At 15, Minna Parikka discovers her dream career after reading an article her sister wrote about shoe designer Andrea Pfister in a women's magazine.

"It was like a bolt from the blue. In that moment, I realised you could actually spend your days thinking about shoes for a living!"

At 19, Minna moves to England to study footwear design at De Montfort University. Over the next six years, she works, learns and finds inspiration in London, Milan and Barcelona.

In 2002, she wins the Young British Glove Designer Award. After finally landing a role designing shoes for an Italian men's footwear brand, and literally “getting the boot”, Minna realises she'd rather create her own dream job and lead her own creative vision.

Minna returns to Finland and founds Minna Parikka.

For the first three years, she does everything herself: design, production, sales and marketing. Armed with nothing but a suitcase full of shoes, she takes on the world's fashion trade shows, and the journey begins.

The very first Minna Parikka collection launches for Autumn/Winter 2006.

Filled with hearts and wings, the collection instantly captures the hearts of Finnish women.

The brand's international adventure begins in Japan, where its very first stockists open their doors.

Minna opens her very first store on Helsinki's Bulevardi.

Renovated almost entirely with the help of her father, the boutique may have been small, but demand was anything but. Shoes flew off the shelves as loyal fans happily snapped up whichever pair happened to be available in their size.

During her visit to Finland, Lady Gaga receives a platinum-coloured pair of Minna Parikka shoes in place of the traditional platinum record to celebrate The Fame Monster reaching double platinum.

Not long afterwards, she's spotted wearing Minna Parikka designs on multiple occasions.

She is soon joined by a growing list of international stars, including Fergie, Lily Allen, Taylor Swift, Cara Delevingne and many more.

A larger, more beautiful flagship store opens on Helsinki's Aleksanterinkatu.

Known for its spectacular, world-class window displays, the boutique becomes a destination in itself; impossible to pass without smiling.

That same year, the very first bunny ears make their debut on a pair of high heels.

The Bunny Sneakers launch and become an instant sensation.

Their signature bunny ears quickly evolve into the unmistakable symbol of the brand, recognised around the world.

That same year, the cat-eared Caracal loafers become another cult favourite after Taylor Swift wears them as part of her album's global promotional campaign.

As demand soars, Minna Parikka shoes arrive in over 100 of the world's most prestigious department stores and boutiques, including Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Le Bon Marché, Level Shoe District and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The first Mini collection launches at Harrods in London before charming families around the globe.

Soon, Minna's miniature designs are spotted on celebrities children everywhere, including nine members of the Jenner and Kardashian families.

The iconic Lollipop Heel makes its debut.

With its playful candy-inspired heel, it becomes an instant classic.

That same year, Carrie Underwood receives her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame wearing Minna Parikka shoes.

Ironically, 2020 becomes the brand's most successful year ever.

Yet Minna feels it's time to step back, gain perspective and embrace change.

She makes the bold decision to close the brand at its peak, and does so in unforgettable fashion. The entire warehouse sells out in just 24 hours.

After retiring at the height of her success, Minna returns to design a special anniversary collection for Stockmann's 160th birthday.

Filled with joyful colours, pastel shades, sparkling glitter and, naturally, bunny ears the collection is met with overwhelming enthusiasm.

A trip to Tokyo with her daughter sparks the idea for an entirely new brand.

Just two weeks after returning home, the brand's philosophy, visual identity and first collection are already taking shape.

Determined to create footwear that's more responsible without sacrificing comfort or personality, Minna focuses on timeless silhouettes, sustainable materials and everyday wearability, while preserving the playful spirit that has always defined her work.

After partnering with trusted European manufacturers using innovative responsible materials, production begins.

Minna Minna launches in Spring 2024.

A five-month pop-up store opens on Aleksanterinkatu, where the new brand is welcomed with open arms.

The search for a permanent flagship begins.

Minna Minna opens its permanent flagship store on Helsinki's Pohjoisesplanadi with a grand celebration.

In May 2026, the boutique celebrates its first anniversary as the brand continues its steady growth.

The collection also welcomes its very first high heels.

Autumn 2026 marks 20 years since the launch of the very first Minna Parikka collection.

To celebrate the milestone and delight a generation of loyal fans Minna Parikka brings back a carefully curated selection of the brand's most beloved original designs.

Some icons are simply too magical to stay in the archives forever.