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An evening with friends celebrating the Tones of Modernism Collection in New York

The Tones of Modernism Collection celebrates the Helene Schjerfbeck exhibition at The Met museum.

Finnish Design Shop brought a relaxed and cheerful crowd to the Vitra Showroom in New York to celebrate the Tones of Modernism collection created in collaboration with The Met. Guests explored exclusive pieces from Artek, Iittala, Lapuan Kankurit, Nikari, and Hetkinen – each reflecting Helene Schjerfbeck’s subtle modernist spirit. Read on to see highlights from the evening!

HELD ON Tuesday, December 9, the evening opened with remarks from Noora Tirkkonen of Finnish Design Shop, Stephen Mannello from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Kati Laakso of the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York (FCINY). Anna Hakkarainen also shared a brief introduction to Finnish Design Shop’s work and the collaboration behind the collection.

With drinks in hand, soft background music from a DJ, and a playful prize draw, the atmosphere stayed warm and easy as valued clients and New York creatives mingled among the pieces from the Tones of Modernism Collection. A warm thank you to Vitra for hosting us at their beautiful showroom, and to everyone who joined – it was a pleasure to celebrate the new collection with you. Scroll on to explore moments from the evening!

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

From left: Kati Laakso, Anna Hakkarainen, Noora Tirkkonen, and Stephen Mannello.

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

Stephen Mannello, Head of Retail & Global Licensing at The Met, shares more about the Helene Schjerfbeck exhibition.

The exhibition architecture was designed by Hanna Anonen.

Artek’s special-edition Aalto stools are available only for a limited time.

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

Anu Soiniitty from Finnish Design Shop congratulates the winner of the prize draw.

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

The Riihitie plant pots designed by Aino Aalto are included in the collection in special colors.

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

The room scents created by Hetkinen for this collection were met with admiration.

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

From left: Tero Honkala, Liisa Jokinen, and Heli Arantola, Chair of the Board at Finnish Design Shop.

The Kotona wool blankets by Lapuan Kankurit are decorated with a two-toned pattern.

Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York
Tones of Modernism Collection launch event in New York

There were many of Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales clients from New York among the invited guests. Pictured: contract sales coordinator Erika Heinonen.

See also:

• Tones of Modernism Collection >

Text: Design Stories Images: Max Bernetz

Published on 12 Dec, 2025

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Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.