Helsinki is a unique city in many ways. Unlike most others around the world, this urban sprawl reaches across several bays and peninsulas. With a population of more than a million inhabitants in the greater area, Helsinki is the largest city and capital of Finland.Starry nights by day, the midnight sun, and reindeer prancing across the Lapland are just a few of the romantic images that come to my mind at the mention of this Nordic country. Mostly flat and sparsely populated, Finland is home to 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands.
Great names have also originated in Finland, such as the cell phone giant Nokia! Ah, how well we all know that tune—the first musical ringtone on a mobile phone and probably the most played around the globe!
Well, there is another name emerging from this fascinating country—Laitinen—which premiered this week during Milan Fashion Week at a new event called White Homme.
Although Laitinen found its start in 2006 after winning 1st prize at the fashion design festival and contest of Hyères in France, this menswear label was officially launched in the Autumn of 2007.
Born in 1979 and 1974 respectively, brother and sister team Tuomas and Anna Laitinen are the originators behind this tune, which is being heard more and more around the world!
After graduating from the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, Tuomas obtained an MA from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London; while Anna studied Art Pedagogy at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki.
Reflecting the stark long wintry nights of the Nordic tundra, Tuomas and Anna combine refined materials and detailed cuts into a melancholic harmony of contemporary style.
So the next time you hear that ring, think about Laitinen—Helsinki’s new menswear tune!
|
The Nokia Tune taken from classical guitar solo, Gran Vals, by Francisco Tárrega and written in 1902.
