using all of her skills mentioned above, she created a globally known brand, where I was lucky to work for several years. /former employee
Creating concepts or worlds and stories so that they really have business sense and that they are sellable. End customers do not understand how this is done and they are included in the common story and are faithful to the concept. She’s extremely good at creating exclusivity in everything, no matter the price point. /client
An excellent leader, she always looks for the strengths of his employees and encourages them to use them. Listens and receives opinions eagerly. Cares about people, always puts others before herself. The team’s well being is priority number one for her. Empathetic and consistent. Fair. /former colleague
SKILLS
A curated toolkit of design, development, and productivity tools that power my creative process and streamline how I work:
Languages
Fluent in English, Italian and Finniah. Basics in Swedish and German.
Illustrations by hand
Fashion illustrations by hand make my design process fast and authentic.
Digital marketing and Shopify
Strong knowledge on Shopify, MS, iOs, Meta and Google programs.
Procreate, Photoshop and Illustrator
Mixed techniques with Procreate and hand drawing on iPad.
education
University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Master of Arts
Fashion design and design technology
Master's Thesis: Bella Italia, Success Of the Italian fashion from the 1950s to today from the point of viewof a fashion designer
2010 – 2012
Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy
Master of Fashion Design
2008-2009
Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy
Fashion Design Diploma
2007-2008
University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Bachelor of Arts, Fashion design and design technology
2006-2011
MJK Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Professional diploma in jewelry sales
2005
(08)
Selected press releases
Iltalehti, Helsingin Sanomat Kuukausiliite, Kaleva, Blue Wings, Reiter Revue, Hippos
My work in House of Horses Helsinki and freelance designer has been featured in numerous publications in Finland and abroad.
Collezione Donna and Haute Couture Collezione
My win in the Swarovski Crystallized collection in 2009 was featured in numerous publications among them Collezione Donna and Haute Couture Collezione.
Elle Italy and Finland
The jewelry collection I designed for Kultakeskus was featured in the cover of Elle Finland alongside with the handbags I designed of wood and crystals. My designs have also been featured in Elle Italy.
Vogue.it
My designs were featured in Vogue.it in 2013 and Style.it noted my collection for Swarovski Crystallized in 2009.
Wallpaper Graduates Directory 2010
I was featured in the Wallpaper Graduates Directory among the most prominent fashion design graduates around the world, as a graduate from Istituto Marangoni Milan.
Irene Mikaela Häggkvist
Fashion Designer
Creative Director
I am a Finnish fashion designer and creative director based in Milan. With 15+ years of international experience, I build collections, concepts, and brands with clear ideas and clean execution. I collaborate with companies on design, creative direction, and brand identity, bringing fashion expertise, storytelling, and business insight to every project.
about
I’m Irene Mikaela Häggkvist, a Finnish designer based in Milan. With over 15 years in the fashion industry, I combine creativity with strategy, shaping collections, brands, and stories that connect with people.
I hold Master’s degrees in Fashion Design and Design Technology from Istituto Marangoni Milan and the University of Lapland. My work has appeared in Vogue.it, Elle, and Wallpaper among others (where I was on Graduates Directory).
In 2017 I founded House of Horses Helsinki, an equestrian fashion brand that grew into an international label sold in 18 countries. I led the company for seven years, building a team and developing both creative direction and global operations, before selling the brand in 2024.
Most recently, I have worked in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda on Via Montenapoleone / Via Santo Spirito. I gained first-hand experience in luxury retail, client relations, and store management in one of the world’s most prestigious fashion districts. I am comfortable working in international settings in both English and Italian.
Today, I work as a freelance designer and creative director. I help brands grow with clear design, strong identity, and smart go-to-market strategies.
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
Founder & Creative Director of House of Horses Helsinki (2017–2024), sold internationally in 18 countries
Professional experience in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda (luxury retail & operations)
Winner of the Swarovski & Istituto Marangoni design competition (2009)
Work featured in Vogue.it, Elle, Wallpaper, Haute Couture Collezione
Experienced in leading international teams and developing digital retail
WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelancer
Fashion Designer
March 2025 – Present
Developing brands in a coherent and strategic way
Fashion design and illustrations
Visual image
Helping brands grow and position themselves in the market
Dealing with tailor-made projects ranging from branding to design
Involvement in digital marketing and e-commerce
Assisting with Go-To-Market strategy
Gefin Srl
Senior Sales coordinator and Store Manager at Cortigiani flagship boutique in Via Santo Spirito
June 2024 – March 2025
Responsible for the complete management of the store with a 360° operational and strategic role
Optimized the CRM and created tools for monitoring KPIs and collected data
House of Horses Helsinki
Founder & Creative Director
January 2016 – March 2024
Founded, developed and led the House of Horses Helsinki brand from the very beginning
Built the brand identity, product and market presence
Development, branding, design, communication, sales strategy (B2B, B2C and D2C),logistics, production, marketing and customer experience
Led an international team of up to 10 people, coordinating the work between Europe and Asia
Distributed the brand in 18 countries through retailers, own e-commerce and international trade fairs (ISPO, etc.) and trough Amazon Germany and France (FBA)
The brand was sold in March 2024
Helsinki Design School
Producer and fashion teacher
May 2013 – November 2015
what i do
Help brands grow with clear design, strong identity, and smart strategy
Creative direction for brands and campaigns
Fashion and product design (women's fashion, pets, jewellery)
Brand identity and storytelling
E-commerce and retail strategy, digital flow
Team building and leadership support
(04)
PROJECTS
Sales experience in Milan's Quadrilatero della moda
I managed a luxury menswear store. This experience gave me deep insights into the Italian fashion industry and luxury retail sales.
Founder and Creative director of House of Horses Helsinki
I built a brand from concept to international presence, leading a team across Europe and Asia and expanding into 18 countries through retail partners, e-commerce, trade fairs, and Amazon FBA.
Jewelry collection for Kultakeskus
I designed a bold jewelry collection for Kultakeskus, launched nationwide through Timanttiset, one of Finland’s largest jewelry retail chains.
Producer and teacher in the Helsinki Design School
I improved operations and social media, introduced new procedures, and taught courses in branding, collection development, illustration, and fashion history.
(05)
Testimonials
One of the most impressive aspects of working with Irene was her support and guidance. Irene was incredibly helpful. She created an environment where everyone felt valued and encouraged to grow professionally. Whenever I faced challenges or made mistakes, she was always there to provide guidance and support, ensuring that I had the necessary resources to succeed.
She created the best atmosphere and the positive work environment for her employees.
Irene’s combination of professionalism, support, and careful attention to detail sets her apart as an exceptional employer. I am grateful for the opportunity to work under her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader. / former employee
Irene is an incredibly creative and innovative person with infinite ideas. Therefore, she is an extremely talented designer. She possesses excellent skills as a leader as she finds out employees' strengths and encourages them to use them. In addition, Irene works passionately to guarantee the best result possible. She always listens heartwarmingly to other's opinions and suggests receptively.
Irene isn't afraid of taking risks, and her responsiveness is primarily rapid. Whatever she puts her focus into, always turns out to be something brilliant as an outcome.
In a summary, using all of her skills mentioned above, she created a globally known brand, where I was lucky to work for several years. /former employee
Creating concepts or worlds and stories so that they really have business sense and that they are sellable. End customers do not understand how this is done and they are included in the common story and are faithful to the concept. She’s extremely good at creating exclusivity in everything, no matter the price point. /client
An excellent leader, she always looks for the strengths of his employees and encourages them to use them. Listens and receives opinions eagerly. Cares about people, always puts others before herself. The team’s well being is priority number one for her. Empathetic and consistent. Fair. /former colleague
SKILLS
A curated toolkit of design, development, and productivity tools that power my creative process and streamline how I work:
Languages
Fluent in English, Italian and Finniah. Basics in Swedish and German.
Illustrations by hand
Fashion illustrations by hand make my design process fast and authentic.
Digital marketing and Shopify
Strong knowledge on Shopify, MS, iOs, Meta and Google programs.
Procreate, Photoshop and Illustrator
Mixed techniques with Procreate and hand drawing on iPad.
education
University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Master of Arts
Fashion design and design technology
Master's Thesis: Bella Italia, Success Of the Italian fashion from the 1950s to today from the point of viewof a fashion designer
2010 – 2012
Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy
Master of Fashion Design
2008-2009
Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy
Fashion Design Diploma
2007-2008
University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Bachelor of Arts, Fashion design and design technology
2006-2011
MJK Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Professional diploma in jewelry sales
2005
(08)
Selected press releases
Iltalehti, Helsingin Sanomat Kuukausiliite, Kaleva, Blue Wings, Reiter Revue, Hippos
My work in House of Horses Helsinki and freelance designer has been featured in numerous publications in Finland and abroad.
Collezione Donna and Haute Couture Collezione
My win in the Swarovski Crystallized collection in 2009 was featured in numerous publications among them Collezione Donna and Haute Couture Collezione.
Elle Italy and Finland
The jewelry collection I designed for Kultakeskus was featured in the cover of Elle Finland alongside with the handbags I designed of wood and crystals. My designs have also been featured in Elle Italy.
Vogue.it
My designs were featured in Vogue.it in 2013 and Style.it noted my collection for Swarovski Crystallized in 2009.
Wallpaper Graduates Directory 2010
I was featured in the Wallpaper Graduates Directory among the most prominent fashion design graduates around the world, as a graduate from Istituto Marangoni Milan.
Irene Mikaela Häggkvist
Fashion Designer
Creative Director
I am a Finnish fashion designer and creative director based in Milan. With 15+ years of international experience, I build collections, concepts, and brands with clear ideas and clean execution. I collaborate with companies on design, creative direction, and brand identity, bringing fashion expertise, storytelling, and business insight to every project.
about
I’m Irene Mikaela Häggkvist, a Finnish designer based in Milan. With over 15 years in the fashion industry, I combine creativity with strategy, shaping collections, brands, and stories that connect with people.
I hold Master’s degrees in Fashion Design and Design Technology from Istituto Marangoni Milan and the University of Lapland. My work has appeared in Vogue.it, Elle, and Wallpaper among others (where I was on Graduates Directory).
In 2017 I founded House of Horses Helsinki, an equestrian fashion brand that grew into an international label sold in 18 countries. I led the company for seven years, building a team and developing both creative direction and global operations, before selling the brand in 2024.
Most recently, I have worked in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda on Via Montenapoleone / Via Santo Spirito. I gained first-hand experience in luxury retail, client relations, and store management in one of the world’s most prestigious fashion districts. I am comfortable working in international settings in both English and Italian.
Today, I work as a freelance designer and creative director. I help brands grow with clear design, strong identity, and smart go-to-market strategies.
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
Founder & Creative Director of House of Horses Helsinki (2017–2024), sold internationally in 18 countries
Professional experience in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda (luxury retail & operations)
Winner of the Swarovski & Istituto Marangoni design competition (2009)
Work featured in Vogue.it, Elle, Wallpaper, Haute Couture Collezione
Experienced in leading international teams and developing digital retail
WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelancer
Fashion Designer
March 2025 – Present
Developing brands in a coherent and strategic way
Fashion design and illustrations
Visual image
Helping brands grow and position themselves in the market
Dealing with tailor-made projects ranging from branding to design
Involvement in digital marketing and e-commerce
Assisting with Go-To-Market strategy
Gefin Srl
Senior Sales coordinator and Store Manager at Cortigiani flagship boutique in Via Santo Spirito
June 2024 – March 2025
Responsible for the complete management of the store with a 360° operational and strategic role
Optimized the CRM and created tools for monitoring KPIs and collected data
House of Horses Helsinki
Founder & Creative Director
January 2016 – March 2024
Founded, developed and led the House of Horses Helsinki brand from the very beginning
Built the brand identity, product and market presence
Development, branding, design, communication, sales strategy (B2B, B2C and D2C),logistics, production, marketing and customer experience
Led an international team of up to 10 people, coordinating the work between Europe and Asia
Distributed the brand in 18 countries through retailers, own e-commerce and international trade fairs (ISPO, etc.) and trough Amazon Germany and France (FBA)
The brand was sold in March 2024
Helsinki Design School
Producer and fashion teacher
May 2013 – November 2015
what i do
Help brands grow with clear design, strong identity, and smart strategy
Creative direction for brands and campaigns
Fashion and product design (women's fashion, pets, jewellery)
Brand identity and storytelling
E-commerce and retail strategy, digital flow
Team building and leadership support
(04)
PROJECTS
Sales experience in Milan's Quadrilatero della moda
I managed a luxury menswear store. This experience gave me deep insights into the Italian fashion industry and luxury retail sales.
Founder and Creative director of House of Horses Helsinki
I built a brand from concept to international presence, leading a team across Europe and Asia and expanding into 18 countries through retail partners, e-commerce, trade fairs, and Amazon FBA.
Jewelry collection for Kultakeskus
I designed a bold jewelry collection for Kultakeskus, launched nationwide through Timanttiset, one of Finland’s largest jewelry retail chains.
Producer and teacher in the Helsinki Design School
I improved operations and social media, introduced new procedures, and taught courses in branding, collection development, illustration, and fashion history.
(05)
Testimonials
One of the most impressive aspects of working with Irene was her support and guidance. Irene was incredibly helpful. She created an environment where everyone felt valued and encouraged to grow professionally. Whenever I faced challenges or made mistakes, she was always there to provide guidance and support, ensuring that I had the necessary resources to succeed.
She created the best atmosphere and the positive work environment for her employees.
Irene’s combination of professionalism, support, and careful attention to detail sets her apart as an exceptional employer. I am grateful for the opportunity to work under her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader. / former employee
Irene is an incredibly creative and innovative person with infinite ideas. Therefore, she is an extremely talented designer. She possesses excellent skills as a leader as she finds out employees' strengths and encourages them to use them. In addition, Irene works passionately to guarantee the best result possible. She always listens heartwarmingly to other's opinions and suggests receptively.
Irene isn't afraid of taking risks, and her responsiveness is primarily rapid. Whatever she puts her focus into, always turns out to be something brilliant as an outcome.
In a summary, using all of her skills mentioned above, she created a globally known brand, where I was lucky to work for several years. /former employee
Creating concepts or worlds and stories so that they really have business sense and that they are sellable. End customers do not understand how this is done and they are included in the common story and are faithful to the concept. She’s extremely good at creating exclusivity in everything, no matter the price point. /client
An excellent leader, she always looks for the strengths of his employees and encourages them to use them. Listens and receives opinions eagerly. Cares about people, always puts others before herself. The team’s well being is priority number one for her. Empathetic and consistent. Fair. /former colleague
SKILLS
A curated toolkit of design, development, and productivity tools that power my creative process and streamline how I work:
Languages
Fluent in English, Italian and Finniah. Basics in Swedish and German.
Illustrations by hand
Fashion illustrations by hand make my design process fast and authentic.
Digital marketing and Shopify
Strong knowledge on Shopify, MS, iOs, Meta and Google programs.
Procreate, Photoshop and Illustrator
Mixed techniques with Procreate and hand drawing on iPad.
education
University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Master of Arts
Fashion design and design technology
Master's Thesis: Bella Italia, Success Of the Italian fashion from the 1950s to today from the point of viewof a fashion designer
2010 – 2012
Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy
Master of Fashion Design
2008-2009
Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy
Fashion Design Diploma
2007-2008
University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Bachelor of Arts, Fashion design and design technology
2006-2011
MJK Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Professional diploma in jewelry sales
2005
(08)
Selected press releases
Iltalehti, Helsingin Sanomat Kuukausiliite, Kaleva, Blue Wings, Reiter Revue, Hippos
My work in House of Horses Helsinki and freelance designer has been featured in numerous publications in Finland and abroad.
Collezione Donna and Haute Couture Collezione
My win in the Swarovski Crystallized collection in 2009 was featured in numerous publications among them Collezione Donna and Haute Couture Collezione.
Elle Italy and Finland
The jewelry collection I designed for Kultakeskus was featured in the cover of Elle Finland alongside with the handbags I designed of wood and crystals. My designs have also been featured in Elle Italy.
Vogue.it
My designs were featured in Vogue.it in 2013 and Style.it noted my collection for Swarovski Crystallized in 2009.
Wallpaper Graduates Directory 2010
I was featured in the Wallpaper Graduates Directory among the most prominent fashion design graduates around the world, as a graduate from Istituto Marangoni Milan.