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From art to Finnish

Posted on 01/03/2014 by faccadmin in News

A GLIMPSE through the window of a typical home in Finland can paint a vibrant picture of the Nordic nation’s creative history.

In the kitchen there’s certain to be a boldly patterned table setting from Arabia, the ceramics house that has been supplying Finland with its crockery since 1873. The glasses on the family dining table are likely to have been handcrafted by Iittala, the country’s oldest glass manufacturer. The living room may reveal a chair or stool from Alvar Aalto, a prolific architect and designer, primarily in the 1930s, who’s famous for everything from theatres to tea-carts (his famous curved Aalto Vase may also be sitting prettily on a Scandi-chic sideboard).

Throw open the wardrobe and the boldly patterned garments of Marimekko, the textile house that has been clothing fashionable Finns since 1951, are sure to occupy a hanger or two.

Design is fundamental to Finland’s heritage, with form and function considered to be of equal importance – household items must not simply be user-friendly but beautiful, and accessible to all. Much-loved pieces are handed down through generations; designers such as Marimekko and Aalto are celebrated as national heroes.

It’s little wonder Finland’s capital, Helsinki, was voted World Design Capital in 2012, beating the stylish likes of Berlin and Copenhagen to become the first northern European city to claim the title.

Design District Logo

The Design District logo. Picture: Michelle Rowe

The Helsinki Design District – a creative cluster covering about 1sq km in the heart of the city – was created in 2005 and offers an accessible introduction to classic and contemporary designers and the opportunity to buy original pieces direct from the source.

There are more than 200 businesses, from boutiques and galleries to design hotels, workshops and museums; its members are identified by a round black-and-white Design District window sticker.

This compact city is perfect for walking and Esplanade Park, adjacent to Helsinki’s popular harbourside market, is my starting point. Armed with a Design District map – a fold-out guide that gives the location of each member on a grid (there’s also a free app) – I plan my route down the main “design streets” – Erottajankatu; Uudenmaankatu; Iso Roobertinkatu; and Korkeauvuorenkatu.

The streets flanking the park – Pohjoisesplanadi and Etelaesplanadi – are alone worth a few hours’ exploration. Marimekko’s flagship store is in front of the park on Pohjoisesplanadi; a few doors down is Iittala’s main outlet (perfect for stocking up on pretty votive candleholders or distinctive Oiva Toikka glass birds). There’s also an Aarikka store, which specialises in statement chunky wooden jewellery and homewares from artist Kaija Aarikka, who founded the company in 1954.

On the opposite side of the park is the holy grail of furniture, Artek, an expansive gallery-style space packed with classic designs from Aalto (who established the store with his wife Aino and other partners in 1935) and his peers, including Aalto’s iconic three-legged stacking stool.

Also on display are Paimio Armchairs, designed by Aalto for the Paimio Sanatorium in the 30s to help tuberculosis sufferers breathe easily as they sat (although I find it hard to imagine how this uncomfortable- looking cantilevered construction of bent plywood and laminated wood could have achieved its aim).

Marimekko Fabrics

Marimekko fabrics. Picture: Michelle Rowe

At the Marimekko flagship store, racks of women’s clothing, jewellery, children’s wear and endless bolts of material in familiar hues and patterns fill the ground floor. Everyone from Jackie Kennedy to the characters in television’s Sex and the City have been been photographed wearing Marimekko. Upstairs are boldly illustrated pencil cases and iPhone covers, bags, cushions and even shower curtains in Marimekko’s distinctive Unikko poppy print from the 60s. Brightly coloured oven mitts, socks, serviettes and umbrellas would make small but perfectly adorned souvenirs.

As much as it’s hard to leave the big-name design houses, the lesser-known operators within the Design District provide some of the most exciting finds. The excellent Design Forum Shop, a five-minute walk from Artek, is great for identifying up-and-coming creatives.

Design Forum Shop

Design Forum Shop in Helsinki. Picture: Michelle Rowe

Established by the Finnish Society of Craft and Design to encourage emerging talent, the store features myriad homewares, from exquisite, eggshell-thin ceramics and pretty tea-towels to edgy streetwear, gift cards and wrapping paper, even designer sports goods. Its small cafe is a good place to rest and refuel; sweet tooths will love the cake buffet, an all-you-can-eat extravaganza featuring the likes of lemon meringue pie, blueberry cheesecake, choux pastries and carrot cake for €11.90 ($18).

For cutting-edge fashions, head for the flagship IvanaHelsinki boutique on Uudenmaankatu. Helsinki-born Paola Suhonen’s brand is widely regarded as the modern-day Marimekko; her bold designs have gained worldwide recognition and become collectors’ items among Finns.

IvanaHelsinki Boutique

Staff member Maija Mero with some designs in IvanaHelsinki boutique. Picture: Michelle Rowe

This sleek boutique features multimedia installations of Suhonen’s collections (the designer also works as a Hollywood director) and her most popular prints have been exhibited in the nearby Design Museum.

Shoe designer Minna Parikka, meanwhile, is making waves around the corner from Marimekko with her out-there footwear. Helsinki-born Parikka has created individual pieces for the likes of Lady Gaga, and her window display features platform heels so sparkly and whimsical I half expect to see Judy Garland in a pair, clicking her heels and shouting, “There’s no place like home!”

Unlike Suhonen and Parikka, designer Sirpa Linnanmaki hasn’t hit the international stage, but her small, ecologically-minded store, Pore, a hike from the park down Korkeavuorenkatu, is equally worth a visit. Pick up brightly coloured Nepalese cushions, repurposed oriental carpets, organic tea-towels and other eco-sensitive pieces.

Sirpa Linnanmaki Designs

Sirpa Linnanmaki in Pore. Picture: Michelle Rowe

A stone’s throw away, Tikau is another small business with a heart, providing disadvantaged women in India with an income by combining Finnish designs with local production to create bamboo light-fittings, bangles, cushions and placemats.

After nearly a full day exploring, I have made barely a dent in my wish list. I make a note to return to the Design Museum and the Popot Sneaker Store (if my search for an attractive version of the world’s ugliest footwear doesn’t end here, I’ll give up hope), plus Taito (for traditional arts and crafts without a hint of kitsch).

In the meantime, I have stocked up on a set of pretty striped eggcups from Iittala, a one-off ceramic bowl from the Design Forum Shop and even a vibrant dress from Marimekko.

A few more additions to the line-up and my Sydney home may soon be in danger of being mistaken for a fashionable Finnish family pad.

This piece was written by Michelle Rowe, Deputy Travel Editor, Travel & Indulgence, The Australian and originally ran in Travel & Indulgence, The Weekend Australian on Saturday, 1 March 2014.  Michelle Rowe was a guest of Finnair, Visit Helsinki and 50 Degrees North.

www.theaustralian.com.au/travel

www.finnair.com/au

www.fiftydegreesnorth.com

www.visithelsinki.fi/en

www.designdistrict.fi/news

 

50 Degrees North, Australia, Design Forum Shop, Finland, Finnair, Helsinki, Helsinki Design District, IvanaHelsinki, Marimekko, Pore, Sirpa Linnanmaki, The Australian Read More

A rich history, a brilliant future – Finnair celebrates its 90th anniversary

Posted on 01/11/2013 by faccadmin in News

Finnair celebrates its 90th anniversary on Friday, 1 November 2013. The world’s fifth-oldest airline still in operation, Finnair was established in 1923. Today, Finnair specialises in flights between Europe and Asia, offering direct connections from Helsinki to over 60 European destinations and 13 Asian destinations. Over eight million passengers per year fly on Finnair’s modern Airbus fleet.

“We build on a legacy of building better connections between Europe and Asia and our vision of doubling our Asian revenue by 2020″, says CEO Pekka Vauramo.

Finnair will celebrate its 90 years of flying in various ways. As one of the special events to mark its jubilee year, Finnair will distribute a special Finnair-themed edition of the Donald Duck comic book to all passengers on long-haul flights on Friday, 1 November. Finnair has also commissioned a special batch of posters by Finnish graphic designer Erik Bruun to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

As part of the jubilee year, Finnair has renewed its service concept and now uses tableware and textiles designed by Marimekko for Finnair on all flights in both Business and Economy Class. In addition, Finnair launched cooperation with two renowned Finnish chefs, Pekka Terävä and Tomi Björck, in September. The entertainment systems of Finnair’s aircraft have also been upgraded, nearly doubling the selection of entertainment on long-haul flights with 72 films and over 150 television programmes available in both Business and Economy class.

Finnair is harmonising its fleet and became the first airline to take delivery of the new Airbus 321 Sharklet aircraft in September. Finnair is also installing new, fully reclining seats in most of its long-haul fleet from January 2014 onwards.

In spring 2014, Finnair will open a new Premium Lounge at Helsinki Airport. The Premium Lounge will be located next to the existing Finnair Lounge between gates 36 and 37 in the non-Schengen area and will complement its services. As part of the renewal, a sauna and private showers will be opened between the lounges, and a new tax free shop will be opened in front of the existing Finnair Lounge.

Finnair has received international recognition in its anniversary year: Finnair became the first airline to be selected in the Leadership Index of the global Carbon Disclosure Project on carbon dioxide emissions. Finnair is also the only Nordic airline to be awarded four stars by Skytrax, and it has been named Northern Europe’s Best Airline at the World Airline Awards for the last four years. In addition, it was recently named Best European Airline at the annual TTG Travel Awards. Finnair is a member of oneworld alliance, which is formed by the world’s leading airlines.

Follow Finnair’s historic journey by watching special videos celebrating the airline’s 90th anniversary at www.youtube.com/finnair

90th Anniversary, A321, A350, Airbus, Asia, Australia, Best European Airline, Finland, Finnair, Marimekko, Sharklets, Skytrax Read More

Finnair and Marimekko Launch Design Collaboration

Posted on 10/11/2012 by faccadmin in News

Finnair and Finnish design house Marimekko are teaming up to enhance the air travel experience with a new design partnership. From spring 2013 all Finnair aircraft will feature a Marimekko for Finnair collection of textiles and tableware, featuring Marimekko’s classic patterns. The Marimekko for Finnair collection is specially designed to add a light and fresh visual and tactile dimension to the onboard experience, while lightening the airline’s carbon footprint as well.

Marimekko TeapotTwo of Finnair’s long-haul aircraft will also wear livery based on Marimekko designs. An Airbus A340 featuring Maija Isola’s iconic Unikko floral print from 1964 is already operating between Helsinki and Finnair’s Asian destinations, and it will be followed by another aircraft in Marimekko livery in spring 2013.

“Finnair has a strong design heritage, and this cooperation brings our design thinking to a new level,” says Mika Vehviläinen, Finnair CEO. “Our goal is to become a design airline, and bring our customers unique experiences for all five senses. Cooperation with Marimekko is an important step towards this target. Finnair aircraft will become roving ambassadors of timeless Finnish design and creativity, giving our customers a special experience when they fly with us.”

Finnair Marimekko Livery”We hope that Marimekko’s sympathetic Unikko poppy flowers flying up in the sky as well as our other iconic prints as a part of the in-flight experience bring joy to people around the world,” says Mika Ihamuotila, Marimekko CEO. “Lately, we have wanted to connect Marimekko’s colourful design and fashion with surprising parties and forms of art, such as ballet, modern dance or visual arts. Now it is time to do something unforeseen up in the sky. I believe that the Marimekko and Finnair design collaboration will bring to hectic and often grey air travel joy, peace of mind and beautiful memories.”

During the three-year collaboration, an exclusive selection of Marimekko design products are also available for Finnair customers in in-flight sales and the Finnair Plus Shop.

In addition to adding value to the customer experience, both companies look forward to the collaboration helping build more awareness of their brands. Both companies have a long established presence in Japan but are growing rapidly in other Asian markets, China in particular.

“Finnair is a natural partner for Marimekko, as in my opinion it has been the first airline in the world to lift up design and place it strongly at the center of its service,” continues Ihamuotila. “With our collaboration we want to show how design can help improve the well-being of people in different moments of life. Furthermore, our design collaboration with Finnair supports our growth strategy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, which is one of Marimekko’s key market areas.”

Marimekko Cup“Both of these brands are about bringing positivity, high quality and peace of mind to customers,” adds Vehviläinen. “We believe this collaboration will help generate new experiences and lasting, positive memories for a whole new generation of Finnair passengers in Asia.”

About Finnair

Finnair is specialised in fast connections between Europe and Asia via Helsinki. The airline carries more than eight million passengers annually and connects 11 cities in Asia with more than 50 destinations in Europe. Finnair, a pioneer in sustainable flying, operates a young, modern fleet and is the first airline ever to place in the worldwide Carbon Disclosure Project’s Leadership Index. The only Nordic carrier with a 4-star Skytrax ranking, Finnair has also won the World Airline Award for Best Airline Northern Europe for the past three years running. Finnair is a member of the oneworld alliance.

About Marimekko

Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned first and foremost for its original prints and colors. The company designs and manufactures high-quality household goods ranging from interior decoration textiles to tableware as well as clothing, bags, and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unprecedented printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. In 2011, sales of the company’s brands were some EUR 170 million with net sales of EUR 77 million. At the end of the year, there were 90 Marimekko stores. The key markets are North America, Northern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group has about 500 employees. Marimekko’s shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.

Finland, Finnair, Maija Isola, Marimekko, Unikko Read More

Marimekko brings its bold colours and patters to Sydney and Melbourne

Posted on 30/08/2012 by faccadmin in News

Some sixty years ago, Marimekko revolutionised the textile industry in Finland with its bold and brilliant, unconventional prints. At first, Marimekko was a phenomenon. Then it grew into an outlook on life: courageous, egalitarian and positive. Its strikingly inventive patterns and clever use of colour translated into strong contemporary collections of home décor, clothing and accessories. Ever since, it has flourished in the boundary between art and design.

Marimekko celebrates a rich and colourful history in Australia – its groundbreaking designs first arrived here in the early 1960s. Now, following the recent opening of stores in New York, Boston, Hong Kong and more, Marimekko brings its striking point of view to Sydney and Melbourne in October-­‐November. Both locations, the Sydney flagship and the Melbourne store, will feature the entire range of Marimekko products, from signature fashions to home furnishings.

The 300 sqm Sydney flagship is located in the heart of the city at 66 King Street adjacent to Louis Vuitton and Apple. The store was designed by Marimekko’s store design team and the Tokyo architecture firm IMA who are behind, among others, the Marimekko flagships in Helsinki and New York. Both lower level and mezzanine maintain the art deco integrity of the building and neighbourhood while elevating its mood. With eight-­‐metre ceilings and great natural light, the store will showcase the whole world of Marimekko at its best.

The Melbourne store is in the fashion heart of the city at 576 Chapel Street. With over 200 sqm of space on one level, Marimekko will bring even more colour to an already vibrant area.

“We are thrilled to open two unique sites. The King and George Street precinct is burgeoning with innovative brands and we are happy to bring Marimekko’s bold and joyful designs there. The opening of these two stores is a significant step for us as we aim to build Marimekko a stronger presence in Australia,” says Paul Alvarez, Retail Manager of Marimekko Australia.

Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-­‐quality interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in approximately 40 countries. In 2011, brand sales of Marimekko products worldwide amounted to approximately EUR 170 million and the company’s net sales were EUR 77 million. The number of Marimekko stores totalled 90 at the year end. The key markets are North America, Northern Europe and the Asia-­‐Pacific region. The Group employs around 500 people. The company’s share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com

Apple, Finland, Finnish textile, Louis Vuitton, Marimekko, Marimekko Australia, Melbourne, Sydney Read More

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