Home and Kitchen · Helsinki, Uusimaa

Marimekko

Bold Finnish prints that have brightened homes and tables since 1951.

Founded: 1951
Founded by: Armi Ratia, Viljo Ratia
Based in: Helsinki, Uusimaa

Their story

Marimekko was started in Helsinki in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia, who wanted printed cotton to feel joyful and modern in postwar Finland. They brought in young Finnish artists and let them draw big, graphic patterns at a time when most fabric was quiet and floral.

The designers made the name. Vuokko Nurmesniemi's striped Jokapoika shirt arrived in 1956, and Maija Isola drew the Unikko poppy in 1964, a print still in production today. Jacqueline Kennedy wore Marimekko dresses during the 1960 presidential campaign, which introduced the brand to many Americans.

The company nearly went under in the early 1990s before Kirsti Paakkanen bought it and set it back on course. Today Marimekko is still based in Helsinki and still treats print design as the center of everything it makes.

How it's made

Patterns are created by Marimekko's in-house and guest designers, and many of its fabrics are printed at the company's own textile printing factory in Helsinki. Finished goods such as napkins, tableware and kitchen textiles are produced with partner manufacturers in several countries.