F2FF Style

What is a Fatboy and Would you Want One?

2011-02-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

Apparently, a Fatboy is not (clue being the fact that the word starts with a capital letter!) a fat boy! But it is, among other things, a person – i.e., musician Fatboy Slim (aka Norman Quentin Cook); a motorcycle – i.e., Fatboy (“a V-Twin powered Softail series motorcycle produced by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company” in 1990); and our favorite – Fatboy furniture (“a whole family of joyful products from bags to different lounge chairs, made for relaxing and enjoying the comforts of life.”)

Designed by Jukka Setälä (photo: left), recipient of Receiver of Best New Furniture in Europe 2006 and Excellent Design by the Norwegian Design Council, and a teacher of furniture design at the University of Art and Design Helsinki since 1999, the Fatboy chair is: “perfect for all spaces, from kids’ rooms to offices. Even your dog will love it. This will be the bean bag you cannot wait to dive into when you get home. Made out of heavy duty nylon, this attention-grabber has been voted the best new piece of furniture in Europe and is a constant favorite at all kinds of events, from summer festivals to conventions and sports events.”

A favorite at “summer festivals to conventions and sports events?” Well, I don’t quite see that, do you? I mean, a little difficult to cart around wouldn’t you think? An SUV maybe, or a truck? So where do you put the kids? And the sports bags? And the cooler?

Whirling, Swirling, Cool & Clean – Valio & Korpi Ice Cream Dream!

2009-05-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

SEK DESIGN (a division of SEK & GREY, which is a division of GREY GLOBAL) came up with this stunning commercial featuring Finnish Figure Skating Champion (photo: left) Kiira Korpi (Olympics 2008 contender) for their client VALIO, which they call “the largest dairy company in Finland,” and “the market leader in all key dairy product groups and a world-class pioneer in developing functional foods…The Valio Vanilla brand was successfully launched in the indulgence category, with the message ‘Remember to pamper yourself’. The design emphasizes the features characteristic to the brand and its products: deliciousness, softness and indulgence.”

Doesn’t this commercial just make you want to run right out and buy some Valio Vanilla ice cream? Well, you just might be able to find it in your home town. Valio has subsidiaries in over 60 countries worldwide!

In the USA, Finlandia Cheese (a Valio subsidiary) products are sold at Costco. Don’t know about the ice cream. But if you go to the FC website, you can download a coupon and save $1 on your next purchase! And hey – if you’re really keen – send the Valio CEOs an email and badger them to market the product in your neighborhood!!! OR NOT!

Minna Parikka Shoes: Bows, Hearts, Ribbons and Fruity Colours

2009-01-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

Minna Parikka, whose shoes and bags have a worldwide market - 10 countries and 4 continents - is probably the youngest, and certainly one of Finland's most successful fashion designers. At 28, she is just beginning to build her empire!

How did she climb to these dazzling heights?

Minna admits to having had a “footwear fetish” from the age of 15. By the time she was into her early teens, her career path was clear. Success, however, didn’t come without effort and application. She studied footwear design in the UK and with the growing success of her ‘Minna Parikka’ line (launched in 2005), she continues to travel around the world seeking inspiration for new designs.

“From sweet and girly flats to glamour-girl wedges”, says Minna, “ to mile-high heels for the naughty seductress, there’s something for every leading lady. Get ready to fall in love”.

Minna Parikka's collection is available on her web boutique.

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaF1O6kq6SI
(Minna Parikka Shoe A/W 2008 Collection)

Paola Suhonen and IVANAhelsinki

2009-01-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

Paola Suhonen (left), designer of Finnish women's wear label IVANAhelsinki, is one of the first Scandinavian designers to do a major catwalk show in Paris (today's video gem - right).

2008 was apparently the 'year of the Scandinavians' on the streets of Paris. In the summer, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs featured exhibitions of contemporary Finnish design, and hip boutiques around the city were stocking up on clothing lines by Finnish and Scandinavian designers.

There was definitely a buzz around the IVANAhelsinki line, perhaps because of what some fashion gurus are calling "ethical luxury", which translates into
"organic" fabrics, for example, as opposed to synthetics.

Fashion, it appears, is striving to be socially and ecologically responsible, and that is most assuredly 'a good thing!'

Suhonen's design style has been described as an "art-driven oddity". I agree. Many of her creations will likely live out their lives as pictures at an exhibition; that said, I like the fact that she approaches fashion with an artist's brush. I like the 'association of sensibilities' approach - her use of color, film, history, literature, ancient arts & crafts in the creative process, and I am sure she is aware that... well, art isn't always 'portable.' In other words, would your average Joe-Anne) wear it?

Who - me? A piece or two for special occasions? I definitely would - with some personal touches added! I am, in the end, grateful for the drama and poetry in Suhonen's line.

As Suhonen told one fashion reporter, "It's the return of beauty. We Finnish people are closer to poetry, in a way, than to commercial fashion."

Nevertheless, from the gallery, Ms. Suhonen - a question still arises! What's with the fringed footwear? If you're doing boots, you're thinking "brrrrr' - I am! This is fall/winter wear and we have bare legs. Some of your tops would, I think, have shown better with color-matched tights!

Ah well. Perhaps I'm being too prosaic.

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4iXTkgfoZE
(IVANAhelsinki Fall/Winter 2008 collection)

Who is Hanna Sarén?

2009-01-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

There's more than a bit of international 'buzz' about this zany Finnish fashion diva, and today's Video Gem (right) gives you a hint of why!

Hanna Sarén actually started out as a shoe designer, and only later ventured into clothing design. She made headlines when 'shoe freak' Carrie, on the hugely popular TV show Sex and the City, was seen wearing a pair shoes she had designed. The rest is history.

One of Finland's first independent boutique labels, Hanna Sarén today exports almost 70% of her company's production.

For more about Hanna Sarén, visit http://www.hannasaren.com/

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGuRqz9GKSI

Peter Nygård - Canadian Fashion Tycoon

2009-01-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

Canadian fashion executive Peter Nygård was born in Helsinki, Finland in 1943. He is Chairman of Nygård International (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), a women's wear manufacturing company. Mr. Nygård makes his home in the Bahamas.

Personally, I have never been a fan of Nygård's fashions; I find them somewhat dowdy! But I have to hand it to the guy - he sure knows how to sell his stuff...and himself. The Canadian Hugh Heffner?

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RthzWDRzrM

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Helsinki's New-ish Design District HIgh on Style!

2008-12-28T21:53:00.000-08:00

Design

There are high-end design stores around Aleksanterinkatu and Etelä-Esplanadi. The Design District Helsinki area around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu is full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, trend-setters and so much more. Visit Design Forum Finland [66] at Erottajankatu 7 to get a map of shops and galleries, or download it here: [67].

Aero, Yrjönkatu 8, [68]. New and vintage design furniture, lighting, textiles, jewelery, glass. Finnish designers represented include Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Not for the budget traveller.

Arabia Factory Shop. Hämeentie 135 (Tram 6 terminus), [69]. Factory outlet for Arabia ceramics and Iittala glassware, best known for selling slightly defective goods at modestly discounted prices. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-4PM.

Helsinki 10, Eerikinkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)10 5489801, [70]. This bright-white "lifestyle department store" sells both international and Finnish (designer) labels such as Raf Simons, Wood Wood, Acne and April77 as well as second-hand clothes, accessories, records, magazines etc. Open Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM, Sat 11AM-6PM.

Iittala Shop. Pohjoisesplanadi 25, [71]. An airy concept store for the Iittala brand of Finnish glassware, pans, kitchen utensil et al. Personal service by the friendly staff. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-4PM.

Ivana Helsinki, Uudenmaankatu 15, tel +358 9 6224422, [72]. Internationally recognized designer clothes, handmade in Finland.

My o My, Erottajankatu 9 A (courtyard), [73]. Unique multi-brand shopping lounge for 30+ women. High quality fashion, design, art and sweets. Only international designers, e.g. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erotokritos, Fornesetti, Oliver People, Belle by Sigerson Morisson, Faliero Sarti. Source of Inspiration! Tel. +358 (0) 407750770

Myymälä2, Uudenmaankatu 23, [74]. Gallery and shop for young designers, artists and musicians. And while you are there, check out Lux shop on the opposite side of the street.

Wunder, Laivurinrinne 1, [75]. A small clothes shop with a sparse yet exclusive selection of designer labels such as Daniel Palillo (one of the owners), Marjan Pejoski, Gaspard Yurkievich and Stephan Schneider. Affordable vintage sunglasses for sale, too. Open Mon-Fri 12PM-7pm, Sat 12PM-6pm.

TOKYO22zakka, Fredrikinkatu 60, tel. " +358 (0) 50 406 5171, [76]. TOKYO22zakka features Japanese Designer Fashion and lifestyle items for men and women. Kiminori Morishita, HAlb, SIVA, Tsumori Chisato, NDEUR, Hana & Guitar. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-4PM.

(excerpted from Wikitravel)

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGipAt_CLsk

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