Marimekko
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Marimekko is a Finnish company that has made important contributions to fashion, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. They are particularly noted for brightly-colored printed fabrics and simple styles.
History
Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia, when Armi asked some artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles. In order to show how the fabric could be used, the company then designed and sold a line of simple dresses using their fabric.
Marimekko was first introduced to the United States by the architect Benjamin C. Thompson, who featured them heavily in his Design Research stores. They were made famous in the United States by Jacqueline Kennedy, who wore them during the 1960 US Presidential campaign.
External links
- Marimekko home page (http://www.marimekko.fi/index_eng.html)
- Bard Graduate Center (http://www.bgc.bard.edu/exhibit/exhibits/marimekko/press_release.html) press release announcing an exhibit on the history of Marimekko. Includes a significant amount of background on the company and its work.fi:Marimekko Oyj