Tong Ren is a Chinese-born designer who has lived in Helsinki since 2010, with a foundational education in industrial design and a Master’s in Fashion, Clothing, and Textile Design from Aalto University. In 2018, his visit to Lapuan Kankurit’s weaving mill as part of his studies sparked a lasting collaboration: “We fell in love with Tong’s style right away,” recalls the brand’s marketing manager. Among his key contributions is the METSÄ (“forest”) pattern, inspired by Helsinki’s forests and their textures, which he describes as “peaceful, but full of textures." Ren is deeply inspired by nature and emphasizes storytelling through color and material.

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.