MARIMEKKO FINNISH DESIGN

Marimekko’s story began in 1949

Viljo Ratia founded Printex, a small Helsinki-based textile printing company, in 1949. Viljo's wife, Armi Ratia, envisioned a bold future for textile design and manufacturing. To fulfil her vision, she gathered promising young artists around her and asked them to create new and striking fabric prints for Printex. 

1n 1970s, the product range was further expanded with the launch of canvas bags to become best-selling classics, such as Olkalaukku (shoulder bag) and the Matkuri (traveller) tote.

In 2000s, new products have been introduced in the home collection, such as the Sukat makkaralla (socks rolled down) glassware, the Konkkaronkka (bunch) cutlery,  the Hehkuva (glowing) lantern, and the Valoisa (bright) lamp.  

Design collaboration with two famed international brands, Converse and Banana Republic, brought Marimekko high global visibility. In 2012, Marimekko and Finnair began a unique partnership: two Unikko-patterned aircraft fly from Helsinki to Finnair's long-haul destinations, and passengers on all Finnair flights can enjoy textiles and tableware with Marimekko patterns.