Muovo
74 // Muovo was founded by two textile designers, Anni Kääriä and Sanna Lehti, in Helsinki, Finland. Both designers studied at the HAMK University of Applied Sciences and earned bachelor’s degrees in Textile Design. Sanna also has a master’s degree in Textile Design from Aalto University. The duo are inspired by the everday life they live in Helsinki – the people and the food; the books, blogs and magazines they read; and the exhibitions they visit. Anni and Sanna love the urban atmosphere of Helsinki but also enjoy the beauty and silence of the Finnish countryside. In addition to their own Muovo collection, they have worked with various companies in Finland, such as Forme, known for their beautiful carpets. Their dream commission would probably include some surprising elements, such as a new product area, or a comprehensive project. Anni and Sanna hope to continue designing for clients in various areas, such as clothing, furniture, dishware, packaging design and branding. During the first years of their practice, they have been busy with their own product line, but designing for someone else is always fascinating and challenging.
Design Heroes: Edholm Ullenius, Donna Wilson
Blocks Cushion Cover
The inspiration for the Blocks pattern came from city blocks and buildings, but Muovo have found everyone can see different things in it, citing this as one of the reasons they love abstract patterns so much. Photo: Mauritz Hellström
Triangle Cushion Cover
The Triangle pattern is a Muovo classic, and it evokes different things for everyone: some people see origami, others ice crystals. The aqua colour is one of Muovo’s favorites.
Pattern for Love Chair Collection
Muovo were invited to design a pattern for a Piiroinen chair for the ‘Love Chair Collection’ with Hirameki Design x Finland in Tokyo in 2011. The theme given to the designers was ‘Love and Communication’, and their chairs represent a couple sharing a common language and showing their love in subtle tones in everyday life. Photo: Design Forum Finland
Muovo Postcards
When Anni and Sanna start working on a project, usually one of them has an intuitive feeling or a vision for it in mind. Then they discuss it together and both of them carry on sketching and thinking about it until they find a solution that they are happy with. A selection of their geometric prints were made into postcards.
Selection of Muovo’s Design Collection
All Muovo’s products are manufactured near their business in Finland. The duo want to maintain close relations with their manufacturers so they know how the products are made and by whom, in order to be sure that they are made ethically.