September 4, 2016 11-18, At Kaapelitehdas
In 2016, Designers around the Nordics face
a huge moral dilemma in wondering what justifies to design or to sell more.
According to research house Nielsen’s report, of more than 8500 European
newcomers launce, only 18 were breakthroughs. Nevertheless, clients, shoppers
and buyers are holding anticipation toward better quality design, furthermore,
a more of convenient, modern and eco-friendly daily necessity.
Design Market during the Helsinki Design
Week is no doubt one of the most popular events, hosts a selection of
furniture, interior items, clothing line and accessories from nearly 200
handpicked design companies in Finland. In 2016, Design Market halls divide
mainly into 3 sections: the Major Hall and upper level are for the furniture design
and accessories designers, while the Rolling Mill Room (Valssaamo) shows fashion houses
and children’s wear, and the independent exhibition space (Turbin Hall,
Turbiinisali) is exclusively for the Paper Market.
Circling around the whole
market/exhibition is my routine to explore the better picture of the event.
When I enter first the paper market I was immediately contagious from the creative
and high spirits of the crowd. There is Khaos Publishing for the indie zines;
at the opposite of the entrance, Cozy Publishing displays beautifully the
hardcover books of food, art and travel; illustrator Timo Mänttäri depicts the
fun and warm city view of Helsinki, and at the rear hallway, Kuosit
is a pattern design company that stands for freedom of self-expression,
diversity and originality.
Being at the Major Hall feels being back to
the night market of Taipei. The visitors are full of smiles, and handful of
bargaining harvest. I greet my designer friends Chao & Eero and try my
favourite ‘Bubble Pearl’ collection, since exactly on my finger the wedding
ring was customized by Chao & Eero three years ago. Not far from the
jewelry stand, Finnish clothing brand Month of Sundays has elegant picks,
Designer Milla Kettunen always welcomes with lovely smiles, alas the blue silk
top I adore has sold out the sizes, I have to wait for the SS17 for the great
piece for the year to come. For the eye-catching design, Pentti from Mikko
Mäkipää, the materials of the geometrical wooden tools, quite a bird view vision
of Mitsubishi logo, are chosen from Black alder and aspen, and can be designed
to suit each customer’s need.
Yet another brand new stand ‘Suomen
Jäätelö’ (Finnish Ice Cream) situates in the Major Hall and near Rolling Mill
Room, its wooden trolley represents the nature of Finland; the black and
blue uniform stands for the national flag of the nation, even the symbol of ice
cream is sleek and cute, which no doubt appealing a school of children and
family. At the outdoor walkway, 'Premium Hot Dogs' also makes the queue non-stop, apparently the street food stalls can be a great part of the chic and sleek design.
In 2017 will be the 100th Birthday
of Finland since the independence in December 6th, 1917, Helsinki Design Week
implements a celebratory theme called “Yhdessä/Together” by becoming more
international viewpoint around the world (7-17 September, 2017). Surely, I will
definitely take friends with me, to join and enjoy the best of the creativity
and vibe, together.
www.helsinkidesignweek.com
http://www.helsinkidesignweek.com/weekly/books-for-everyone/?lang=en 
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