iittala: Traditional Finnish design with a modern twist
iittala: Internationally renowned glassware from Finland
Iittala stands for timeless and traditional design, sustainability and a strong design language. The brand is particularly well known for Finnish design classics such as the Alvar Aalto or Savoy vase. What began as a small Finnish glass company is now one of the most successful design companies in Scandinavia. Iittala’s iconic glassware in particular is internationally recognised.
iittala: Collections
Teema
Elegant and functional crockery
The Teema collection includes crockery for all meals and occasions. The design is rather puristic and practical. Nevertheless, the style is characterised by the expressive design language. The aim of the collection is to make aesthetic, functional and durable design accessible to everyone. The pieces in the Teema collection are available in many different colours.
Kastehelmi
Imaginative glassware
The Kastehelmi collection is particularly well known for its lanterns. However, plates, glasses and even cake stands are also available in this design. In contrast to the otherwise purist perspective of the Scandinavian style, the pieces in the Kastehelmi series are rather imaginative and playful. The glassware works with protruding dots of different sizes, which give the pieces an interesting feel.
Aino Aalto Kollektion
Inspired by water
The Aino Aalto collection includes glassware such as bowls, glasses and glass jugs. However, the Aino Aalto glasses are particularly popular. The series is inspired by the waves of a stone thrown into the water. The Aino Aalto collection thus embodies one of the basic principles of classic Finnish design: images of nature combined with the simplicity of the Scandinavian style.
Alvar Aalto Collection
The Finnish classics
The Alvar Aalto Collection mainly comprises versions of the famous Aalto vase, also known as the Savoy vase. It is the symbol of Finnish design. The term is not only the name of the designer, but also means ‘wave’ in Finnish. The design of the vase is based on this. It therefore also embodies an image of nature and thus an important Finnish design principle. The Alvar Aalto Collection includes many different versions and designs of the vase. The similarly shaped Alvar Aalto bowl is also available in this collection.
iittala: From a small glass factory to an iconic design brand
Founded in 1881 from a small Finnish glass company, iittala is now one of the largest Finnish design companies. The name comes from the small Finnish village of Iittala near Hämeenlinna, where the company was founded. After the glassware was first traditionally blown and pressed, Iittala switched to functional tableware and decorative items at the beginning of the 20th century.
The purist style of the 1930s and 1940s helped Iittala achieve its breakthrough. The design label worked with up-and-coming Finnish designers such as Aino and Alvar Aalto, whose pieces are now part of the Scandinavian cult and are constantly being reissued. One example of this is the famous Aalto or Savoy vase, which today symbolises Scandinavian design. The aim is to create appealing, functional and long-lasting designs. Sustainability is one of iittala’s most important principles.
iittala: Designer
Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto is one of the most famous Scandinavian designers of all time. Born in 1898, the Finn began to make a name for himself in the architecture and design industry in the 1920s. His architectural works include large Scandinavian museums, university buildings and residential buildings. In the interior design sector, he is particularly well known for his household and decorative objects. He has always worked closely with his wife Aino, who also worked as a designer. His designs at iittala include the Aalto bowl, the Aalto tray and of course the Aalto vase, also known as the Savoy vase.
Aino Aalto
Born in 1884, Aino Aalto took a job in the architecture firm of her future husband Alvar Aalto after studying architecture. The two worked together until her death in 1949. Her best-known works include glass pieces, which were considered particularly innovative and trend-setting for the design industry at the time. However, she also designed buildings, furniture, textiles and interiors. In 1936, she was awarded the Grand Prix for Architecture and the Gold Medal for Glassware. Her designs for iittala include the Aino Aalto glasses, bowls and plates, whose design is based on the waves of a stone thrown into the water.
Kaj Franck
Kaj Franck was born in 1911 and is one of the most important Finnish names when it comes to crockery design. He set himself the goal of creating a balance between the two extremes of simple stoneware and elegant service sets. This inspired him to have his crockery mass-produced in order to make stylish tableware available to everyone. He emphasised reduced design and expressive shapes. His designs for iittala include the Teema tableware series and the Kartio glassware series. In addition to his work as a designer, Kaj Franck was a professor at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. Today there is even the Kaj Franck Design Prize.
Oiva Toikka
Oiva Toikka is also one of the great names in Finnish design. Born in 1931, his career began in the 1950s. His pieces are special above all because their design deviates from the typical Scandinavian style. They tend to be less minimalist and purist and more imaginative and playful. His designs at iittala include the Kastehelmi series, which includes lanterns, glasses and even tea towels. The Finnish designer, artist and fashion designer has also worked in interior design and has received numerous awards, such as the Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugene Medal.