Designer Alfredo Häberli, who runs Alfredo Häberli Design Development as a sole proprietorship in Zurich, has been awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland. The state decoration was presented by the Finnish Ambassador to Switzerland, Okko-Pekka Salmimies, on behalf of the Grand Master of the Order of the Lion of Finland, President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb. Alfredo Häberli’s award recognizes his contribution to Finnish design, according to a statement from Philipp Jordi, Special Advisor Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Finland in Switzerland.
For years, Häberli has been working for the Finnish brand Iittala, creating classics including Essence glassware, the Origo bone china range and the Senta glass series. For the furniture manufacturer Nikari, he designed sustainable solid wood furniture. “He has succeeded in significantly strengthening both the reputation and the success of Finnish design, not only here in Switzerland and in Central Europe, but worldwide,” Okko-Pekka Salmimies is quoted as saying in an article on the Finland Abroad platform, which is provided by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and Finland’s diplomatic missions abroad. The designer even created “the world’s first ‘Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold’ bedding”, for the furniture company Pfister, mentions an article by Swiss Architects.
The Order of the Lion of Finland (Suomen Leijonan ritarikunta) was established in 1942. It is the third-highest state decoration. Finnish presidents award it to individuals in Finland and abroad who have rendered outstanding service to the country. ce/ww