Designer Klaus Haapaniemi (born 1970) was dubbed one of most important rising stars in illustration and design by the international WGSN trend analysis service. After graduating as a graphic designer from the Lahti Institute of Design, Finland, the now London-based creative has had no shortage of success. He has commissioned work for both Marimekko and iittala and gained a loyal following for the folkloric storytelling power of his designs like Taika. In 2015, Haapaniemi made his opera set design début by creating the visual world for the performances of the opera Cunning Little Vixen performed in Finnish National Opera January 2015. It was this work that inspired his newest design for iittala: Tanssi.

Finnish design has a long history and is know for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It's trademark designs emerged in the early 20th century, and gained international attention through pioneers like Alvar Aalto in architecture and furniture, as well as companies such as Iittala, Artek, and Marimekko. Their work emphasized clean lines, natural materials, and a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality. Everything must have a purpose. Iconic products like the Aalto vase, Artek’s Stool 60, and Marimekko’s bold textile patterns established Finland as a leader in modernist design. Over the next century, Finnish design became synonymous with high quality, technical skill, and timeless aesthetics—qualities that have earned it global recognition, particularly during the postwar years when Nordic design was celebrated worldwide, and still is. Today, Finnish products continue to enjoy international respect, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their reputation of reliability, thoughtful construction, and cultural authenticity.