Iittala
Iittala is a Finnish company founded in 1881. Originally a simple glassworks, Iittala has established itself as a pillar of Scandinavian design, with a philosophy focused on the creation of functional, aesthetic and durable objects intended to enrich everyday life.
Iittala is an iconic Finnish design company, founded in 1881 in the village of the same name, located about 130 km north of Helsinki. It originally started out as a glassworks, producing blown, pressed, polished or engraved glass objects, following the continental models of the time.
Iittala quickly established itself as a pillar of Scandinavian design, with a philosophy focused on the creation of functional, aesthetic and durable objects intended to enrich everyday life.
A history rooted in glass and innovation
Initially, Iittala mainly manufactured pharmaceutical bottles, oil lamps and glass tableware, importing them from Swedish artisans due to a lack of local glassmakers in Finland. However, from the beginning of the 20th century, the company began to stand out by abandoning excessive decorations in favor of a more refined and functional design, influenced by the modernist and functionalist trends of the 1930s and 1940s.
This turning point was driven by visionary designers such as Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto and Kaj Franck, who shaped the brand's identity.
Collaborations with legendary designers
Iittala owes much of its fame to its collaborations with major figures in Finnish design:
In 1936, Alvar Aalto created the famous Savoy vase (or Aalto vase), which was presented at the 1937 World Fair in Paris. With its undulating lines inspired by nature, this vase has become a global design icon.
Aino Aalto, wife of Alvar, designed the Bölgeblick glasses in 1932, with concentric rings reminiscent of ripples, combining simplicity and timelessness.
Kaj Franck, often dubbed the “conscience of Finnish design”, introduced the Teema series (initially called Kilta) in 1952, based on essential geometric shapes (circle, square, rectangle) and revolutionary multifunctionality.
Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva also left their mark on the golden age of Finnish design in the 1950s and 1960s with creations such as the Ultima Thule glasses (1968) and the company's “i” logo, designed by Sarpaneva in 1956.
Oiva Toikka is famous for his Birds by Toikka collection of glass birds, launched in 1962, which combines art and craftsmanship.
A philosophy of timeless design
Iittala's motto, “against throwawayism”, reflects its commitment to objects designed to last, both in terms of quality and timeless aesthetics. The company focuses on simplicity, combinability and versatility: its creations, whether tableware, glassware or accessories, are designed to fit harmoniously into various contexts and generations.
This approach has been reinforced by contemporary designers such as Harri Koskinen and Klaus Haapaniemi, who perpetuate this heritage while adding a modern touch.
Evolution and diversification
Although glass remains at the heart of its DNA, Iittala has expanded its range over time to include ceramics (such as the Teema series), kitchenware (such as the Sarpaneva cast iron saucepan from 1960) and decorative items.
Today, it is part of the Fiskars group, which acquired Iittala in 2007, alongside other prestigious Scandinavian brands such as Arabia and Rörstrand.
A new era under Janni Vepsäläinen
Since 2024, under the direction of the new creative director Janni Vepsäläinen, Iittala has been experiencing a renaissance. With a new logo and collections revisiting the legacy of Aino and Alvar Aalto, the company is exploring bolder and more experimental directions, while remaining true to its roots.
Pastel colors such as light lilac and sage green have recently enriched classic lines such as Teema, demonstrating a desire to combine tradition and modernity.
International recognition
Iittala has gained worldwide recognition thanks to its award-winning creations, particularly at the Milan Triennials in the 1950s, where designers such as Wirkkala and Sarpaneva were honored. Its products, made with craftsmanship at the Iittala glassworks (the last in Finland), are prized for their quality and timeless design, whether in homes or in the collections of art lovers.
In short, Iittala embodies the essence of Finnish design: a combination of beauty, functionality and durability, backed by more than 140 years of history and a vision firmly focused on the future.