Ristomatti Ratia (b. 1941) is a Finnish designer renowned for his multifaceted contributions to design, particularly through his work with Marimekko and his own brand, RATIA. As the son of Marimekko founder Armi Ratia, he was immersed in design from an early age. In 1970, he introduced the iconic Urbaani shoulder bag for Marimekko, crafted from durable cotton canvas, which has since become a timeless classic. In the 1990s, he founded his own design company, RATIA, focusing on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing everyday items, including furniture, textiles, and home accessories.

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.