iittala

The iittala glass factory was founded in a village of the same name in southern Finland back in 1881. Back then, iittala produced blown, pressed, polished, painted and etched glass in the ornamental styles popular in the beginning of the 20th century. But iittala was one of the first brands to make the transition from decorative dining objects to more functional forms. This progressive Scandinavian design was pioneered by designers Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto and Kaj Franck to creative thoughtful, useful items accessible to everyone. By the midcentury, iittala began a new, simple aesthetic of glassware that to this day remains a timeless staple. You'll find many iittala designs copied and reproduced, but the originals can always be identified by their superior quality and attention to even the smallest details.

The philosophy of iittala is to create everyday objects that will not be thrown away, both because the design itself will never go out of the style and because quality craftsmanship makes iittala objects a long-lasting investment. iittala has used the term "against throwawayism" Many iittala objects have been passed down the generations, and collectors often have fond memories of these continuing design lines that they still seek out. FinnStyle is proud to offer these enduring designs as well as new forms from up and coming artists. Each season iittala introduces new products and colorways that continue to push the boundaries while remaining true to the tradition of modern Finnish design.

Today, iittala is owned by Fiskars Corporation, a Finnish company that produces a wide range of consumer goods (including those famous orange-handle scissors). Despite being part of a large corporate structure, iittala has maintained its reputation as a leader in Finnish design and continues to produce innovative and timeless products as well as the continued production of timeless classics such as the Aalto Vase, Toikka Birds, Kartio Glassware, and Teema Dinnerware.