Marimekko Home Sale

Armi Ratia

Marimekko

Marimekko is one of the founders of finnish and scandinavian design. More than a brand or a style, Marimekko, founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia, is a state of mind, a way of living, based on love for the everyday life, creativity and freedom of mind. Creativity has indeed always been central in Marimekko's activity, and new artists are invited each year to propose new designs. Meanwhile, the catalogue also offers former patterns from the 1950s up until today, which objective is less to follow fashion as to develop a timeless aesthetic.

Marimekko attaches great importance to the manufacturing quality of its products, and still today, all Marimekko bags and Marimekko fabrics are manufactured in Marimekko's own factories located in Finland. In the same way ethics is a central concern of Marimekko's management – a value inherited from its founder Armi Ratia.

The international reputation of Marimekko was born in 1960: the year when Jackie Kennedy wore several Marimekko dresses during the presidential campaign of her husband, wich gave the brand a sudden and huge media coverage (discover the history of Marimekko in a few dates). After the death of its founder Armi Ratia, in 1979, the company almost disappeared before being bought in 1991 by Kirsti Paakkanen. Thank's to her and to her successor Mika Ihamuotila, Marimekko experiences today a new Golden age, both from economical and creative points of view. The company counts more than hundred concept stores all around the world (USA, Japan, UK, Germany, etc.), and hundreds of private retailers.

Scandinavia design is the main Marimekko private retailer in southern Europe.