Mikko Laakkonen: Latva Coatrack (Covo), Vege Frying Pan and Vege Blin Pan (Selki-Asema)

Mikko Laakkonen (b. 1974) is a graduate of the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Laakkonen is a member of the Helsinki-based design collective ”Rehti” and also runs his own design studio that specializes in furniture and product design.
One of Laakkonen’s designs on show in the HARDCORE exhibition is titled Latva Coatrack (2005), the Finnish word ‘latva’ refers to the top branches of the tree. The shape of the coat rack resembles a bunch of branches evoking associations with the traditional Finnish wall racks made of rootsstock. Multiple Latva Coatracks can also be combined to function as a space divider.
The two other products on show by Laakkonen, the Vege Frying Pan (2005) and the Vege Blin Pan (2007) also follow the nature-inspired approach. The Vege Blin Pan allows you to make decorated blinis or pancakes as there is an ornamental leaf cast in the bottom of the pan. They are both made of cast iron.