The Marimekko For Finnair collection is in keeping with the airline’s larger Peace of Mind service concept: Air travel shouldn’t just be a quick way to get from A to B, but a series of “magic moments” that you can slow down to enjoy.
Kissapöllö (Tawny Owl), Silkkikuikka (Great Crested Grebe), and Koppelo (Hen Capercaillie) are among the classic prints featured on Finnair’s new inflight tableware and textiles. It’s a chirpy ode to the joy of flying – and what better theme for an airline than birds? The birds and the famous Unikko (Poppy) and Kivet (Stones) prints were originally created in the 50s and 60s by Maija Isola and adapted for Finnair by Marimekko’s resident designer Sami Ruotsalainen.
He collaborated closely with Isola’s daughter and granddaughter, Kristina and Emma Isola, who are carrying on a unique family legacy now spanning three generations. “We wanted to use prints that are very ‘Marimekko’, but not the most obvious ones. Koppelo, for instance, is a lesser-known print depicting a capercaillie’s spotty plumage,” explains Ruotsalainen. Just as the prints evoke avian themes, the nature-inspired colour scheme is reminiscent of a bird’s-eye view of the Finnish landscape. Green, grey, white and blue create a soothing atmosphere and sense of airiness. “The colours bring to mind water, snow, grass and rocks – positive things that people want near them,” says Kristina Isola. “We didn’t want a cacophony of aggressive colours. A full aircraft cabin is one place you don’t want too much excitement,” adds Ruotsalainen.
The tableware comprises mix-and-match plates, bowls and cups in soft, rounded shapes. The design addresses various demands for inflight functionality, such as space-efficiency, stackability and high rims to save your travel suit from sauce stains.
“It’s how we treat our customers from the moment they book their flight to the moment they leave the airport,” explains Finnair Service Manager Kristina Koskivirta. “Making you feel special is our signature way of doing things. Now we have a signature style to go with it." " You don’t need five-star bling to offer luxury. Marimekko is cosy, warm and approachable. It brings joy to everyday life in a comforting way,” adds Service Manager Marjaana Saksela. “We believe that our crews will be very excited as well. Serving meals on Marimekko tableware will be like hosting a dinner party at home. The new design concept inspires us to offer an enhanced service experience.”
The Business Class range is made of special lightweight porcelain to reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption. The new material is about 10 to 20 per cent lighter than Finnair’s previous tableware, which will make an appreciable dent in the airline’s carbon profile. Cloth napkins and porcelain cups are reserved for Business Class, but Economy Class passengers enjoy the same elements of luxury in matching paper versions. “We want every passenger to feel that someone has thought about them in every detail of the design,” says Ruotsalainen.
Among the collection’s specialties is a must-have teapot featuring a green-and-blue version of the classic Seireeni (Siren) pattern. Designed for serving green tea on Asian flights, the teapot is one of the items available through inflight sales. The biggest challenge for the design team was matching the proportions and colours across a range of materials as diverse as porcelain, paper and textiles. “It’s hard getting the Kivet pattern to look the same on a paper napkin as it does on a jacquard textile,” reveals Ruotsalainen. Though distinctly “Finnish”, the collection proves that good design works for everyone everywhere. “It’s the magic of Finland translated into a global language that anyone can understand,” says Isola.
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