Iittala

Iittala is a renowned Finnish design brand that has been a benchmark for excellence in the field of glassware and home goods for over a century, with its products being showcased at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The company's commitment to innovative design has led to collaborations with esteemed designers such as Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck, and Tapio Wirkkala, resulting in iconic pieces like the Savoy Vase and the Ultima Thule series. Iittala's dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned it a reputation as a leader in the industry, with its products being used by Air France, Finnair, and other prominent companies. The brand's influence can be seen in the work of other notable designers, such as Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames, who have been inspired by Iittala's innovative approach to design.

● History

Iittala's history dates back to 1881, when the company was founded in the village of Iittala, Finland, near the city of Helsinki. During the early years, the company produced a range of glass products, including candlesticks, vases, and tumblers, which were designed by notable designers such as Gunnar Cyren and Timothy White. In the 1930s, Iittala began to focus on more modern and functional designs, which were influenced by the Bauhaus movement and the work of designers like László Moholy-Nagy and Walter Gropius. This shift in focus led to the creation of iconic pieces like the Aalto Vase, which was designed by Alvar Aalto and has become a symbol of Finnish design. Iittala's products have been exhibited at numerous international exhibitions, including the Milan Triennale and the World's Fair, and have been recognized with awards such as the Good Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.

● Products

Iittala's product range includes a wide variety of glassware, ceramics, and home goods, such as plates, bowls, glasses, and vases. The company is particularly famous for its glassware, which is known for its simplicity, functionality, and beauty, and has been used by prominent companies like Nokia and Marimekko. Iittala's products are designed to be both functional and decorative, making them suitable for everyday use as well as for special occasions, and have been featured in the collections of museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. The company's products have also been used in various hotels, restaurants, and bars, including the Hotel Kämp and the Savoy Hotel, and have been recognized for their excellence by organizations like the International Interior Design Association and the American Society of Interior Designers.

● Designers

Iittala has collaborated with many renowned designers over the years, including Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck, Tapio Wirkkala, and Oiva Toikka, who have all made significant contributions to the company's product range. These designers have been influenced by a range of styles and movements, including Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and Scandinavian design, and have worked with other notable designers like Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames. Iittala's designers have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Prince Eugen Medal and the Kaj Franck Design Prize, and have been featured in exhibitions at museums like the Design Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design. The company's commitment to innovative design has led to the creation of iconic pieces like the Savoy Vase and the Ultima Thule series, which have become synonymous with Finnish design and have been used by companies like Air France and Finnair.

● Manufacturing

Iittala's manufacturing process is characterized by a strong emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, with many of the company's products being made by skilled artisans who have been trained at institutions like the University of Art and Design Helsinki and the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. The company uses a range of materials, including glass, ceramic, and wood, which are sourced from suppliers like Saint-Gobain and Umicore. Iittala's manufacturing facilities are located in Finland and other countries, and the company has implemented various sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using renewable energy and recycling materials. The company's commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it recognition from organizations like the International Organization for Standardization and the World Wildlife Fund.

● Company

Iittala is a subsidiary of the Fiskars group, a Finnish company that was founded in 1649 and is one of the oldest companies in Finland. Iittala is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and the company has a global presence, with products being sold in stores and online around the world, including at retailers like Macy's and Bloomingdale's. The company has a strong commitment to innovation and design, and has collaborated with other companies like Artek and Marimekko to create new and innovative products. Iittala's products have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Good Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award, and have been featured in exhibitions at museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The company's influence can be seen in the work of other notable designers, such as Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames, who have been inspired by Iittala's innovative approach to design. Category:Design companies