Lasse Kovanen is a Finnish industrial designer who has been a leading creative force at Pentik for about two decades, crafting richly expressive patterns and form-driven designs. Kovanen’s design process blends traditional fine‑art techniques like watercolor, ink, and printmaking to craft high-quality patterns rooted in northern nature. He is celebrated for his lush floral and animal motifs, such as the spontaneous “Minttu” pattern and the whimsical “Villikissa,” which captures a rare lynx encounter in Finland. He continues to create beloved textile patterns for Pentik that capture the rhythms of nature and seasonal landscapes.

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.