very merry Marimekko
I’m a fan of Marimekko prints and thought I’d do a little primer for anyone unfamiliar with this iconic company.
Marimekko is a Finnish company based in Helsinki that has made important contributions to fashion, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. It is particularly noted for its brightly-colored, graphic printed fabrics and simple styles.
Look at this restaurant in Helsinki with Marimekko tablecloths…
Marimekko was founded in 1951. They were made famous in the United States by Jacqueline Kennedy, who bought eight Marimekko dresses which she wore throughout the 1960 US Presidential campaign.
In the mid 1960’s, Crate and Barrel began a relationship with Marimekko, which continues to this day, using their designs on textiles sold in their stores. Crate and Barrel also uses Marimekko patterns as display backdrops in their stores to add color and seasonality.
By 1965, the company employed over 400 people, and was into every aspect of design from fabrics to toys, dinnerware, even completely equipped small houses. That year, the owner was quoted in a magazine as saying she was “against success–it is a sick word. Too many side effects.”
Interesting foreshadowing as the company was sold in 1985, and by the1990s, Marimekko was in such bad financial condition it was considered ready for bankruptcy which is the reason many people are unfamiliar with it today. It was eventually sold again and re-introduced with a new business model. The current company is generally seen as having saved Marimekko.
In the late 90’s Marimekko achieved publicity in the hit series Sex and the City. The main character of the series, Carrie Bradshaw wore a Marimekko bikini in season 2 and later a Marimekko dress. In the fifth season they featured tablecloths with Marimekko prints. The power of tv!
By 2005, Marimekko’s revenue had been quadrupled and it’s net income had grown 200-fold.
Smartly, they’ve licensed their designs to some very hot companies like Fatboy bean bag chairs…
Here is a swimsuit at H&M…
In 2007, Marimekko began opening individually-owned Marimekko Concept Stores in the United States and Canada. There is only one concept store in Canada unfortunately - lucky Vancouver gets it! At the end of this blog I’ve listed it, plus all of the other retailers in Canada who deal in Marimekko products.
All you really need is a yard of this great fabric to see it’s impact - I love the simplicity of stretching it over a frame like art…
Or made into a pillow like this one for sale on Etsy…
The current popularity of Marimekko is not only a good-news business story, but in my opinion, another indicator that the world is ready for exciting colour and pattern again.
Concept Store
MARIMEKKO CONCEPT STORE VANCOUVER MEKKO DESIGNS INC., 1233 HAMILTON STREET VANCOUVER V6B 6K3, BRITISH COLUMBIA Tel: +1 604 609 2881
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http://www.marimekkovancouver.com
Other Retailers
KIT INTERIOR OBJECTS LTD. 725 11 AVE SW CALGARY, ALBERTA Tel: +1 403 508 2533 Fax: +1 403 508 2538
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FINNPORT INC. 290 BAY STREET THUNDER BAY ON, P7B 1R8 Tel: +1 877 206 3466 Fax: +1 807 344 3604
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THE FINNISH PLACE 7670 YONGE STREET, #1 THORNHILL, ONTARIO L4J 1W1 Tel: +1 416 222 7575 Fax: +1 905 881 1950
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DESIGNHOUSE 1110 MAINLAND STREET VANCOUVER, BC V6B 2T9 Tel: +1 604 681 2800 Fax: +1 800 870 4433
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DESIGNHOUSE 616 YATES ST. VICTORIA BC, V8W 1K9 Tel: +1 604 681 2800 Fax: +1 250 383 3569
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Comments
I will recommend not to hold back until you earn enough amount of money to order different goods! You should just get the loan or credit loan and feel yourself comfortable
Cobi,
Paloranta on Toronto’s Queen West is another great source for Marimekko and right now their window is devoted to the brand: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2009/03/shops-paloranta-art-furnishing/
Very interesting. My aunt used to work for Marimekko in the 70s in Toronto so I knew about it then, and have seen it around recently but never knew what happened in between. Some of their prints are gorgeous and we are ready for some 60s/70s splashes of colour again.