Leonardo Hidalgo is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and came to Finland to study for an MA in textile design at Aalto University. With a background in weaving and dyeing, he explores storytelling through woven textiles and finds interest in the relationship between place, materials, and color. In 2019 Leonardo participated in PatternLab where he developed designs for Lapuan Kankurit with a team of textile and graphic designers. His designs HANKI, HUURRE and HILE are inspired after hiking in forests that surround Helsinki.

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.