Iittala celebrates Alvar Aalto and Oiva Toikka with new collections launching in 2023

When (Alvar) Aalto – also Finnish for wave – first introduced his fluid wave shape for Iittala, it won first prize at the Paris World Fair in 1937.

In contrast to the decorative objects of the time, the simple shapes were a bold statement. With its delicate and organic form, the wave has become an icon of Finnish design in the decades since.

Imbued with a sense of rarity and reverence, the original – and rarely seen – shapes from the collection will be relaunched by Iittala and available in the original colourways of the 1930s, including Rio Brown.

Photography courtesy of Iittala featuring the Tundra glassware line by Oiva Toikka

Among the items is Aalto’s product No 9754, a vase which will be introduced in two sizes (the larger vase will be numbered and produced in 2023 pieces per colour), as well as the original shape of the bowl No 9752, ideal for displaying or storing small home items.

In addition to these pieces, Iittala is reintroducing a collection of exquisite mouthblown glasses designed by husband-and-wife duo Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1933.

The household glassware, entitled 244, features a simplified, functional design that’s characteristic of Aino Aalto, while the updated iterations will come in three sizes and only be available during 2023, making them a true collector’s item.