Marimekko Fabrics, Fashion, Architecture

Description

Founded in 1951 by visionary textile designer Armi Ratia and her husband, Viljo, the Marimekko Corporation in Finland not only sparked a revolution in pattern making but also pioneered a new definition of fashion that embraced the entire home environment. This book - the first comprehensive study of Marimekko designs - presents more than one hundred examples of the exuberant Marimekko fashions and home furnishings that gave the company a definitive presence on the world design stage. The book considers the history of the company from its founding through today and examines Marimekko's impact on design in Finland and around the world. The company's most important designers, including Maija Isola and Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, their contributions, and their stylistic development are also discussed. In addition, the book examines Marimekko home and office interiors and how they reflected the lifestyle envisioned in Armi Ratia's broad, radical definition of fashion.

Reviews

"'Pattern focused design labels such as Gervasoni, Sandberg, Etro and Marimekko are enjoying a new-found status thanks to their seductive, cheery prints.' (Jenny Dalton, Financial Times) 'This book sheds light on the fascinating history of the influential Finnish company.' (Caroline Wingfield, Independent Magazine) 'An interesting story with great visuals.' (International Textiles) 'A fascinating new book' (Independent on Sunday) 'the whole production gives a fascinating visual walk-through of the development of Marimekko, its designs, designers and place in Finnish culture over a remarkable 53 years' (The Art Book)"

Author description

Marianne Aav is design historian and director of the Finnish Museum of Art and Design, Helsinki.