On 6th December 2010 Finland celebrated 93 years of independence.  The annual Independence Ball, also known as the Presidential Ball, is one of the happenings of the year in Finland.  The ball is broadcast live and this year almost 2.3 million Finns were seated in front of their television sets to follow it.

The ball is held at the presidential palace in Helsinki.  This year the Finnish president, Tarja Halonen, and her husband, doctor Pentti Arajärvi, received 1.800 guests.

In September of 2010 the president visited the GULDVIVA workshop and following her visit GULDVIVA’s founder and head goldsmith, Maria Karlström and her husband, were invited to the ball.

A more suitable ball gown than GRACE was difficult to find.  GRACE consists of 1055 of the trademarked BLOMMAN pieces, shaped into a dress.  In her original form GRACE would have been difficult (and cold!) to wear.  She was modified into a more “ball-friendly” shape by Lena Andersson, a seamstress with real talent (and a personality to light up the darkest of winters!)

Maria and Fredrik at the presidential palace.

Maria and Fredrik together with the others invited from Åland.

Lena Andersson – seamstress with talent!

Maria and Lena, one of many fittings.

Maria and Lena, one of many fittings.