INTRO TO FASHION 101: MARIMEKKO

Founded in 1951, Marimekko--which mean's "Mary's dress"-- is a Finnish textile and design company that produces bold, graphic, brightly colored, printed textiles.

Left: Juhannustaika, designed by Aino-Maija Metsola 2008.Right: Nuppu, designed by Maija Louekari 2008

The distinctive prints are surprisingly versatile. In addition to clothing and shoes, you'll find that quentessential Marimekko patterns are often used for home decor, umbrellas...i've even seen a Marimekko inspired cake! The textiles were a favorite of Jackie Kennedy, who wore Marimekko dresses frequently during John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign.

H&M's "Marimekko collection will be joyfully fresh, like a vitamin injection". -Margareta van den Bosch, H&M's head of design.

Marimekko has not only withstood and transcended time, but it is enjoying a resurgence! Vogue featured Elizabeth Kendall's account of how a Marimekko dress inspired confidence during her tumultuos college years in the April 2008 issue. Manolo Blahnik used Marimekko prints in his Spring 2008 line and H&M has also collaborated with Marimekko to launch a line, check out a few pieces depicted on the slide above.

Blahnik Spring 2008 collection features Marimekko patterns, including the "Unikko" (red poppy pattern on left). Maija Isola created the pattern in 1964 in protest. Apparently, Marimekko’s founder, Armi Ratia, forbade floral patterns in Marimekko.

You can purchase Marimekko pieces in select stores throughout the United States. Click on the label below for vintage Intros to Fashion 101, TextStyles and Style Collaborations posts!

Update: Look out for Marimekko for Avon! Marimekko's Unikko pattern will be used on a number of limited edition Avon beauty products to be launched at the end of 2008.