The Kaj Franck Design Prize 1997
Designer Vuokko Nurmesniemi
Vuokko Nurmesniemi (born 1930) is an internationally known influential figure in fashion who was already involved in establishing the reputation of Finnish design in the 1950s. With its choice, the prize jury wished to express its recognition of Nurmesniemi's work as an artist and designer who has significantly renewed her field and whose design of fashions and fabrics for garments and interiors are part of the basis of design and applied art in Finland. The jury particularly noted Vuokko Nurmesniemi's role in establishing the line followed by the Marimekko company.
Originally trained as a ceramist at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, Vuokko Nurmesniemi has also designed glass, ryijy weaves and church textiles. She gained her professional reputation, however, as a textile and fashion designer whose works include many products that have gone on to become classics, such as Marimekko's Jokapoika shirt, which has been made since the 1950s.
At present Vuokko Nurmesniemi designs and sells her products under her brand. Product design for export under the Vuokko brand and for her company in Helsinki keep the designer fully occupied.
Nurmesniemi has received many important distinctions both in Finland and abroad. The Gold Medal that she won at the Milan Triennial of 1957 has been followed by the Pro Finlandia medal in 1968, the State Design Prize of 1968 and the Finland Prize in 1999, among other awards. In 2000 Vuokko Nurmesniemi was given the title of Fashion Designer of the Year by the MTO Fashion Designers Association of Finland.
Designs by Vuokko Nurmesniemi are included in the collections of most museums of design in Finland and abroad. She has held solo exhibitions and has participated in Design Forum's Classic Makers and Finnish Design 125 Years exhibitions among other showings.
