Finland's annual Independence Day reception once again doubled as the country's biggest fashion moment, as around 1,800 invited guests gathered at the Presidential Palace on Saturday evening.
Former Prime Minister Sanna Marin drew particular attention after arriving in a gown that appeared, reportedly by coincidence, strikingly similar to that worn by Suzanne Innes-Stubb, the spouse of President Alexander Stubb.
Both women wore dresses in an identical shade of silver blue — almost as if they were cut from the same sheet of fabric. Both evening gowns were also accompanied by similar blue sashes and honours.
Marin's high-necked gown was designed by Anne-Mari Pahkala and Stubb's by Kaisa Turunen.
Among the night's most anticipated outfits was that of Finland's Eurovision representative this year Erika Vikman, who arrived in a powder-coloured dress featuring a corset-style top and a dramatic train reminiscent of Hollywood's Golden Age.
The couple to open the presidential handshake line this year was singer Katri Helena and her husband Tommi Liimatainen.
It marked only the second time in the history of the Independence Day reception that a woman was the first to shake the Finnish president's hand.
"It is a great honour and one more pearl on the necklace of memories after these six decades," Helena told Yle.
She ended her 62-year performing career in August with a farewell concert at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium.
Later in the evening, one of the most striking dark ensembles appeared on the red carpet as Armas Lintusaari, producer for the contemporary circus group Arctic Ensemble, arrived wearing a shimmering jacket paired with a long black hem and exceptionally large shoes.
All Points North's latest episode examines the legacy of Finland's dwindling war generation.
Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Below is a gallery of some other standout looks from Finland's biggest red carpet night of the year.
