Marimekko
Marimekko's mod inspired line adds some dashing spice to your spring/summer wardrobe. Bold colors, dynamic prints, clean crisp silhouettes and a refreshing playful spirit all perfeclty execute the Marimekko signature style
A Look At the History Behind the Brand
Marimekko – Bold Confidence Since 1951
First there was Printex, a company producing oilcloth and printed fabrics, which Viljo Ratia bought in 1949. His wife, Armi Ratia, commissioned young artists to design fabric prints for the company, which resulted in entirely new, boldly coloured and patterned fabrics. People admired them, but did not really know what use they could have. So it was decided to make a small collection of clothing to demonstrate the uses of the fabrics, and to establish a separate company – Marimekko Oy – to make the clothing. The first Marimekko collection was designed by Riitta Immonen and was presented to the Finnish public in a fashion show at the Kalastajatorppa restaurant in Helsinki in May 1951.
The 1960s
In the 1960s, Marimekko’s business operations rapidly expanded and became international. The product range widened, and Marimekko became a globally recognised phenomenon and lifestyle. Towards the end of the decade, the company ran into financial difficulties, which were resolved through extensive restructuring carried out in 1968–1971
The 1970s
Marimekko’s production was modernised and expanded in the 1970s, licensing increased rapidly, and the company was listed on the stock exchange
The 1980s
The death of Armi Ratia was followed by over a decade of uncertainty and upheaval at Marimekko. At the beginning of the 1980s, the company's business still flourished. In early 1985, Marimekko was sold to Amer Group Ltd, and the end of the decade saw the beginning of difficult years for Marimekko. The company's financial situation deteriorated rapidly, and the public image of the Marimekko brand became blurred.
The 1990s
Marimekko began to flourish anew in the 1990s after it was bought from Amer Group by Workidea, a company owned by Kirsti Paakkanen. Marimekko had a charismatic face again, and the company entered a period of strong, profitable growth. Design was once again given centre stage, and new lines of products, such as businesswear designed by Ritva Falla, were introduced. Other designers who joined Marimekko’s designer team in the 1990s were Erja Hirvi, Jaana Parkkila, Mika Piirainen, Jukka Rintala and Marjaana Virta.
The 2000s
In the 2000s, Marimekko has continued its steady growth. The company's position in international markets has strengthened substantially through, among other things, the numerous Marimekko concept stores established by retailers. Several extensive Marimekko exhibitions organised around the world have also contributed to increases in exports and the recognition of Marimekko design. Production has been modernised, and the product range has been further expanded. Marimekko's design team has been supplemented by several new, young talents, including Anna Danielsson, Samu-Jussi Koski, Maija Louekari and Teresa Moorhouse. Such top names as Björn Dahlström, Harri Koskinen and Ilkka Suppanen have also made their debut as Marimekko designers in this decade.
Marimekko Kuannia Checker Short Dress Shown Left
Marimekko Laulu Polka Dot Dress with Black Ninette Bracelet Shown Right
Photo Credits
Fashion Stylist: Sandra Alice
Photographer: Rebecca Salzman www.rlsimages.com
Make Up: Meagan Shea www.meaganshea.com
Hair: Chiala Marvici www.twitter.com/ChialaMarvici
Model: Courtney H New York Models
Contributing Designers
 |
 |
 |
|
Linda Farrow Jeremy Scott
Sunglasses |
Peep Toe Dorothy Pump |