MARVELOUS MARIMEKKO — February 11 - March 31, 2008

     "After the war, I came down from Karelia, with only a gas mask and a raincoat. I wanted to lift the spirit of women oppressed by wartime gloom. I wanted to print cotton fabric with bright colors and strong designs, good enough to dine with the queen. And my models would be barefoot. We were new. We were tired of war. We wanted colors that would sing!"
     - Armi Ratia, founder of Marimekko (in a conversation with Design Quest owners, Meg and Jorgen Sorensen, on their 1975 visit to the Marimekko factory in Helsinki).

Marimekko is, without doubt, one of the great success stories in the history of 20th- century design. Founded in 1951 by the visionary textile designer Armi Ratia and her husband, Viljo, the company grew from a small textile-printing firm into an international phenomenon and gave Finland a definitive presence on the world fashion stage. The exuberant colors and accessible cuts of Marimekko clothing as well as bold patterns of their printed textiles became a national symbol of a new optimism and equality in post-war Finland, and introduced a highly original vocabulary to the fields of fashion and home design. Even more than sparking a revolution in printed textiles, Marimekko also introduced a groundbreaking marketing concept, proposing a definition of fashion that embraced the entire home environment and set the precedent for a lifestyle brand.

Marimekko, known for its innovative bold patterns and exuberant designs, has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Originally introduced to the American audience in the late 1950's, Marimekko became extremely popular following a December 1960 Sports Illustrated cover showing first Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in a simple Marimekko cotton dress.

The same vivid colors and large scale patterns that helped Marimekko establish Finland as a source of cutting-edge style are at the top of fashion once again.

The Design Gallery features Marvelous Marimekko

Marimekko fabric fashions from Finland on display in the Design Gallery, featuring powerful designs, intense color, internationally recognized style since 1950.

Jacqueline Kennedy in Marimekko dress.

Marimekko became extremely popular following a December 1960 Sports Illustrated cover showing first Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in a simple Marimekko cotton dress.

Marimekko bed and table linens Marimekko's collection of bed and table linens contain patterns and colors for all tastes. There are romantic and ornamental prints, crisp geometric patterns, new designs, and classics.	1970's child's jacket by Marimekko Boldly patterned child's jacket worn by owners' children in early 1970's

Historic fashions and current textile designs

Fabric and fashion design from past and present on display in the Design Gallery

Marimekko popular Unikko print Maija Isola's "Unikko", an upbeat pattern of interlocking poppies, is one of the most popular prints in Marimekko's history. Shown here on coffee mugs, trays, placemats and linens.	Marimekko hanging textile Historic 1970's Marimekko textile fabric on display.