As the world’s happiest country for eight consecutive years, Finland is demonstrating how design, wellbeing and sustainability can come together. During Milan Design Week 2025 (7–13 April), Helsinki-based designers and brands will present a thoughtful selection of furniture, lighting, fashion and material innovations, all rooted in circularity, craftsmanship and responsible material use. Under the theme “Helsinki’s Secret Garden”, the programme includes contributions from emerging designers to established companies, with a strong focus on sustainable material solutions and the emotional value of design.

Design with purpose and responsibility
Finnish design is internationally recognised for its holistic approach to sustainability. It embraces values such as equality, inclusivity and practicality, while taking responsibility for the entire lifecycle of products. From recyclable materials and bio-based resources to modular systems and ethical production, the showcased projects demonstrate how design can create a more joyful and sustainable future.

Emerging talents and new craftsmanship
At Salone Satellite, Helsinki-based designers Aino Michelsen and Ville Auvinen will present a ceramic shelving system made from extruded Finnish red clay. Their work explores the balance between industrial production and handcrafted quality, highlighting the possibilities of natural, local materials in furniture-scale design. Fellow designer Simo Lahtinen will exhibit his latest collection of furniture and lighting, including the Kehikko chairs and Pivot lamps. His work combines refined craftsmanship with sustainable materials and contemporary forms.

Fashion designer Sofia Ilmonen collaborates with Industries Italia to explore scalable production of her modular, transformable garments. Ilmonen’s designs consist of textile units connected by buttons and loops, allowing wearers to reconfigure their clothing in countless ways. This approach challenges fast fashion by offering adaptable, long-lasting garments with minimal material waste.

COMPANY (Aamu Song & Johan Olin) will transform the former Salakauppa kiosk in Milan into New Kiosk, presenting their playful take on everyday design in an intimate retail setting.

Timeless craftsmanship and circular materials
Several Finnish furniture and interior brands will also present new collections with a focus on responsible materials and long-lasting design. Nikari and Woodnotes will showcase their latest work at Salone del Mobile, including the LINEA KVP11 meeting table, made from sustainably sourced wood and designed to be modular and customisable. Made by Choice will revisit their Kolho chairs, designed in collaboration with artist Matthew Day Jackson, presented in the Mariano Rubinacci store alongside a curated installation blending Nordic and Italian craftsmanship.

At Teatro Litta, Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko teams up with New York-based artist Laila Gohar to create an immersive installation exploring everyday rituals, presented around a large-scale bed structure.

Innovation in lighting design
In the field of lighting, several Finnish companies bring material and design innovation to Euroluce. Secto Design introduces Adilo, an elegant pendant lamp crafted from Finnish birch. Delivered flat-packed, the lamp unfolds into an organic, sculptural form, blending efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Saas Instruments will showcase a series of decorative and technical luminaires that embrace the Nordic balance of light and darkness. Meanwhile, iconic designer Yrjö Kukkapuro revisits his modular YK100 luminaire system, originally created in the 1960s, which reflects an enduring commitment to ergonomic and sustainable design.

Circular material showcase at Alcova
At Alcova, the Habitare Materials & Objects exhibition brings together a diverse selection of Finnish companies and designers, all focused on ethical and ecologically responsible material solutions. The exhibition includes circular and bio-based innovations from companies such as Durat, Fiberwood, KOIVUI®, Metsä Fibre, Mölinä, KOTA Company, Arktis, Hiil, Pihlgren & Ritola and The Friends of Finnish Handicraft, alongside designers Ville Auvinen, Fanni Laukkanen, Aino Michelsen and Roosa Ryhänen. Together, these participants demonstrate how material innovation can support a more sustainable design industry, offering practical solutions for architects, interior designers, product designers, fashion and packaging professionals.

Source: Helsinki Design
Photo: Habitare Objects / Cristian Jakowleff