You may remember Annika from previous posts; if not, please allow me to reintroduce her. 🙂 She’s one of my very best friends and along with the long list of things that make her unique, she’s also Finnish!
Annika and I met in my second year of architecture school, and we’ve been best friends for approximately 7 years now. I can turn to Annika in hard times and she’s someone that I laugh with as well. We speak without talking, and when I talk too much she tells me to be quiet. 😉 She’s someone that I can always count on and rely on for an honest opinion. I love her. 🙂
Being around Annika and learning about her culture has exposed me to many wonderful things. If you know me, then you know (even by the title of my blog) that I love ALL things beautiful. The Finnish culture is full of such things.
There’s many recurring themes in the culture from their traditions to their valued objects. Today, I wanted to write about three new such things that I’ve become fascinated with: Marimekko, Iitala, and Moomin.
In architecture school, and in life too I suppose…I’ve always been inspired by objects and modern architecture. The designers of these brands have really affected me and I wanted to share!
I’ll start with Iitala. Iitala is a Finnish design company that specializes in modern housewares. <–Seriously?! I was in SO much trouble the first time I walked into a store that sold Iitala. I instantly fell in love with the quality, the color, and the minimal design.
Annika’s parents have just about every color glass Iitala makes in the votives. At night, they light them…and I can’t get over how beautiful they are:
Iitala: http://store.iittala.com
I don’t know about you, but I grew up LOVING Rainbow Bright. Yes, I did just admit that. I even dressed as her when I was a little girl for Halloween.
Well, in Finland, Moomin is the absolute cutest troll comic character created by a Finish-Swedish writer. Although I didn’t grow up with Moomin and am not nearly as familiar with the stories, I think he’s adorable!
Moomin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moomin
In college, Annika always had the coolest bags. She would stuff them and sling them over her shoulder..bringing them wherever she went. They were functional and fashion forward. We were jealous!
Clothes, bags, fabrics….all of these bags are designed with colorful and simple patterns. Marimekko truly has it all. The below pattern is actually one that I purchased. It’s approximately 8 ft tall and 5 ft wide…and I have every intention of having this fabric placed onto a frame and hung in my dining room. 🙂
I wanted so badly to branch out into the brightly colored patterns…as this is what Marimekko is known for, but…no. I stuck to my favorite: the neutral palette. Either way, color or no color..their patterns are incredible.
Marimekko: http://www.marimekko.com/
I hope these three brands have inspired you and left you with the same feeling of excitement as they did for me! 🙂
Have a wonderful Monday!
Live Simply, Love Freely,
Catherine
