Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The godfather of Finnish design, Kaj Franck (1911-89) took ideas from traditional rus-
tic clothing for his pared-back creations, but it was the birth and rapid rise to prominence
of Marimekko, founded in 1951, that made an international impact. Optimistic, colourful
and well-made, it bucked contemporary trends, focusing on a simple and unashamed
beauty. Though the company went through a difficult period, it's back at the top these
days, as the retro appeal of its classic shirts, bags, curtains and fabrics fills wardrobes with
flowers once again.
Other well-established Finnish names include Aarikka, whose wooden jewellery and
other accessories have always had a cheerily reassuring solidity and honesty, and Kalevala
Koru, a byword for quality silver and gold jewellery. Pentik's wide range of interior design
and homeware products includes the recent Saaga range, inspired by the designs of Sámi
shaman drums.
One of the biggest and most versatile names on the Finnish design scene is Stefan Lind-
fors, whose reptile- and insect-inspired work has been described as a warped update of
Aalto's own nature-influenced work.
FINNISH DESIGN CLASSICS
Artek's Aalto chairs. To think that we take bent wood for granted in our furniture these
days.
The Iittala vase. Yes, Aalto again. Whether or not it actually resembles an Inuit woman's
leather pants, it's undeniably a classic.
An Unikko bed sheet from Marimekko. Who doesn't dream better under those upbeat red
poppies?
1930s ringed tumblers designed by Aino Aalto - you'll drink your breakfast juice out of
one of them within a couple of days of your arrival.
Marttiini knives, which are made way up north at Rovaniemi and are still first choice for
outdoors folk 80 years after they were first produced.
The Newcomers
A strong design tradition tends to produce good young designers and Finland's education
system is strong on fostering creativity, so Suomi is churning them out at a fair rate. New
names, ranges and shops crop up in Helsinki's design district like mushrooms overnight,
and exciting contemporary design is being produced on all fronts. Fennofolk is the name
