Ristomattio Ratia

"Ratia Lifestyle" - simple elegance in design

It is difficult to categorize Ristomatti Ratia as a designer of one specific type of products. His multifaceted production covers everything from sheets, bags, glassware, dinner services and furniture to jewellery and sauna stoves. The Ratia products radiate casual elegance, simplicity and an eye for details, which are the cornerstones of Ristomatti Ratia's design philosophy. Inspired by the beauty of the Finnish nature, every product he designs reflects his own personal touch.

Ever since Ristomatti was born he has always been surrounded by design and decoration. The best known Ratia designs in Finland are the Marimekko sheets and palaset, a series of decoration objects made out of plastic. He produced, what one might call his life's work, during 1967-1983 when he designed the Marimekko made in USA product line, which became well known all over the States.

Ratia designed his first glassware series in 1980, which was aimed at the U.S. market but his breakthrough as a glass artist happened later in 1994 when he displayed his work in the Savoy Marimekko store.

Ristomatti Ratia's work has been published in the foremost magazines around the world and has also become known through various Finnish as well as American TV-shows. From the Ratia products and all the publicity they have gained a new concept of "Ratia Lifestyle" has emerged, which today is taking its first steps as a design brand.