By Isa Junkkari  Photos Daniela Talvitie

It’s the middle of May in 2011, a normal spring day in Helsinki, Finland. The weather is around 12°Celsius, warm enough to go without a hat; still too cold to go without a coat. But Tuusulanväylä, the highway connecting Helsinki to its airport in the outskirts, has been closed in the middle of the day, and F-18s, jet fighters of the Finnish Air Force, are flying in an airplane.

It’s a gesture of celebration by the government. The National Finnish Ice Hockey Team has just won gold at the World Championship in Slovakia. Janne Lahti, one of the team’s forwards, is sitting in the airplane and, like most of his team members, is taping the jet fighters with his video camera from his window seat.

Five months later, Janne shows me the video on his laptop while we are sitting in his kitchen chatting about parenthood. Marika, his wife, has baked mocha cake, her self-made branch decor is dangling by the window, and Emma, their two-year old daughter, is playing with a little abandoned kitten they have found and are trying to nurse back to health. We chat about our taste in interior design (modern, not country!) and exchange tips on potty training. A dog is barking.

“There, see, these are the hornets!” he says excitedly while pointing at the jets on his computer screen.

“Emma, try to not kill the kitten, please.” Emma drops the little kitten back into its cardboard box, too roughly, like toddlers do.

How did it feel, winning?

Just cool. It was everything I thought it was going to be when I was a boy.

When he was a boy, he stood on Senate Square in downtown Helsinki as part of a group of a hundred thousand fans, celebrating the then-team, who had just become world champions in a match against Sweden. Sixteen years later, he himself would be the world champion being celebrated by a hundred thousand fans, something he never dreamed possible at the time.

“We were just all celebrating, enjoying the moment, the team, the fans. It was crazy. Unbelievable. There were so many people!”

(To Marika) Where were you?

Oh, I was on the bus for wives right behind his.

The dog barks. Marika banishes him to the outdoors for not stopping barking, and for not behaving in general.

“I’m sorry, that dog is crazy,” she says. And then she takes the kitten from the box, a very frail little thing.

“She is only 3 weeks old.” She hands her to me. “She’s so tiny,” I say. “Her weight is like that of a kitten just born. I hope she makes it. One of her siblings already passed away.” Marika explains while wiping Emma’s nose. On my hand, the kitten starts shaking in fear and I decide to hand her back to Marika. I am known to make plants and fish and turtles wither away just by being in the same room with them, and I don’t want to add cute little kittens to my list. Marika kisses her softly and puts her gently down.

Emma eddies around the house as if she were the wind. She is demanding something, but nobody really understands what it is she wants.

“She is in her terrible twos,” Marika says, but she smiles while saying it.

The Lahtis are down-to-earth people, a normal family who lives in a modern Finnish semi-detached house in the suburbs. They are nice people. They hang out with their neighbors. I mean, I don’t hang out with my neighbors.

A golden helmet sitting on a shelf by the TV is the only thing I see that tells of a national hockey player living here. No trophies, no medals, no hockey sticks, no photos, no newspaper clippings.

Marika explains: “We don’t have very many hockey things in this home. This helmet (she points) and that cannon (she points to a trophy right next to the helmet) are the only ones. He got the cannon for top goal-scorer of the year. All the other things are at his parents’ house. That’s where the gold medal is, too.”

The dog barks from outside.

So, tell me, how is it to be the wife of a professional hockey player?

It’s fine. I mean, it’s normal. (She laughs.)

Janne has gone to stroke the kitten. He is wearing comfortable pants and a T-shirt with Donald Duck on it. He smiles at her answer.

(To Janne) How often do you have games?

Three times a week. And then training. 

Do you train throughout the year? Off-season?

Yes. I have to be fit.

At this point, I cannot help but notice his well-defined arm muscles, as he is sipping his coffee. I gulp down my piece of cake.

(To Marika) Err… Do you go to support him at his games?

Sometimes.

(To Janne) Is that nice, seeing your wife and daughter in the audience?

No, I mean, yes… Well, I’m focusing on the game. There is nothing but the game when I play. If I notice them, it means I’m not playing very well.

Emma is making a mess with her sippy cup now, and Janne gets a rag to clean it up. She is in her terrible twos, he mutters. When she throws the cup down again, he tries to tell her no, but she makes faces at him, and we all have to laugh. Marika continues:

When Emma gets sick, that’s when it gets difficult. Because Janne definitely can’t be away, so I have to arrange my schedule around his.

What do you do? 

I’m a make-up artist. For example I do the make up for Kuorosota [the Finnish version of Clash of the Choirs, a reality contest miniseries]… You know, do you know the TV show Aatami & Eeva [another Finnish reality show, following Finnish celebrity couples in their everyday life]? Well, they wanted us to be a part of it. She laughs. I mean, no way.

Nooo way, Janne says.

So tell me, Marika. What’s the worst about being a parent?

Being tired and cranky. Marika’s answer is immediate.

That brings out the worst in me. Janne agrees.

It does, Marika teases.

The best?

Everything. The smile, the way she comes running to me, the kisses, the hugs, I can see in her that she feels safe, that she is brave. I’d like to have 10, you know! I have no idea how awesome that would be!

I think the worst thing about women is that they compare. But you don’t have to be perfect.

Janne, what about you?

The worst is that I can’t just go and pick up my guitar and jam whenever I want.

Oh so you play?

Yeah. Guitar, base, drums, keyboards. I sing.

Marika adds: Before we had kids, he came home late from a bar one night, I was already sleeping, so he went outside and built himself a tent, so he could play there without waking me up.

What’s the best?

The best is playing with her, seeing her laugh and smile.

Emma takes the kitten from him and starts playing with her. Careful, he whispers.

He is a good dad. He spends a lot of time with her, Marika confides to me in the kitchen.

What do you want for Emma?

She can be whatever she wants to be, but I’d like her to get more education than me, Marika answers.

And then Janne from across the room: not hockey! Marika laughs.

So, are you guys going to stay in Finland?

I like Finland.

That’s good. I will see you in Finland then next year?

Or Russia… or the US, Janne evades.

Imagine giving birth in Russia! Marika laughs, but she looks frightened.

Yeah, that would be scary, says Janne.

Would that be scary, to go to Russia?

Yes, he says simply.

And then Marika tells me to follow her. Here come look. I follow her and look out the window over their patio to see a a plot with what looks like apple trees, on a small hill. The sun has started to set, leaving long shadows across the lawn. There is a plot of land right next to this house. We would like to build a house there. It’s a popular plot, though, as this area has never anything available, and if our neighbors or someone makes a higher offer on it, then that’s that.

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Ho Quang, a young photographer faraway from his homeland Vietnam, has a snack of modern approach due his background in graphic and game design. “Untold Stories” -exhibition is a distinction from his earlier work; personal, gritty and stirring. 

“Untold Stories” brings to light the drawbacks of rapid economic growth, forced migration, unemployment and homelessness, on the weakest ones in Vietnam. Even in the darkest hour, there is a slim ray of hope.

Vote for him in the Hasselbland Masters 2014

“My dream is to become a teacher, to teach and help disadvantaged children like me.” - Ahn

“I want to become a doctor so that I can cure my mother, so that she can be forever by my side because in this world she is the only close one I have.” - Tai 

Clothes by Czesiociuch 

Photo/Style: Paulina Kania/PinkWings. Style/make-up: Anastazja Borowska/PinkWings. Hair: Marcin Włodarczyk/PinkWings. Set Design: Piotr Półtorak/PinkWings. Design: Piotr Buczkowski/PinkWings. Clothes: Czesiociuch, Castorama. Paper design: LoveKids. Models: Eryk, Nikodem/PinkWings

Clothes by H&M

Photo: Paulina Kania/PinkWings. Style/make-up: Anastazja Borowska/PinkWings. Hair: Marcin Włodarczyk. Paper Design: Decolove. Clothes: H&M. Models: Nestor, Nikodem, Eryk, Tymoteusz/PinkWings.

Are there stories behind your items?

Yes, for example some of the old tin cans I got from my grandmother, some from the flee market. The Pinocchio dolls are from Italy. I was an au-pair in Northern-Italy and started collecting them. After that our family continued the tradition and we would always buy a new one from every city we visited. Few of them are souvenirs from our relatives.

You are moving to a bigger apartment this year. Are you keeping the same style there as well?

It will be more or less the same style, clean and simple. I might change the feel a bit, using dreamier colors. I’m happy with the interior design of this place, if it wasn’t for a bigger apartment, we wouldn’t be moving at all. 

You may remember Liisa from our “Trick or Treat” Fashion feature.

The effortless and sexy R/H has been a wonderful addition to the Nordic fashion scene since 2011. Two young talents, Hanna Riiheläinen and Emilia Hernesniemi met each other while studying in the the University of Art & Design Helsinki, and together they steer R/H from Helsinki.

The most recognized design in their collection is the Mickey, fun and figure flattering design that makes any woman look good. “Hanna designed the Mickey dress for our first season and it was kind of a bonus dress, a bit sexier than the other styles in the first collection. It is definitely a signature style that we love and have fun playing with in every season,” shares Emilia.

With their biggest fans in Denmark, US, Japan and -naturally- Finland, both designers are especially excited about their upcoming collection. “R/H AW/13 collection is called “Frightening Freedom” and it`s about a human`s right to her or his freedom in every situation. Freedom is about being able to think, create and reach out to your dreams – whether it`s making music, traveling or making babies. R/H implements freedom via a collection rich on structural materials, deep colors, musical elements and new powerful effects. Gold, petrol and black mixed with down to earth surfaces and fresh prints,” says Emilia.

And no need to wait for autumn for something new from R/H, according to Emilia there is a special treat for all music lovers this summer. Emilia reveals, “R/H is doing a collaboration with the Flow music festival 2013. We are insanely excited about it! Flow festival has created a new category in Scandinavian music festivals and we are proud to be on the edge. Flow will get their own Mickey Piano Dress but only as a special edition. Girls, run!”

Oh yes we will!

GIVEAWAY TIME! Mickey tee (value 110 eur). WINNER is MILLE. CONGRATULATIONS! (please send your contact information to: daniela@rawr.fi)

Leave a comment here by 11 May and win yourself a Mikey Tee by R/H. This giveaway is open for worldwide participants. Remember to like our Facebook page and we’ll keep you updated on the future giveaways!

R/H

http://shop.rh-the-label.com

R/H Spring Sumer 2013

“I am looking for something bordering between the beautiful and the repulsive, living and dead. I want to attain the feeling of presence one can get when walking by a plastic manikin…” Oleg Dou

http://olegdou.com/

CUBS

“THERE WAS A PECULIAR TRADITION IN THE XIX CENTURY OF DOING PHOTO SHOOTS WITH DEAD CHILDREN”

TOY STORY

“WE ALL PLAY THE GOOD GUYS AS KIDS, BUT FAR FROM ALL OF US GROW UP TO BE GOOD, UPSTANDING PEOPLE”

Models: Noa, Julian, Lumi, Annika (Paparazzi), Polina (Paparazzi), Jonas (Brand)
Hair: Taryn Renee Barker/ Make Up: Sonja Vanhanen & Kata Niemi / Styling Elina Felin and Riikka Vepsäläinen.

Jonas wearing look by Zara and shoes by Converse (Marimekko Collection) / Noa wearing shirt by Marimekko, shorts by H&M, socks, by Bobo Choses, shoes by Converse and cap by Mini Rodini

Jonas wearing shirt by Zara and hat by Fiona Timantti

Jonas wearing look by Zara and  shoes by Converse (Marimekko Collection)

Polina wearing dress by R/H and  shoes by Converse (Marimekko Collection)

Annika wearing bathing suit by R/H

Annika wearing dress by Marimekko, belt by Bobo Choses and bracelets by Accessorize

Lumi wearing bathing suit by Mini Rodini and shoes by Emmi Malmström / Annika wearing dress by Marimekko, belt by Bobo Choses and shoes by Andiamo

Lumi wearing shorts and shirt by Bobo Choses and shoes by H&M 

Annika wearing top by Bobo Choses, skirt by Karen Millen and shoes by Converse (Marimekko Collection)

Lumi wearing dress by BANGBANG Copenhagen, socks by Marimekko, bag by Accessorize and shoes by H&M

Annika wearing shirt by Karen Millen, trousers by R/H and shoes by Converse (Marimekko Collection)

Julian wearing sweater by Mini Rodini, pants by Bobo Choses and hat by Fiona Timantti.

Noa wearing jeans by Petit by Sofie Schnoor and jacket by The Brand

Special thanks to Ararat Ari Food Bazar and Tiimari

HAPPY VAPPU EVERYONE!

To include romance and acts of love in a family with children can feel like rocket science at times. We asked Ada Schlizewski, the original face of the Lumene Natural Code cosmetic series and daughter of the Finnish celebrity tattoo artist Wilma Schlizewski, what she thinks of romance and everyday life as a young mother. We also asked her husband, the synthesizer player Juha Peltoniemi from the band “Vanity Beach” to tell his view as well. Let’s hear from the parents of a 2-year-old Neeo on falling in love at their workplace and small things that keep the sparkles on.

Ada: Last Valentine’s Day, we went out for a dinner and Neeo had a babysitter. A year ago Juha cooked at home, very low-key. There are these rare occasions when we make the effort in planning something romantic and build up our expectations. Then things don’t turn out as we planned…

Juha: Ada is most beautiful when she’s laughing and being cheerful, like this morning when we went to the playground to play in the slide with Neeo.

A: We have one big thing in common; we both love food. Juha likes to cook and I like to eat. I bet he has never eaten any food I’ve made. He is a very good chef.

J: We haven’t been worked at the same time at the restaurant for a few years now, even though that’s where we got to know each other in the first place. Now I’m working in a completely different location, it’s the same firm and right next door though. But yeah, we may have sometimes secretly made out at work.

A: Yes, we have. We were told to cut it out. Nowdays we’re rarely at work at the same time.

J: If we have the whole day to ourselves we don’t want to plan too much. The best thing is to sleep, not even sleeping in necessarily, but to just wake up without any rush. Then we can come up with something fun to do together.

Images by Gina Kim
Hair and MakeUp: Danni / Models: Adrianna, Lolly and Kalia

Happu  Vappu Everyone!

ABOUT
Gina Kim is a New York based photographer. She currently resides in the Upper East Side.

As a visionary photographer she is always seeking ways to tell a story through her pictures.

For her a day spent behind the lens is the best one. Nothing gives her greater joy than the click of the camera. Her favorite subjects are children, for their spontaneity and uninhibitedness.

A lover of couture, international travel, sweets and pretty things, Gina is always looking to capture moments to be cherished.

Very French Gangsters provides a gorgeous collections glasses for 3-14 year olds, founded by Karoline Bothorel-Bolzinger and Anne Masanet, who calls themselves as “glasses addicts”.

Available in prescription glasses and sunglasses, the hardest part is to decide on the favorite pairs!

Collections

Very Pilote – tough and sleek

Very Boss – intellectual charisma

Very Pan Pan – hipster chic

Very Bombe – all flirts

 http://veryfrenchgangsters.com/

Caroline Bothorel-Bolzinger and Anne Masanet