Designer’s Voice: Functional design for urban life – Kallio by Halti

The award-winning Kallio collection by Halti proves that design can be functional and visually bold all at once. Designer Hanna Koivula has brought together Halti’s technical know-how, urban practicality, and rugged visual edge to create garments that work in everyday city environments, whatever the weather. Kallio is Halti’s platform for a new kind of design, combining materials, gender-neutral aesthetics, and functionality that goes beyond the outdoors, moving with the wearer through metro rides, bike commutes, and office hours.

Design with functionality at its core

Launched in 2022, the Kallio collection is built around everyday functionality. Every detail is designed to make moving around and living through changing weather easier. Large hoods and longer hems offer protection in poor conditions, while slits and hem zippers make cycling or hopping on a tram smoother. Plenty of generously sized pockets keep essentials like your phone and keys easily within reach. Reflective details increase safety but blend seamlessly into the garment’s look.

Visually, Kallio combines a modern aesthetic with a clean and versatile design language. Silhouettes, sizing, and color choices are designed with a consistent visual identity that works across different seasons. Gender neutrality and inclusivity are at the core of the collection’s design principles.

Koivula sums it up: “The Kallio collection reflects our approach to design: functionality, inclusivity, and quality. Functional design and carefully selected materials are important starting points in our design process.”

International recognition

Kallio by Halti has gained international attention as well. In 2022, the Bergga jacket, designed by Koivula, won the ISPO Award. The following year, the 3in1 Synkas jacket received the same recognition. Both pieces embody the essence of Kallio: technical performance, urban functionality, and aesthetic clarity.

“It feels amazing to have our vision recognized by a respected jury in the industry. But the best part is if we can genuinely make people’s everyday lives easier with our products and offer them gear that simply works, whatever the weather,” Koivula says.

A passion for both design and sport

Halti’s Finnish design team is made up of experts from diverse backgrounds. Hanna Koivula brings design and style sensibility to the team, along with a passion for sports as an enthusiastic alpine skier. Though she began studying architecture, her drive to work closer to people led her to clothing design at the University of Art and Design Helsinki. She has been designing at Halti for six years, combining her interests in clothing and sport.

In addition to the Kallio collection, Koivula designs Halti’s ski apparel. Time spent on the slopes and in the streets of Helsinki’s Kallio district is an important part of her design process.

“I test my own designs and pay close attention to how people combine clothing and what colors they prefer,” says Hanna.