Lilli Jahilo x Merike Estna: Meet Us at the Estonian Pavilion in Venice
There are collaborations that begin with an idea, and there are collaborations that become part of a place, a moment and a living work of art.
This year, Lilli Jahilo has created her largest collection to date, inspired by the artistic vision of Estonian artist Merike Estna and created specifically in response to her exhibition project The House of Leaking Sky, presented at the Estonian Pavilion during the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
The collection is a distinctly Lilli Jahilo creation — designed by Lilli and shaped by her signature approach to feminine silhouettes, exceptional craftsmanship and sculptural detail. Merike Estna’s work and artistic world provided the inspiration, while the format of her Venice exhibition offered an extraordinary context in which the collection could come to life.
Throughout the six-month Biennale, Estna paints live in front of visitors, wearing pieces from the collection as part of her daily presence in the exhibition. In this way, fashion and contemporary art meet naturally within the space, creating an evolving dialogue between the artist, the garments and the act of making.
The House of Leaking Sky
In The House of Leaking Sky, Merike Estna transforms the exhibition space into an open studio, where painting becomes an event rather than a finished object. The work unfolds gradually in public, exploring time, repetition, care and the relationship between artistic and everyday labour.
For Lilli Jahilo, the project became the starting point for creating a collection that could exist within this world without simply becoming an extension of the artwork. Instead, Lilli approached Estna’s visual language as a source of inspiration — translating its energy, colours, forms and sense of femininity into her own design vocabulary.
The result is a collection of more than 20 looks and 30–40 individual pieces, including dresses, corsets, manteaux, trousers, jackets, collars and accessories. Sculptural silhouettes and signature details are combined with a palette punctuated by deep red, while fabrics range from cotton seersucker and broderie anglaise to quilted satin, moiré, velvet, mikado and lace.
Explore the Lilli Jahilo x Merike Estna collection here.
Supporting the Estonian Pavilion
For Maison Lilli Jahilo, this collaboration is also an opportunity to contribute to Estonia’s presence at one of the world’s most important contemporary art events.
Lilli Jahilo is proud to support the Estonian Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, alongside the artists, curators and creative partners who have brought The House of Leaking Sky to life.
For an Estonian fashion house, being part of this project carries a particular significance. It brings together two disciplines that have long been close to our practice — fashion and contemporary art — while allowing an Estonian designer and an Estonian artist to share a creative dialogue on an international stage.
Join us in Venice
If your autumn plans take you to Venice, we would be delighted to welcome you to the Estonian Pavilion on 2 October 2026 at 17.00 for a special presentation of The House of Leaking Sky.
During the approximately 1.5-hour programme, Merike Estna, Estonian Pavilion commissioner Maria Arusoo (CCA) and Lilli Jahilo will share the story behind the exhibition and the collaboration — from the first conversations and artistic inspiration to the creation of the collection and its life in Venice.
After the official programme, we will continue the evening in the pavilion’s courtyard with a glass of wine and an opportunity to meet, talk and spend time together in a more informal setting.
2 October 2026
17.00
Estonian Pavilion
Calle San Domenico 1285, Venice
The pavilion is located close to the Giardini and remains open to visitors throughout the Venice Biennale until 22 November 2026.
Register for the Lilli Jahilo x Merike Estna evening here.
We hope to see you in Venice — at the place where this extraordinary chapter of Lilli Jahilo’s work first came to life.
