Marimekko: Fabrics, Fashion, Architecture

by Marianne Aav (Editor)

Founded in 1951 by visionary textile designer Armi Ratia and her husband, Viljo, the Marimekko Corporation in Finland not only sparked a revolution in pattern making but also pioneered a new definition of fashion that embraced the entire home environment. This book presents more than one hundred examples of the exuberant Marimekko fashions and home furnishings that gave the company a definitive presence on the world design stage. The book considers the history of the company from its founding through today and examines Marimekko’s impact on design in Finland and around the world. The company’s most important designers, including Maija Isola and Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, their contributions, and their stylistic development are also discussed. In addition, the book examines Marimekko home and office interiors and how they reflected the lifestyle envisioned in Armi Ratia’s broad, radical definition of fashion.

Genres: Art, Fashion, Design

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2003

Reviews

[Jaimie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not often that Scandinavian fashion is a popular topic, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this book about the design firm Marimekko. I've always been charmed by the graphic simplicity of their prints (a stark contrast to the decadent designs by Pucci, another favourite), even though it be totally out of character for me to wear them. Stiff cottons, simplistic/undesigned lines, and primary colour focus are just not for me. I do rather appreciate the design aesthetic though, and I was pleased to find the pages of this book rife with colourful patterns of all types. That being said, I quickly grew bored with the accompanying essays (too many indistinguishable names and repetitive themes) and wished that there was a complete range of Marimekko patterns provided instead.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite designs in the whole wide world.

[Anne]

Marimekko....what can I say? They're genuises.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

More about the fashion and history of Marimekko.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much nerdier than expected!