The hotel experience of the future by the sea – Katajanokka's high-class Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 opened at the end of August 2024.
“We were looking for a domestic partner who would fit the hotel’s identity and who could make us stylish workwear that would fit the Pier 4 story,” says hotel manager Petra Wikström. “Our goal is to be the most climate-responsible hotel in Finland. We wanted that core of our entire operation to also be reflected in the choice of workwear. In addition to responsibility, the comfort of the workwear was an essential factor.”
Workwear plays a major role in a unique environment
Workwear creates a uniform look for the reception, restaurant and café. Regardless of the job, employees can choose from a variety of different options to create a look that suits them. “Employees appreciate the freedom to choose – a dress for those who like dresses, a shirt and trousers for those who like trousers, etc. It is important to feel good and confident through your clothes,” says Petra Wikström.
The unique collection was created in collaboration
“The collaboration with Medanta went smoothly from the start – we felt that we were being listened to and that our wishes were being responded to by making changes. The entire collection was designed together,” says Petra Wikström about the collaboration.
Medanta’s approach, where the customer comes up with ideas for the collection together and participates in its design, was implemented wonderfully with the Pier 4 team, says Karolina Eroma, Sales Director at Medanta.
In the material choices, we took into account the customer’s wish for responsible materials; for example, the raw material used as the main material for Medanta Micro-4-way is 90% recycled polyester. It is also very easy to care for – a true hold and wash material. We serve the customer with a hybrid model, where kitchen textiles are maintained by a full-service service and the hotel’s clothing is maintained by the staff themselves. This also guided certain material choices.
“When the customer knows what they want from workwear, it is easy for the designer to be creative,” says Anssi Ruokokoski. “The olive green color was selected for the collection, and new models were designed from it, such as a dress and shirt, as well as a new type of reversible apron. The combinability and layering of the outfits were the starting points for the design of the Pier 4 collection,” Anssi Ruokokoski describes the collection.
In a top restaurant’s kitchen, comfort goes hand in hand with style.
“The most important thing in kitchen clothing is ease of care and comfort – that the garment is flexible and comfortable to wear, and that it does not need to be ironed,” says head chef Sauli Kemppainen . He also notes that “In Finnish terms, the fact that no one gives negative feedback means that everyone is very satisfied.” Sauli Kemppainen’s wish also resulted in a new super stylish zippered chef’s jacket made from Medanta Smartsport.
Solo by Sokos Hotels is a collection of hotels offering individual and unique experiences in the most significant locations of cities. Classics or those born to be so. Solo hotels are united by impressive design, pampering details, tasteful pleasures and uncompromising service. There are eight Solo hotels in Finland. www.sokoshotels.fi
