Marimekko from Finland are celebrating 70 years this year, founded in 1951. With a brand that Marimekko you get nostalgia, quality, familiarity and yet the designs always feel very contemporary and a bit brave.
Marimekko started making dresses in abstract patterns and vibrant colours for women that were bold in expressing their personality with their choice of clothing. Marimekko design was a source of enchantment and provocation around the world. Over the years Marimekko's anti-fashion became not only fashion but also a way of living. Marimekko is considered one of the first lifestyle brands to combine fashion, handbags and accessories, as well as home décor.
Two designers in particular, Vuokko Nurmesniemi, with bold stripes, and Maija Isola, with large simple flowered prints such as the Unikkopoppy, created hundreds of distinctive patterns and helped to make Marimekko a household name across the world and they were made famous in the United States by Jacqueline Kennedy, who bought eight Marimekko dresses which she wore throughout the 1960 United States presidential campaign.
Myself I am not brave enough for the dresses, but I wish I was since they are lovely and when I see someone wearing a Marimekko dress, I automatically identify her as strong independent woman with a fabulous taste in fashion. I settle for the home products like bedding, towels, vases and tea pots. I really really love my tea pot.