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Estonian Sustainable Design Reaches France’s Largest Nordic and Baltic Festival

On Saturday, November 15, the traveling exhibition Upmade in Estonia, showcasing Estonian sustainable design, was opened at Les Boréales—the largest European festival dedicated to Nordic and Baltic culture.

Prior to the exhibition opening, a networking day was held at the Estonian Embassy, bringing together Estonian and French designers. The event was moderated by Anne Marie Sargueil from French Institute of Design. Among the participants were a former Dior designer and an industrial designer collaborating with Hermès, alongside seven Estonian designers who presented their work and discussed sustainable design practices.

Interest in Estonian culture is growing significantly. Estonian design stands out for its strong ecological focus. “You have a mission and act as a unified, strong force,” noted former IKEA designer Karin Aubertin, comparing Estonia’s competitiveness to other countries. Estonian design offers a different relationship to the world, nature, and humanity, and is seen as an alternative to mainstream European perspectives.

Now in its 33rd edition, Les Boréales is one of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary cultural festivals dedicated to Nordic and Baltic countries. It takes place in Caen, Normandy—a region that has long emphasized its historical ties to the Nordics. Les Boréales (meaning “Northern Lights”) brings together Estonian designers, writers, and musicians. Visitors can sample Estonian cuisine and explore the Upmade in Estonia exhibition at a newly built modern library. According to the library’s director, it was a special wish to host Estonian design within their contemporary space. On opening day, over 500 culture enthusiasts visited the exhibition and pop-up shop.

Ilona Gurjanova, head of the Estonian Association of Designers, expressed pride in representing Estonia at the festival and continuing collaboration with France, which has lasted over 25 years through participation in events such as the Saint-Étienne Design Biennale, Maison et Objet fair, and exhibitions in Paris and Marseille. “This is our third time in Caen at the invitation of the festival, and Estonia is the only Baltic country presenting its design achievements.”

Upmade in Estonia is an international traveling exhibition that highlights sustainable and circular economy solutions by Estonian designers—from furniture and fashion collections to digital innovation. The exhibition was first presented in New York in 2024, followed by a showcase in Singapore in autumn 2025. Curators are Reet Aus and Ilona Gurjanova, with exhibition furniture by Annika Kaldoja and Tarmo Luisk. The exhibition features 38 Estonian brands and 20 cultural posters.

Participants include both established and emerging designers such as Anneli Tammik, Urmas Lüüs, Stella Runnel, Sandra Luks, Cärol Ott, Reet Aus, Elize Hiiop, Johanna Ulfsak, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Kärt Summatavet, Mare Kelpman, Leonardo Meigas, Siim Karro, Piret Loog, Tarmo Luisk, Martin Pedanik, Marko Kekishev, Martin Rästa, and others.

Estonia’s program at the festival is diverse and extensive, offering a rich selection of music, film, literature, and art. Musical performances include Vox Clamantis, Puuluup, and Hanakiv, with special focus on the works of Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis. At the festival’s opening night, conductor Kaspar Mänd led a cinema concert of Nosferatu with music by Tõnis Kaumann. Regional cinemas are screening documentaries such as Arvo Pärt, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, In the Crosswind, and The Woman Who Heats the Sauna, offering audiences a poetic and sensitive glimpse into Estonian filmmaking. The program also included Reet Aus’s documentary Out of Fashion, followed by an active discussion on sustainable textile production. Literary events featured meetings with authors Urmas Vadi, Katrina Kalda, and Xavier Bouvet. Exhibitions include works by Estonian artist Liis Lillo, based in France. On the opening day, Estonian chefs Jaana Niit-Lafontaine and Kaidi Uljas created a festive atmosphere with culinary experiences.