Why We Love the Kastehelmi Collection from Iittala

There are few things finer than fine glassware. That’s why Hazelway invites you to explore the magnificent craftsmanship, design, and elegance of the Kastehelmi Collection from Iittala. Each intricately detailed piece is destined to be the subject of many dinner conversations. With a range of delightful colours, Iittala’s collection makes the perfect gift to suit any occasion and any dining room.

The Iittala Origin Story

Iittala is a small town in Finland, which was the site of a 19th-century glass factory that made decorative dinner sets that evolved into the Scandinavian aesthetic that we know today. In the Modernist period, Iittala founders, Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto and Kaj Franck developed their own unique brand of visually pleasing yet superbly functional and accessible dinnerware.

 True craftsmanship lies in the unique production process. Iittala works only with the highest caliber of glass blowers, artists, and designers and employs only the finest production materials to ensure the finest quality products are made every single time.

 Hazelway loves that Iittala is all about creating luxurious pieces that are intended to last a lifetime. Ever since its inception, the company has been strictly anti-throwaway and believes that “quality never goes out of fashion” (source). No matter what your personal taste, all of Iittala collections are designed to complement each other, so that you’re never forced to choose. To learn more about how Iittala became the leader in Scandinavian glass design, click here.

 True craftsmanship lies in the unique production process. Iittala works only with the highest caliber of glass blowers, artists, and designers and employs only the finest production materials to ensure the finest quality products are made every single time.

 Hazelway loves that Iittala is all about creating luxurious pieces that are intended to last a lifetime. Ever since its inception, the company has been strictly anti-throwaway and believes that “quality never goes out of fashion” (source). No matter what your personal taste, all of Iittala collections are designed to complement each other, so that you’re never forced to choose. To learn more about how Iittala became the leader in Scandinavian glass design, click here.

Hazelway’s Kastehelmi Collection

The Kastehelmi Collection can only be described as beautifully timeless. Each piece of fine glassware features intricate rows of delicate dewdrop shapes that are at once traditional and contemporary. The Kastehelmi look has been copied by designers and adored by admirers for decades. The name Kastehelmi refers to the dewdrop shapes that encircle each piece like a string of freshwater pearls and was originally the designer’s clever way to cover up joint marks left behind during production. The minute details of every piece of glassware demonstrate the company's profound mastery of glass production.

 Find popular Kastehelmi designs in modern or classic colours at Hazelway Online.

About Oiva Toikka

Oiva Toikka designs don’t exactly fit the traditional Finnish aesthetic of clean lines and simplicity above all else. Rather, his own unique style transcends categories and rests in a league of its own making. His prolific career started in the 1950s, and since then, his incomparable artistry has reached across all levels of glass design. Although glass design is what he is known for, Oiva Toikka has also left his mark in fashion design, staging, and plastic interior design. His world-famous Birds by Toikka collection for Iittala features a range of fine handmade birds that exemplify the artist’s mastery and creativity. His birds continue to be coveted collectors’ items.

Shop at Hazelway for Oiva Toikka Designs

If you’ve fallen in love with Iittala’s exquisite design and unrivalled elegance, find everything you need at Hazelway Online or at our Yorkville, Toronto Location. If you like Oiva Toikka’s designs, be sure to check out other popular collections from Iittala, like X Issey Miyake, Sarjaton, Teema, and 24H.