Celebrating Heritage, Embracing the Future

At this year’s IFA Berlin, ASKO continued its celebration of 75 years of design excellence and innovation, proudly highlighting its deep roots in Scandinavian design and engineering. To commemorate this milestone, ASKO hosted an exclusive media event at the Fotografiska Berlin museum, welcoming prominent journalists and media professionals from across the globe.

A key moment of the event was ASKO’s tribute to its legacy, spotlighting the iconic Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio—originally launched through ASKO in 1966—in collaboration with Eero Aarnio Originals. This timeless piece perfectly embodies the minimalist and human-centered design principles that remain central to ASKO’s philosophy today. Guests had the opportunity to witness the brand’s design evolution firsthand, from its historical roots to its latest innovations, all set against the inspiring atmosphere of the Fotografiska Berlin venue. A surprise video message from Eero Aarnio himself added a special touch to the experience.

ASKO’s partnership with Eero Aarnio is deeply rooted in shared history. The brand's journey began in 1918 when Finnish entrepreneur Aukusti Asko-Avonius established a furniture company known for its clean, functional, and elegant Scandinavian aesthetic. Influential designers such as Ilmari Tapiovaara, Maija Heikinheimo, and Eero Aarnio played key roles in shaping a design language that not only defined Finnish interiors but also influenced global design trends. In 1988, Swedish engineering met Finnish design, giving rise to the ASKO brand as we know it today. Around the same time, Eero Aarnio branched out to embark on his solo career in design.

Following the formal program, attendees enjoyed a relaxed tour of the exhibition and connected with creatives from around the world in engaging discussions. These collaborative celebrations are just the beginning, with more exciting projects on the horizon that we look forward to sharing soon!

You can view the press day video from here.