_format-1500w.png)
We Love: Marimekko
Our ‘We Love’ series was conceived to highlight the fashion industry’s historic and beloved Nordic brands. The brands who are actively creating and designing, while placing their respective countries» mark on the world. Trace the history of these brands from their founding to their current collections, pinpoint their signature styles, and find out where you can snag a piece to add to your wardrobe. A lesson in all things Nordic brands, brands which we love! Without further ado, the first in our series, the Finnish powerhouse, Marimekko…
Most, if not all Scandinavians, have some sort of relationship with Marimekko. The Finnish design house has had a place in our bedrooms, our kitchens, and our closets since the 50s. Marimekko’s designs have appeared on the side of Converse sneakers, on the side of Finnair passenger planes, and on fashion week runways around the world – their influence transcends rooms and borders.
The History of Marimekko
Founded in 1951, Marimekko made its’ stamp on the world via its’ prints. Finn Viljo Ratia owned Printex, a textile printing company and together with his wife, Armi Ratia, the two launched a fashion show, in an effort to display how their textiles could fashionably be used to create clothes – designed by Riitta Immonen, the collection used print patterns commissioned from Finnish artists. From their first 1950’s fashion show through to today, the brand has remained true to its’ bold, colourful prints and clean tailoring.
The DNA of Marimekko
Seven decades on, the name Marimekko is still synonymous with prints. While today many deem Marimekko to be just a fashion brand, at its core lies textiles. To understand the design house’s history, one need not look far. ‘Iconic, universal, comforting, beloved and timeless’ are just some of the words that describe their works of art. For instance, chances are, you or someone you know had the ‘Unikko’ (poppy) print adorn their bedspread.
Born in 1964 and painted by Maija Isola, this print is typified by loud bursts of floral and was one of the first floral prints to be introduced at the brand. The ‘Unikko’ is preceded by the ‘Jokapoika’ (every boy) shirt which is still in production to this day, making it the longest lasting classic. From the streets of Helsinki to the pages of Vogue, to being worn by Jackie Kennedy, Marimekko took the world by storm. As the brand began to grow in popularity, more talented designers were brought on to shape and design their prints. These beautiful prints take shape on free-flowing, non-restrictive silhouettes, another aspect which is typical of Marimekko.
The brand’s pieces are functional, full of life and can be worn by all. In more recent years, Marimekko’s prints have jumped off fabric and textiles and onto decorative goods like dishware and glassware. These natural prints and their names also align with the ethos of Marimekko, as sustainability is of central importance to the design house: timeless pieces that are made to last, while also being mindful of their environmental impact and the way in which they are produced.
Fall/Winter 2021 ‘The Future Landscapes Collection’
For their most recent collection, Marimekko kicked off their 70th anniversary and Fall/Winter 2021 collection with a virtual styling event hosted by Sweden-based stylist Anna Fernandez. In recognition of this celebration, the brand’s FW 21 titled, ‘The Future Landscapes Collection’, is an homage to the history of the brand thus far, consisting of prints and styles of the past while also honouring the evolution of nature and its landscapes.
This season was consistent with the brand’s DNA of minimalist and flattering silhouettes and as with many fashion houses» recent collections, the concept of comfort was dominant. With this collection marking the brand’s 70th anniversary, it only felt right that the brand dug deep into their archive and reinvented their beloved prints. Historic prints like Maija Isola’s 1956 Kivet (stones) and 1964 Unikko (poppy), all fittingly made appearances but were reinvented in a new way. The collection is bold and beautiful, composed of colour-blocking, poppies, and geometric shapes. Pops of pinks were refreshing additions to a collection of neutrals, browns, and blacks. Airy, flowy dresses in signature prints were coupled with puffers; two items always found in a Scandinavian’s closet. Specific to Marimekko and its values, the collection felt like a toast to designs of the past, present, and future.
Discover and shop the Marimekko world on their website and read more about them via our website!