Mad for Marimekko

By Marni Elyse Katz
February 25, 2011

Marimekko, a Finnish textile and clothing company known for its bright colors and bold, geometric prints, turns 60 this year. Early highlights include its showcase in a Milan department store under then display manager, Giorgio Armani, and the brand's popularity with Jacqueline Kennedy, who wore a handful of Marimekko print dresses through the 1960 Presidential campaign. Much later, another cultural icon, Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and the City," sported a Marimekko print bikini in season two.

Marimekko

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An homage to Marimekko at Anthropologie's Boston store in the former Crate & Barrel space
Marimekko
Marimekko Store
Marimekko Fashion
Marimekko Store
Marimekko Accessories
Marimekko Store
Marimekko Store
Marimekko Accessories

While Marimekko fabrics were first introduced at retail in the United States at pioneering retailer Design Research, its longest running relationship was forged in 1967 with Crate & Barrel and still continues today. In fact, The Marimekko Shop at Crate and Barrel will open this spring at the SoHo store in New York City, showcasing Marimekko bedding, upholstery, bags, and an array of home accessories. The relationship between the two companies is a strong one. When Anthropologie opened in the former Crate and Barrel space in Harvard Square, there were displays touting the Marimekko heritage.

The most well known of Marimekko’s silk-screened patterns were created by Danish designer Maija Isola, including the overblown poppy print, the Unikko, which has become the company’s icon. While online listings (approximately 1,500) and average eBay auction price for Marimekko items have stayed relatively consistent over time, eBay listings for for Unikko are up 16 percent (to approximately 150) and average price is up 9 percent in the past 30 days vs. a 30 day period approximately one year prior.

Here, the results of our Marimekko browse-athon:

Marimekko Red Mini Unikko Baby Bib

(buy it now price, $7.50)

The Unikko print, designed by Maija Isola in 1964, is perfect for a bib. Messy eaters’ drippings of carrots and sweet potatoes are sure to blend right in.
New Marimekko Unikko Blue Bathroom Shower Curtain

(buy it now price, $44.10)

The iconic Unikko print in blue makes for a bold bathroom.
New Marimekko Puutarhurin Parhaat Pillow Cover

(buy it now price, $26.50)

Young Finnish designer Maija Louekari designed this Parhaat pattern, which is a bit more obscure than some others. The cotton pillow measures 14-inches square.
Converse Chuck Taylor, Marimekko Edition

(buy it now price, $110)

Converse collaborates with a wide range of designers, Marimekko included. These are available in women’s sizes 5-11.
New Marimekko Poppies Folding Umbrella

(buy it now price, $30)

This new design featuring poppies on a black background will brighten any rainy day. And, there’s no chance of getting this umbrella confused with any others.
Marimekko Iltavilli Wall Art

(buy it now price, $22)

Miina Akkijyrkka designed this fabric, which was purchased at the Marimekko store in Helsinki and stretched over a wooden frame.
Marimekko Oiva Lumimarja Mug

(buy it now price, $29)

The spare color palette and design of this ceramic mug will integrate well into most modern decors.
New Marimekko Sarissa Dress

(buy it now price, $29.99)

This extra-small women’s dress was designed by Samu-Jussi Koski for Marimekko as part of the Spring 2010 collection.
Marimekko Palma Fabric

(buy it now price, $25)

Oversize yellow, green, pink, and orange florals and foliage make up this very Florida-style, 100 percent cotton fabric. The price is for one yard–perfect for a peppy pillow in a sunroom or little girl’s lair.
20 Marimekko Unikko Badges with Modern Dress Style Prints

(buy it now price, $22.25)

This set of 20 small buttons (just 1-inch in diameter) is adorable for the fanatic collector, or kids who crave “flair.”