Helsinki has been officially designated the honour of World Design Capital for 2012 and we are thrilled. This Finnish capital has long been a mecca for design aficionados, but it's wonderful to see it finally get the credit it deserves!
Light show on Helsinki Cathedral
Back in the 90s, a group of über creatives were drawn to the rough charm and low rents of the west of downtown Helsinki so decided to set up shop and call it their own... The Design District of Helsinki was born.
Minna Parikka in her shop in the Design District in Helsinki
In the heart of the Design District, where cutting edge boutiques and studios abound, you can often find the creative minds behind the wares on hand, ready to provide personalised advice. One example is designer Minna Parikka and her extravagant shoes (pictured above) which are popular with the likes of Lady Gaga and Dita von Teese.
This is not to say that Finnish designers are contemporary new kids on the block. Au contraire! Much of this Nordic country's design success is rooted in a very well established portfolio, one that has held its ground for decades.
The timeless Aalto vase
Not so long ago, I posted about Finnish fave Alvar Aalto and a book about his architectural achievements which show no signs of diminishing in popularity. But like so many of his prolific counterparts, he is equally famous for his vase, pictured above.
Kartio glassware collection by Kaj Franck and the Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio
Other Finnish favourites include Kaj Franck and his seminal glassware (left), Eero Aarnio and his coveted Ball Chair (right) and so many other classics to be found under the famous Iittala and Artek design houses.
Klippan sofa in Unikko Red by Marimekko from the Bemz Designer Collection
Of course, our favourite would have to be Finnish cult brand Marimekko. Global recognition was cemented back at the start of the 60s for this textile giant, when Jackie Kennedy wore a Marimekko shift dress on the cover of Life magazine. They've never looked back.
What is the secret of these Finnish masters' success? Three words: beautiful, functional and timeless. Who's your favourite Finnish designer?
Never mind the shoes, I'd love to know where Minna Parikka got those fabulous keyhole mirrors?!
Posted by: Hannah from Plumbs | January 23, 2012 at 12:15 PM
IITTALA, please :-)
with 2 T:s and 1 L (appearing in the text under Franck's glassware and Aarnio's Ball Chair)
Posted by: Tove Jern | January 26, 2012 at 02:52 PM
Oops! Thanks for pointing that out Tove!! I've fixed it now.
Christie
Posted by: Christie at Bemz | January 27, 2012 at 10:21 AM