Muotoilun vuosi 2005Design Year 2005Interviewsinterview_paola_suhonenPaola Suhonen, designer
Ivana Helsinki
1. Why do we need Design Year?
In order to bring design closer to people and to make it better known. Design is about choices, functionality and values. Finnish design makes Finland internationally known.
2. Who would you particularly like to see inspired by Design Year?
Those who regard design as something alien and distant, and people who have not come to know design in any special way. Decision-makers and corporate executives in Finland.
3. What is the reason behind the new, joyful spirit of Finnish fashion?
The new coming of Finnish fashion is related to making garments part of the field of design. A designed item of clothing is timeless, avant-garde, insightful, intellectual and value-related.
4. What are the characteristics of Finnish fashion?
It is rarely explicitly sexy, glittering or ornate. Its insight stems from simplicity, a command of colour, closeness to nature, and intelligence.
5. What do you remember about Finnish design from your childhood?
The Humppila glassworks’ ugly yet beautiful dishes and bowls, Tapio Wirkkala’s Ultima Thule glassware, Russian velvet wall coverings and my mother’s Marimekko evening gowns.
