Royal Fashion Marimekko
Marimekko Oyj is a Finnish textiles, clothing, and home
furnishings company founded by Viljo and Armi Ratia in
Helsinki in 1951.
Foundation
Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Viljo and Armi Ratia, after the Viljo's
oil-cloth factory project failed and was converted to a garment plant. Armi
asked some artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles.
To show how the fabric could be used, the company then designed and
sold a line of simple dresses using their fabric. When Finland's leading
industrial designer Timo Sarpaneva invited the company to present a
fashion show (albeit canceled at short notice) at the 1957 Triennale in
Milan, it was an early recognition of fashion as an industrial art and of
Marimekko's key role in shaping it to that point. The garments were
eventually showcased in the nearby Rinascente upscale department
store by display manager Giorgio Armani.
History
Marimekko spread to America in the 1960s. It was introduced to the
United States by the architect Benjamin C. Thompson, who
featured them in his Design Research stores. They were made
famous in the United States by future first lady Jacqueline Kennedy,
who bought eight Marimekko dresses which she wore throughout the
1960 United States presidential campaign.
In 1985, the company was sold to Amer-yhtymä. In the early 1990s,
Marimekko was in a bad financial condition and close to bankruptcy.
It was bought from Amer by Kirsti Paakkanen, who introduced new
business methods in the company and helped to revive its popularity.
Later in the 1990s Marimekko achieved publicity in the hit TV series
Sex and the City. The fictional main character of the series,
sex-and-relationship columnist Carrie Bradshaw, wore a Marimekko
bikini on season 2 and then a Marimekko dress. In season 5 the series
introduced tablecloths with Marimekko prints.
Marimekko products are made in China, India, Thailand, Portugal,
Lithuania and other countries. Fabrics are printed in Marimekko's
textile factory in Helsinki, but are not made in Finland
Royal Clients
Princess Margaret
Princess Caroline of Monaco
Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom received a
Marimekko dress during a visit to Finland.
Another royal who like Marimekko is Crown Princess Mary of
Denmark. She has been spotted in several Marimekko outfits.
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway has also demonstrated an
affinity for Marimekko. She has been seen wearing Marimekko
dresses and outfits at various public events, highlighting her
fondness for the brand's aesthetics.
Source pictures: Wikipedia
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