Nurmesniemi

Vuokko (1930). Finnish designer. He studied at the Institute of Industrial Design in Helsinki. In 1953, only a year after his diploma, he became the artistic director of Marimekko. He stayed there until 1960 and, during this period, was responsible for the growing international success of the brand, proposing vivacious colors and easy to wear, simple forms. He is part of a generation of Finnish designers, world pioneers of a clean and minimalist style. Issey Miyake professes to have been strongly influenced by his work. In 1964, he set up on his own, producing clothing and furnishing textiles under the name “Vuokko Oy.” He describes himself in the following terms: “I am a functionalist. A garment must be simple, indeed functional, but never boring.” He also follows this spirit for the menswear line, defined as “the uniform of architects.” He has received many recognitions and prizes. Many museums display his creations. In 1988, the Vuokko Oy company closed down. In 1990, the new Vuokko Nurmesniemi Oy was founded. Its name refers to the designer’s previous experience and relaunched his designs.
&Quad;2002, April. Nurmesniemi presented the Spring-Summer 2003 collection at the Design Museum in Helsinki. Alongside the designer were other Finnish labels, which had collaborated on seasonal fashion shows and events across Europe for ten years. They include Designer Shop by Iris Aalto, Positive Design by Pirjo Friedriksson and Nemaki by Tua Rahikainen.