In the early 1970s, when Marimekko was all the rage, I made myself a dress from a huge pink/red print. It was a highly impractical dress, sleeveless and floor-length, and I recall wearing it only once, although maybe I have forgotten. But the print was unforgettable, embodying the minimalist-yet-wow Scandinavian design esthetic.
We had the pleasure of spending the most of this month in the Baltic, and Helsinki was one of the stops on our cruise. One of the other women in the group, a quilter, told the guide that her fondest wish was to visit a Marimekko shop, and the guide figured out a way to make that happen. Since it was a big favor, I thought I should come along too -- a favor for two isn't quite as outrageous as a favor for one.
When we walked into the shop what did I see but my identical pattern from the 70s.
And on coffee mugs, trays, cosmetic pouches, oven mitts, napkins, and who knows what else.
They also have "my" pattern in a black/gray colorway, but I like the original better.
Kathleen - I grew up with a mom who wore Marimekko dresses for years. She was a ceramics professor at USC and knew Armi Ratia, the founder. My mom, Susan Peterson, was knighted by the Finish Govt. for her work as a ceramic educator. I was lucky enough to go to Armi's summer home to spend time in the summer of 1967, when I was 16. The home was very modern, and full of all prints Marimekko. What a delight. And I was lucky enough to come home with gifts!!! Before my mother died, she gave all of her dresses (I think about 75) to a FInish Museum. To this day I still use Marimekko to cover dinning tables and walls, and bring joy and color to my life. I became a costume designer, and now an art quilter, perhaps because of my experience with Marimekko. I enjoyed your post!. I have sheets in this print!
ReplyDeleteI have only discovered Marimekko recently when we studied them with our Art Quilters group, we also have an exhibition of them at a gallery here in Australia and it's been wonderful
ReplyDeleteWe had an exchange student 1969-1970 whose mom made her dresses with fabric by Marimekko who I had never heard of before then.
ReplyDeleteMakes me feel good to know some things do not change..... Love the fabric.... and just might have to find a Crate and Barrow this summer and see what they carry now.
ReplyDeleteSusie Q (my late mom's nickname!) - I visited Crate and Barrel recently and there was no Marimekko...so sad. I think there is still a store in NYC though. If you find one, let me know please. hoddick@up.edu
Deleteif you google "Marimekko fabrics" there are several alleged sources to buy. I didn't check out any of the sites so don't know what they actually have.
DeleteI've been to that store. I hope you bought something.
ReplyDeletethere's a huge marimekko shop in NYC that i always go to when there. i have several marimekko shirts and housewares. love all of it!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that has been a continuous pattern for them over the decades.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that fabric. I remember having dresses made of it when I was in high school Sheath dresses were the rage back then.
ReplyDeletexx, Carol