Scan Magazine | Special Theme | This is Finland: Finnish Design and Handicrafts
The perfect present with a twist Handmade by former Finnish boxer Jyri Naskali, these timeless leather bow ties bring a touch of style to any occasion – and have even been favoured by an NHL hockey player, the greatest honour among Finns. Using only unique materials such as recycled boxing gloves or reindeer leather in its products, Naskali Leather makes a range that makes your choice of purchase a win-win every time.
glamour to either bigger celebrations such as weddings or just a weekend brunch with friends,” says Naskali.
By Maria Pirkkalainen
Known for its famous glass factory, the small Finnish town of Iittala now bears a new artisanal talent in Jyri Naskali, whose handmade leather bow ties have been making waves in Finnish design circles since 2016. “Starting my own brand came from wanting to create something beautiful and unique with my own hands,” Naskali explains. The result was a collection of bow ties that feel powerful, timeless and elegant. “After representing Finland for nearly a decade as a boxer, I’m excited to continue putting Finland on the world map with Naskali Leather,” the former three-time Finnish champion says. Otherwise bestknown for being made using recycled mate-
rials such as boxing gloves and punch bags, his new line of reversible bow ties is made from the traditional material of reindeer leather. “You can see the marks of a good life in the leather’s little imperfections,” Naskali explains. “Nothing has been wasted.” The product is also sustainable in itself, as it being double sided means you get two looks for the price of one. But the level of attention does not stop with the packaging: all the bow ties come in beautiful, handcrafted boxes made from Finnish wood, making them the perfect gift. But what made the designer focus on bow ties? “I always felt a bow tie is a very playful accessory. It can bring a touch of
Photo: Jyri Naskali, Naskali Leather
Jyri Naskali. Photo: Jukka Salminen, Tiikerikuva
Web: www.naskalileather.com Facebook: naskalileather Instagram: @naskalileather
Stylish knitwear perfect for mid-winter Finnish knitwear brand Stoyteller values high-quality designs that protect against the Scandinavian weather, while also making bold and refined fashion statements. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: Storyteller
The brand is owned by textile design company Yellow Coconut, whose founder and designer Jenni Laurila is passionate about ensuring top-quality knitwear that works against the harsh mid-winter. “I love different shapes and silhouettes, and I want to create something that empowers the wearer,” Laurila explains. “A sweater should feel like a warm hug against the northern climate, while also being a unique story in itself.” Made in Kurikka, southern Osthrobothnia, the knitwear is produced through a process during which high standards are maintained throughout, “from picking the material − which is beautiful merino wool − to the finishing of the seams”. Sustainability goes hand in hand with using the best materials, so hazardous chemi-
cals are not used in the production, while the materials are recyclable and the use of plastic is avoided as much as possible. The sheer quality of the knitwear produced is clear, with a wide range of products − from a fuchsiapink poncho to a stylish, rouge shawl. Storyteller uses the best-quality materials to ensure that wearers are protected
from the Scandinavian winter, while the knitwear is always stylish and kind to the environment. “We believe that less is more and that clothes should last for years − every favourite knit should have a great story to tell,” Laurila explains, adding: “Each design is unique, proving that environmentally friendly clothing can look stylish and be functional too.” Web: www.storyteller.fi Instagram: @storyteller_knitwear
Issue 118 | November 2018 | 25