Alfredo Häberli becomes a Finnish knight

(CONNECT) Zurich-based designer Alfredo Häberli, whose sole proprietorship is Alfredo Häberli Design Development, has been awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, 1st class. The award was presented by the Finnish Ambassador to Switzerland, Okko-Pekka Salmimies, in the name and on behalf of the Grand Master of the Order of the Lion of Finland, the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb. Alfredo Häberli was honored for his contribution to Finnish design, according to a statement from Philipp Jordi, trade and economic advisor at the Finnish Embassy in Switzerland.

The designer has been working for the Finnish brand Iittala for years and has created design classics such as the Essence glasses, the Origo series and the Senta glasses. Häberli designed sustainable furniture made of solid wood for the furniture manufacturer Nikari. "He has succeeded in strengthening both the reputation and the success of Finnish design not only here in Switzerland and Central Europe, but also worldwide in a remarkable way," Okko-Pekka Salmimies is quoted as saying in an article on the Finland Abroad platform by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish representations abroad. Häberli has designed "the world's first gold-certified 'Cradle to Cradle' bed linen" for the furnishing company Pfister, according to an article by Swiss Architects.

The Order of the Lion of Finland (Suomen Leijonan ritarikunta) was established in 1942. It is the third highest award of the state. Finnish presidents use it to honor people at home and abroad who have rendered outstanding services to Finland. ce/ww