“Northern Oddities” V2 at Ivana Helsinki Concept Store (12/7/2012)

So last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the opening of an event that presented the photography of Ville Juurikkala with “Islander” and you can enjoy that narrative HERE. It was held at the Ivana Helsinki NYC Concept Shop and this is a store that focuses on and specializes in things that are Finnish in nature.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Welcome To Ivana Helsinki



At that event I met some really nice people and they were discussing a bit of a fashion event that was happening the following week, and I decided that if I was free that I would be sure to drop by. The presentation was called “Northern Oddities” Volume 2 and would feature six interesting Finnish Designers. Among them would be Sipila, Titimadam, SuperYellow, Polkka Jam, &Bros, and On The Lam. I got there nice and early to mingle and have used some of the official press release text to line out the designers wares. Those pieces will be in italics for easier reference 🙂

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Tonight’s Presentation…


So let’s take a walk around inside shall we? I’ll try to keep the dialogue to a minimum to allow for your easier enjoyment of the sites and happenings. Let’s start out by saying hello to our charming front desk girl Oonamaria.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
The lovely front desk girl..


The two trays you see here are some tasty delights from a company called Northern Rye and these are Finnish Rye treats. There were several flavors of these to sample and I had two of the offered up four kinds in the first tray. I opted for the rice and the spinach one but didn’t get to sample the potato or other one. The second tray is more of a dessert offering and was made with chocolate. I loved that one probably the best and the samples were gone in a blink of an eye.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Some Finnish Treats

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
More Finnish Treats


Once again there was plenty of Kopparberg cider on hand to enjoy. Last time around I had the strawberry lime and this time I opted for the pear. Very nice. Very, very nice. Now let’s get on to some of the designs.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Kopparberg Cider


SIPILÄ: Linda Sipilä’s clean-lined, timeless SIPILÄ collection is designed for the modern, style-conscious woman. Her work is characterized by exceptional design, high-quality materials, and superb finishing. She is also the winner of Finnish verson of Project Runway.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Designs by Sipila


On the lam: Graphic t-shirts and other design projects from outerwear attire to accessories and beyond.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Designs by On The Lam


Polkka Jam: Polkka Jam is an illustration and design studio with 10 years of experience in producing unique prints and patterns. While creating visual joy for everyday life, they aim to keep production as local and ecological as possible. All our products are manufactured in Finland. Welcome to see their illustrated world!

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Designs by Polkka Jam


This is Paivi, one of the many staffers at Ivana Helsinki. She was trying to shoot me in action while I did my thing.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Paivi Shoots Ken P.


Don’t worry, I was shooting her back 🙂 Oh and look here it’s Santa Claus or as I was calling him tonight “Sid Claus”. He is one of the designers for On The Lam.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Sid Claus


SUPERYELLOW: SUPERYELLOW is an energetic and fresh accessories and clothing brand which creates unique products with contemporary design. Their designs combine prints and patterns in original ways. Quality of products and ethical views play an important role in the company’s values and all products are Designed and made in Finland.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Designs by Super Yellow


Here’s Lilli Danschu-Cheeseman of On The Lam; She is also one of the designers of the line. Had to do my press shot since that is kind of what I do at stuff like this.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Lilli of On The Lam with her creations


Here’s Laura of “FINNYC”; What a cool name that is for a brand (and I would know). Laura’s got some great ideas about promoting the Finnish culture over here and she has a strong love of the music scene. Methinks she and I have not seen the last of each other. Stay tuned. Oh yeah, you can hit up her link later on as well. I was not going to leave that out because I really think a lot of positive benefit will be found in her work.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Laura of FINNYC


titiMadam: titiMadam believes that design should not be taken too seriously. Their playful jewellery and funky home collection has been made with love. Not forgetting that humor should always be part of our lives. Already successful in Europe they want to take over US!

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Designs by Titimadam

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
More Designs by Titimadam


&Bros: &Bros is a design studio from Helsinki that designs and produces high class ceramic objects and textiles with an interesting twist to cheer up your home! Products are designed, handprinted and made in Finland.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop

I made sure to get a side moment with the ladies before they got back to the hustle and bustle of the event.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Paivi and Lilli


Here are those Finnish Ryes I showed you on a plate a little earlier. As you can see, boxed up and ready for purchase here tonight.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Finnish Noms

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
The Soiree
northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Lily and Sid

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Paivi


More from Super Yellow…

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
More Designs by Super Yellow


More from Polkka Jam…

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop

This is Anna (she’s an event planna – sorry it rhymed and I couldn’t resist)…

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Miss Anne.


Another new friend made with the lovely Annika. We met at the “Islander” exhibit and she learned about this event from my broadcasting it.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Miss Annika


Here’s our now long time friend Anne St. James being silly with another guest at the show. I do not get the whole “fake mustache thing” I am afraid.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Our Friend Anne St. James and ???


Paivi shot Anna and I with some Kopparberg ciders and I mused how this was good promotion for the company and that they should send us some more. You might not notice but these were now empty bottles. The supply had run dry.

northern oddities, ivana helsinki nyc concept shop
Anne and I promoting Kopparberg Cider

And that is all we have folks, I hope you enjoyed our little presentation.  I am not too sure when I will return to the shop, but it was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I will gladly help support and promote anything that I find might to be interesting to you as well.  For now, please do follow the links below and tell them we sent you….

Official Website: http://www.ivanahelsinki.com/
Official Website: http://finnyc.com/
Official Website: http://northernrye.com/
Official Website: http://www.superyellow.fi//
Official Website: http://www.polkkajam.com/
Official Website: http://www.titimadam.com/
Official Website: http://home.andbros.fi/
Official Website: http://lindasipila.com/
Official Website: http://www.onthelamnyc.com/

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