When we say “Finnish footwear”, we basically mean functional rather than aesthetic footwear. To break this stereotype and familiarise people with design of Finnish footwear in all its glory, an exhibition dedicated to footwear design of this country will be opened on 3 November.

The exhibition Design Ankle-deep initiated by the Finnish Culture Institute and organised by the creative space Tasty will be opened on 3 November at 17:00. Finnish footwear is by no means robust and just functional. Visitors of the exhibition will have an opportunity to view several high-class products created by Finnish designers and compare them with the footwear designed for mass consumption.

“When organising this exhibition, I was very surprised for the fact that footwear created by Finnish designers is so elegant and splendid. It could even compete with creations by the recognised footwear fashion guru Manolo Blahnik,” acknowledges the exhibition curator Zīle Dāvidsone. 

“This exhibition will be interesting not only due to its exciting theme and delicate works of designers. Every visitor will have a chance to make sure how a design/culture policy of one country works to break stereotypes and popularise its design and products in neighbouring countries where it sees a potential market,” adds another curator of the exhibition Ilze Začeste.

The harsh climate of Nordic countries imposes its conditions on footwear manufacturers; therefore the exhibition offers the latest models of felt and rubber footwear, as well as footwear suited for city life.

Footwear manufacturing has a long history in Finland, and Finnish manufacturers have always ensured high quality.  

Thanks to the most distinguished Finnish artists and organisers of the exhibition we have an opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the latest works of Finnish designers – mainly of the young artists who surprise everyone with their peculiar style and interesting solutions.

Minna Parikka and Julia Lundsten create very original and distinct models. Works by Julia Lundsten are sold with a trade mark Finsk. Shoe models created by Minna Parikka emphasise femininity and playfulness, but shoes designed by Julia Lundsten resemble small sculptures. Manolo Blahnik has called shoes designed by Lundsten perfect.

Currently Finnish footwear has reached a noteworthy level in the world fashion context.

From 4 to 28 November works by the most distinguished Finnish designers will be exhibited in the creative space Tasty in Martas Street 1-1, Riga. 

Ilze Začeste, creative space TASTY, 26460211, 28677624, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.tastytelpa.lv

01.11.2009.