LOVE LETTER
It's time to take a break and say thank you.
Dear customers and friends,
R/H will close down permanently as it is and sell its remainng stock during September.
During the summer, I've been thinking about how I could express this phrase somehow more beautifully or softly.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that it does not need soothing. Goodbyes are sad – but an important part of life. Above all, I want to tell things as they are. As the journey we've traveled together is worth it.
I want to personally thank each and every one of you. You have made this 14-year journey not only possible, but also meaningful. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.
R/H will close down permanently as it is. There are many reasons behind the decision. Some of them are related to the surrounding world; general uncertainty, weakening of the domestic market's purchasing power, increased raw material, sewing and logistics costs. One of the reasons is the well-established discount sales phenomenon in the industry, which has changed purchasing habits, eating into the margins of smaller players.
Some of the reasons are also personal. I have worked uncompromisingly with R/H for 14 years and have given the brand my all. Sometimes it has been easier, sometimes more difficult, but at all times it has been my own choice. Now is the time to choose differently.
TIME FOR A BREAK
I've become a mother at the same time I've been creating R/H's story. The past few years have been full of contrasts in my own life. Loss and grief have also been my honored guests. They have taught me that we can never know the future.
If you run constantly, you don't have time to think new thoughts, feel new emotions or create new dreams. I want to wonder about my children's lives now, while they are still small, and gather inspiration for the future.
I'm telling you all this because I want to add my own voice to the conversation about motherhood and career. You can have both, but the children never get to choose – they are only left with the option we offer.
Even the most important professional struggle is not worth too many sacrifices.
If we were to continue our operations like this, we would be forced to adapt to the prevailing conditions in the industry and shape our operations in a direction that we do not feel is sustainable. We remain true to ourselves and state that termination is the best solution at this point.
GOODBYE CAN BE A NEW BEGINNING
Sometimes quitting is the best option. It clarifies, brightens, releases and makes the breath flow more easily. That's honestly how I feel right now.
Tears of emotion and gratitude have been pressent for the last weeks's. It's time to stop and celebrate the achievements and the journey together.
R/H's classics have stood the test of time for 14 years. Mickeys and Bobies in particular have become beloved classics. Thanks to you guys for that.
I am humbly grateful, and I feel sincere joy and pride that I have succeeded in creating clothes in which you have wanted to live both everyday life and party.
My goal has not been to create iconic design classics that would hang quietly on a hanger. Instead, I have wanted to create pleasing, recognizable and durable clothes in which you can live life and be yourself proudly. In both good and bad days.
WHAT NEXT?
I'm hoping freedom and new visions will come eventually. Above all, I hope that the hiatus brings the opportunity to do this work in a way that feels sustainable and meaningful. I want to believe that it is possible.
We keep our eyes, ears and hearts open for new opportunities, partnerships and collaborations.
We will never give up our stubborn optimism. We want to continue to carry the torch of Finnish design and fight for meaningful issues. Responsibly produced design that creates joy and a good feeling for every day will always be dear to us.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
Every year with R/H has been a meaningful and colorful, learning experience. A lot has been learned the hard way.
I will never forget this adventure, and you our dear customers. I feel privileged that my dream profession has been possible for so long with R/H. Thank you, dear customers, for that. I look forward to new opportunities and encounters!
Let's dance the last dance!
Dear friends, hit the dance floor and empty our inventory! Take all the treasures from our hands, show them the world and live to the fullest! So do we.
Let's hug, meet, remember the past and make room for the future - whatever it brings!
Love,
Hanna
Founder and designer of R/H Studio