Finnish Design Blog

I came across a great article by Laura Stadler-Jensen in the Copenhagen Exclusive about where Scandinavian design is headed in the future. So much is talked about the classic designs influenced by the greats like Alvar Aalto and Ovia Toikka, but where is Scandinavian design headed and who will be the next acclaimed designer? This article starts to address this issue.

Alvar Aalto has graced the world with his original architecture, his world renowned savoy vase, and spectacular furniture pieces — all which have won countless industry awards and gained world recognition. Alvar Aalto can add to his accolades as he has received yet another honor as a university is to be named after the great architect beginning next year. Preparations are currently underway for Aalto University to open a year from today. Aalto University will be comprised of three current Helsinki schools - the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. The mission of the university is to become one of the leading research institutions in the world by 2020. Read more.

Finnish design is often known for its simple and timeless designs in fashion (Marimekko), product (iittala), and architecture (Aalto). A recent Associated Press article reiterates the love affair and the resurgence of Finland’s ‘new school’ designers…read article

As we continue in “sharing the spirit of Finland” (this year’s FinnFest 2008 tagline), all of us at FinnishGifts.com are excited to release this year’s limited edition FinnFest 2008 Oiva Toikka glass bird prior to the July FinnFest date for our collectors!

Every year Oiva Toikka designs a commemorative bird for the Finnish-American gathering. Oiva has a strong bond with the U.S. and he seems to relish this annual design challenge. This year is no exception as his world-renowned talent has brought us the stunning Common Redpoll.

The Common Redpoll is a limited edition piece as only 1,250 of these Iittala glass birds were produced exclusively for FinnFest 2008.

Artist Oiva Toikka discusses how he got started designing his now famous glass birds for Iittala.

An interesting video found at the Artek Culture Lab featuring Alvar Aalto Furniture.

Thanks to Chris and the MIMA Search Marketing site for mentioning us. Chris posts a “Guess the Internet Marketing Site” game every Friday and we were the lucky winners this week. Thanks, Chris!

See our blog mentioned on the Yahoo! Store Blog. Thanks to Paul for inviting us to participate!http://ystoreblog.com/blog/2007/07/finnish-gifts-blog-interview/

On September 18, 2006, FinnStyle opened its new doors at Gaviidae Common, in the center of Minneapolis downtown retail. In the popular Gaviidae skyway, thousands of shoppers will have the opportunity to experience modern Finnish design every day. No other store outside of Finland offers the breadth and depth of products from both the well-established producers—like iittala and Marimekko—as well as the works of up-and-coming young Finnish designers.

FinnStyle is a premier retailer of modern Finnish design. With one of the largest selections of Finnish merchandise in the U.S., FinnStyle features timeless designs from world-renowned design houses such as Marimekko and iittala. Their large variety of products includes home accents, tableware, gifts, glassware, fabrics, bedding, bags, jewelry and more.

Services include gift wrapping, worldwide shipping, and a full-service online gift registry. Read more at FinnStyle.com.

Spice up your kitchen with this bold, blue apron from Marimekko. The fun Unikko flower patterns will let you create your next dish in style and the convenient front pouch and length of this blue apron also make it extremely practical. The Marimekko Unikko blue apron is made from 100% cotton and is machine washable.