Kristiina Lassus graduated from the University of Art and Design Helsinki (now Aalto University) with an MA in Design Leadership in 1992. She continued with postgraduate studies specializing in Product Development at the Helsinki Polytechnic in 1993, and in 1995 she completed her second MA in Interior Architecture and Furniture Design. From 1994 to 1997 Lassus worked as a design coordinator for Artek, Finland. From 1998 to 2004 she was the design manager at Alessi, Italy. After that she founded Kristiina Lassus Studio, which provides consultancy in product and interior design, product development and visual communication, and also looks after production and sales of her rug collection. From 2004 on Kristiina Lassus has spent much of her time in India and Nepal. She has designed objects and furniture for Alessi, Zanotta and Poltronova. Lassus’ creations have been on display in several exhibitions. She has received the Design Plus and Fair to Nature awards, and has also been nominated for the Compasso d’Oro prize. Kristiina Lassus’ Okoa and Otane rugs received the esteemed Red Dot Design Award 2010 in the Living Room and Bedroom category. Her entire rug collection was granted the same award in 2008. That year she also won additional two red Dot Awards for the ‘401’ tea and coffee service and the ‘Tibidabo’ serving set, designed for Alessi.
LAAMA and OYO (NL2)
Kristiina Lassus’ rug collection is inspired by travel, far-off cultures and traditions, love for different materials, color, and nature. From a passion for ancient traditional handicraft but with a modern insight, it is devised to furnish contemporary spaces, whether modern or classic, in the city and country. The rugs are knotted by hand in Nepal using traditional techniques that require about 3-4 months for each piece. Every small step in the production stage slowly leads to a precious outcome rich in nuances and steeped in history, and to customs handed down through generations. The rugs are produced in limited series and are available by order. No child labor has been used in the creation (Rugmark certificate). Laama is made of 100% un-dyed linen, with edges finished with fringes. The orange and linen colored OYO (NL2) runner is 80% natural linen and 20% Tibetan wool with edges finished with nomad fringes. The rugs come in four standard sizes: 200×300, 170×240, 100×300 and 85×200 cm.
