marimekko 2006 spring preview
Finnish design company Marimekko is inspired by beautiful everyday life. They encourage new and bold designers, as well as being committed to social justice and the environment. The first Marimekko collection was launched in 1951, followed by international success in the 60s when Jacqueline Kennedy bought seven Marimekko cotton frocks on a single occasion. The 80’s were an uncertain time for Marimekko with the death of their founder, it picked up again in the 90’s and is again a design force to be reckoned with.
Their fabrics and clothing have been designed over the years by extraordinary artists. While they are committed to Finnish design, they have also had world acclaimed designers from Japan, Europe and America. Their fabrics are known for their timeless stylised designs, abstract and graphic patterns, floral and plant motifs, and fun and bold children’s designs.
Bo Boo, by the Japanese designer Katsuji Wakisaka, has brought joy to children all over the world since 1975.
Anna Danielsson says of her designs “This work actually involves a continuous search for inspiration. The essential thing is to remain open to one’s surroundings. “
Fujiwo Ishimoto finds his main source of inspiration in nature and its aspects in different seasons. He describes himself “I am quite quiet. I don’t want to make a fuss about myself. But that doesn’t mean I’m an ascetic looking for some blissful void. On the contrary, I want to see life and joy around me. I’m sociable in the sense that in the company of others I discover myself and things about me in the best way.”
Marimekko available here and here don’t forget to do a search on Ebay for vintage Marimekko.
website here
February 8th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Marimekko is a childhood favourite of mine. Sydney-siders / vistors can see Marimekko fabric “for real” at Chee Soon & Fitzgerald – http://www.cheesoonfitzgerald.com/ Warning – visiting their store is not good for your bank account!
February 8th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
How delightful it is to read about Marimekko here at whip up! Marimekko has been our national pride here in Finland for many decades. The company had it’s weak moments on the 90’s but the current CEO Ms. Kirsti Paakkanen did a great job and the company is blooming now.
An australian lady living in Finland once told in her blog that she suspects that every Finnish person has at least one Marimekko striped t-shirt in their wardrobe. That might be true!
The Marimekko designs as well as other very cool Finnish design items are available at http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/index.php.
February 9th, 2006 at 12:08 am
WOW I had that car fabric in my room when I was little! I totally forgot about that until now! My mom stretched it over wooden frames so they were like big paintings hanging around my room.
February 9th, 2006 at 12:43 am
I’m from Finland and Marimekko is almost a sort of national brand here, it’s so popular. Actually I have curtains from one Marimekko fabric and a bed spread from another in my bedroom. I own a stack of Marimekko clothes too. A few years back Marimekko bought a fur company called Gründstein and some boicoting followed, but they sold it in 2004. So I think it’s ethically Ok to by Marimekko stuff again and I think you should, since the prints are great and the quality is good too:)
February 9th, 2006 at 1:35 am
Thank you for this reminder!!!
Just the simplicity needed for spring….
February 9th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Oh, that car fabric! My brother’s blanket was made of that–by my mom. I think he still has it, or my mom does, somewhere. I have some old pieces of that fabric, along with more ‘traditional’ marimekko ones.
March 8th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
[...] opping
time to show off some recent purchases again. whipup got me thinking merimekko a little while ago. and since i seem to shop nowhere else nowadays (and giv [...]