Monday, March 21, 2011

6. Natalie Kiryk ~ MARIMEKKO


Marimekko, established and founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia and her husband Viljo, is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-quality, interior decoration textiles, bags and other accessories. Known for their bold, effusive textiles and ready-made products, Marimekko has become a respected name in the design world. Marimekko is synonymous with all that is modern, chic and sophisticated.


The company’s CEO, Armi Ratia, was responsible for making the avant garde designs of female artists like Maija Isola a part of the Marimekko identity. In the 1960s, bold prints and boxy fashions became the height of fashion in Finland and abroad, launching Marimekko into the international arena.


Marimekko was first introduced to the United States by the architect Benjamin C. Thompson, who featured them heavily in his Design Research stores. 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.

Today Marimekko is producing fabrics and ready-made items for stores all over the world. Their designs can be seen in places as varied as Crate and Barrel, H&M and Converse. And worn by Sarah-Jessica Parker on Sex and the City.


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