12 x 12 cm - Taika red square plate - Iittala

The Taika red collection is an iconic series designed by Finnish designer Klaus Haapaniemi for the Iittala brand, launched in 2007. “Taika”, which means ‘magic’ in Finnish, perfectly reflects the spirit of this collection: an enchanting blend of imagination and functionality. It combines Haapaniemi's richly detailed patterns with the clean design of shapes created by Heikki Orvola, another renowned Finnish designer.

Origin & inspiration

Klaus Haapaniemi draws his inspiration from Finnish folklore, enriched with accents from Japanese traditions. Taika red's motifs depict a fairytale world where fantastical characters and natural elements intertwine in a visual dance full of life. This style, both detailed and playful, reflects the influence of Eastern European and Russian handcrafted animation, such as Zdeněk Miler's The Little Mole, which Haapaniemi cites among her sources of inspiration. This narrative approach adds a distinctive touch to Iittala's usually sober aesthetic.

Design

Taika red features vibrant patterns that stand out. The richly detailed illustrations harmonize with the simple lines of the pieces designed by Heikki Orvola, originally conceived for Iittala's Aika series. This collaboration brings to life tableware that is as decorative as it is practical, including plates, bowls, cups, mugs and other everyday objects. Made from high-quality porcelain, each piece is dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe, embodying Iittala's commitment to sustainability.

Influence

Since its launch, Taika has become one of Iittala's most popular collections. The red version, with its timeless charm, remains a classic, although the series has evolved with limited editions (such as the 15-year anniversary in 2022) and new variations, such as Taika Siimes (2019) or Taika Sato (2024). The influence of Haapaniemi, whose work ranges from textile design to opera (notably Cunning Little Vixen in 2015, which inspired the Tanssi collection), continues to shine through in this line, celebrating the magic of the everyday.

Designer

Klaus Haapaniemi (b.1970) is an internationally recognized London-based Finnish designer. In 2010, he founded the Klaus Haapaniemi artisanal design and lifestyle brand with Mia Wallenius. Their design approach is influenced by nature, Finnish folklore and traditional decorative arts with a modern twist. Inspiration comes from a rich selection of cultural references including the worlds of art, ballet, music and storytelling. Haapaniemi’s design experience includes many major brands including Levi’s, Diesel and Dolce & Gabbana. He has been recognized as one of the most important rising stars in design by the WGSN’s trend forecast.