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Helsinki deserves to be the world design capital.
There are so many exciting things going on.
Design is everywhere. It comes naturally to us.
We have a number of iconic designers and architects.
My name is Kari Korkman, director of the Helsinki Design Week.
It is the biggest design festival in Helsinki.
My job is to initiate new exhibitions...
fairs and events.
It is like a bottle of ketchup. You have to shake it to get something out.
And then loads pour out all at once.
This is how it is with design in Finland.
This is Senate Square with Helsinki Cathedral.
The whole area was designed by the same architect.
This is the Design District. There are nearly 200 galleries and shops here.
It is not so much known for global brands...
but more for fashion designers who have opened their shops and studios.
We have always been proud of design, and fashion is like its little sister.
Now this little sister is growing up.
I am very optimistic about Finnish fashion.
Many young, talented fashion designers have started their own business.
We are now in the Vintage Design Basement.
These are authentic pieces by the great masters.
The trend today is to mix vintage and contemporary.
You combine individual items...
with products and furniture from today.
The Kiasma is the museum of contemporary art.
It has always been very daring and experimental.
There are some very inspiring exhibitions here.
Exhibitions related to music, like this one.
But African art, photography and video art are also contemporary art.
Freedom of thoughts and ideas...
This is what Kiasma brought to the mindset of Finnish designers and architects.
I was introduced to this unique restaurant by my daughter.
She knows that I like to see new places and originality.
This restaurant has a language of its own.
It's called Shanghai Cowboy and it serves a fusion of Mexican food...
And what would you say? -Asian.
Mexican Asian food.
There is also a number of designer hotels, such as Klaus K.
Klaus K is an exciting mix of contemporary design and art.
And it is located in the heart of the city.
Helsinki is the world design capital in 2012.
There is lots to see in design, architecture and fashion.
You should explore and see how the Finnish interpret design.
I welcome you all. Come and see what Helsinki has to offer.