Proving Nordic design is still going strong, Finnish design studio Vallila premiered its latest collection at Maison&Objet this year including bed linen, kitchen textiles, pillows and rugs.
Featuring fresh and colourful prints, the company’s design philosophy centres around the idea that good design should be fun and playful, never taking itself too seriously.
“That sense of joy that we try to bring to our audience through our designs is essential to Vallila’s success,” says chairman of the board, Anne Berner.
Starting out as a producer of silk fabric in 1935, American designer and artist, Howard Smith, created many of the patterns for Vallila in the ‘70s, laying the foundation for the large, bold prints that remain a signature of the family-owned business’ designs today.
Today, the company continues to collaborate with guest designers. The latest partnership is with Finnish fashion label Minna Parikka, whose fun and bold designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.
Her signature collection with Vallila includes three new designs: Papillo, Pupulus and Universum.
“As a designer, I am a dreamer and an escapist. My designs give a glimpse of my idea of nature and environments—or maybe the combination of real and unreal environments,” she explains.
“Vallila’s in-house design team has an excellent ability to translate my ideas into actual fabrics and other products. The designs exactly describe the world I envisioned and dreamed upon, to the smallest detail.”
Papillo comes in three colourways and includes curtains, shower curtains, cushion covers, tote bags, bed linen and coffee mugs; Pupulus is available in two colourways and features mugs, bed linen and curtains; and Universum, in one colourway, comes in fabric and curtains.
“The Minna Parikka with Vallila Collection combines the world view of a truly original designer and Vallila’s handwriting. Together we have made a bold statement with a very special and innovative collection,” adds Berner.
By Marion Gerritsen
