It was in 1924 when Aino Marsio went to work to the architect Alvar Aalto's office. The two fell in love, got married and a long partnership began. In 1932, Alvar Aalto was beaten by his wife in a design competition. The winning entry, "Aalto Glasses", also won a gold medal at the Milan Triennale.
Habits should not be taken for conservatism, even though they have a lot of things in common. Conservatism is a decision for not to change oneself. Habits, however, are connected with fact that familiar things become insipid.
Aino Aalto fought habits by challenging people to accept radically new lines and shapes that, nevertheless, fulfilled the same needs. Her design philosophy, of course, didn’t fit the zeitgeist of those days. Most of the people wanted to keep their traditions.
Fortunately, there were a few people who appreciated Aino Aalto’s vision and who supported her and her colleagues in the revolution of the Finnish design. Aino Aalto’s bold principles are kept live in the glass collection Aino Aalto.
These glasses were designed for the everyday use. Today, 70 years later, they are still part of our lives with their simple, timeless design. They adapt themselves to every occasion and every style, from formal dinner parties to casual children’s treats.
artek