Finnish brands and design
The shops selling the most famous Finnish names in design are well presented in the centre of Helsinki.
Finnish fashion
Near the Esplanadi Park there are several Marimekko shops (Eteläesplanadi and Pohjoisesplanadi and Kämp Gallery). In the same neighbourhood, you will also find Vuokko, Ril's and Annikki Karvinen shops.
The most well-known youth brands are IVANAhelsinki (Uudenmaankatu), Nanso (Mikonkatu), KoneHELSINKI (Annankatu), 2 or+ by YAT (Eerikinkatu) and Hundpark (Albertinkatu).
The Friitala Shop which specialises in leather and furs and the Tarsala shoe boutique can be found in the Kämp Gallery. Pertti Palmroth's shoe shops are located in Pohjoisesplanadi and Aleksanterinkatu.
For jewellery lovers
Jewellery includes classics such as Kalevala Jewellery and Kaunis Koru (Unioninkatu and Kamppi shopping mall) and Aarikka (Pohjoisesplanadi and Forum mall).
Union Design in Unioninkatu sells unique pieces made by master goldsmiths. Customers may also commission a unique piece of jewellery there, which is also possible at Alfred K goldsmith's in Korkeavuorenkatu.
Style to take home
The Iittala Shop located in Pohjoisesplanadi sells stylish Iittala glassware, Hackman cutlery and Arabia tableware. Products of the same brands and seconds are sold cheaply in the Arabia factory outlet in Arabianranta (at the end of the line of tram 6, some 20 minutes from the city centre).
Artek in Eteläesplanadi sells Finnish furniture classics and the Finlayson shop next door sells home textiles. Skanno in Porkkalankatu, Formverk in Annankatu and Funktio in Lönnrotinkatu all sell furniture and accessories for trendy tastes. These stylish interior design shops are sights in themselves.
The Design district
The area surrounding Diana Park in the centre of Helsinki has a profile as an internationally renowned design district, with the most stylish Finnish design presented by interior design, jewellery and clothes shops as well as art galleries, museums and restaurants.
It is easy to acquaint yourself with what the district has to offer with the help of the attached map. Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau also organises two-hour guided walking tours in the district during summertime (from 27 June till 29 August).
Links:
Design district HelsinkiExpert Design Walk
Text: Minna Rauhansalo
Photo: City of Helsinki Picture Bank
