“Working in Paris has never been a real big choice for neither of us. We simply love being here. Our characteristic thing is combining different styles in a way that’s always elegant, but in some way surprising.”
Text Heini Lehtinen
By Meri-Tuuli Lindström
When I tell foreigners about Finns, I start off by describing how in the wintertime everyone just wants to sit on their couch at home. “But when the spring comes and the snow has melted, before the grass is even dry, everyone is out on picnics in the city’s parks,” I say.
Toni Rantanen a.k.a. Lil’Tony has started quite a few of the most popular clubs in Helsinki over the past 15 years. This nightlife guru keeps roping international DJs into Finland and believes in good music and high quality audio.
Text Teemu Fiilin
Illustration Santtu Mustonen
Combining Finnish design and Chinese traditions, Elinno is slowly but surely making their way into the dining rooms of the world.
Text Heini Lehtinen
Photos Juuso Noronkoski
Founded by Juha Kyyrö, record company Fullsteam records will only take an act on if every employee likes it. Kyyrö also does a lot of work behind the scenes. He’s brought an impressive bunch of indie artists to Finland: Wilco, Lily Allen, Band of Horses, Billy Talent… the list goes on.
Text Teemu Fiilin
Photos Sanna Lehto
Seasonal restaurant Johans opened its doors in Porvoo on May Day, bringing a welcome addition to the array of restaurants around the larger metropolitan area. Located in the middle of Old Porvoo, Johans combines old and new, culture and summer nights.
Text Pauliina Lindsberg
Photos Verna Kovanen
The new definition of a low-carb diet doesn’t involve counting carbohydrates, but rather carbon dioxide emissions. The idea of climate-friendly food is expanding to include more than just local and organic foods. Helsinki restaurants haven’t taken up a low-emission menu yet, but change is in the air.
Text Simo Vassinen
Photos Kaarle Hurtig
Helsinki’s strategy for its year as World Design Capital could include a battle against zero-content terminology, says Helsinki-based designer-architect Bryan Boyer.
Text Simo Vassinen
Photos Kaarle Hurtig
What makes cities like New York or Berlin irresistible? It’s often their gastronomic offerings we come to think of – experiences created by food from all over the world. We would like Helsinki to become a melting pot of all kinds of interesting cuisines as well.
Text Anni Puolakka & Jenna Sutela
Photos Hertta Kiiski
Seili is filled with etheric yet catchy electro pop tunes blown up just enough to hit radio and the charts.
Text Teemu Fiilin
A long-haired man drives a Helsinki tram by day and plays almost every instrument on his records himself.
Text Teemu Fiilin
Hailing from the small town of Harjavalta, this power trio has grown from a bunch of Placebo-copying amateurs into some of Finland’s most original rockers in just a few years.
Text Teemu Fiilin
The debut album of synth pop duo Villa Nah will surely be near the top when this year’s best Finnish releases are tallied.
Text Teemu Fiilin
Clear 
20X0 – A Journey into the Future
8. October 2011
Heureka – The Finnish Science Centre
Seven Connections – Finnish Architecture Abroad
11. January 2012
Museum of Finnish Architecture
Yellow City – Illustrated Stories from Helsinki
16. January 2012
All around the city
20. January 2012
Kiasma – Museum of Contemporary Art
DesignWorld – Designing the New World
27. January 2012
Design Museum
Bi-monthly magazine about Helsinki. In Finnish and in English.
