Marimekko

 

Marimekko is a family company based in Helsinki whose bright floral and geometric designs are synonymous with modern Finnish design.   It began after the original owner’s oil cloth business failed and they converted it to a clothing plant. Original owners, Viljo and Armi Ratia asked their artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles.  In order to show how the cloth could be used the company designed and sold a range of simple dresses using the fabric. In the 1960s the brand became famous for it’s bright, bold, roomy comfortable dresses which were an alternative to post war fashion. After Jackie Kennedy wore Marimenkko  dresses  the company was catapulted into the international fashion scene.

 

The company did well until well into the 1970s  but had fallen into difficult times by the mid 1980s.  Kirsti Paakkanen bought the brand  and put the company back on track by mixing new design with 1960s patterns.  Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City has also helped to promote the company more recently after that character wore a Marimekko dress.


 

There are Marimekko stores around the world including a new one in Sydney which opened last year.  I love the wonderful designs of this Finnish company and am lucky enough to have 3 pieces of it.  On the weekend  I bought a dress made out of Marimekko fabric and I’m pretty chuffed with it. I also have some cushions which I made from this company's fabric a few years ago.  For Xmas last year I was given a beautiful blue and white Marimekko bowl  which I love.   
I can imagine how different these designs were in the 1950s and 60s, such big prints, so bold and colourful.  How different from, say Laura Ashley cotton from the same period.