Marimekko: In Patterns

by Marimekko

Internationally beloved Finnish design brand Marimekko's iconic patterns grace home décor, apparel, and accessories, and have informed and influenced tastemakers worldwide for over half a century. Richly illustrated with photographs and prints both classic and new, this vibrant volume (launching along with covetable notebooks and postcards) offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the brand's creative process. A colorful legacy is revealed, along with the innovative creators—from 1950s pioneers to twenty-first-century masters—who have shaped the company's heritage and continue to make visual magic today. Rare sketchbook pages, in-depth looks at particular eras, and page after page of gorgeous designs make this a book sure to enchant anyone interested in fashion, art, or the patterned and color-drenched world of Marimekko.

Genres: Design

248 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2014

Reviews

[Tracy]

A well-designed and structured book that puts the bulk of its pages towards showcasing the patterns, which is what I'm here for (unlike Liberty: British Colour Pattern which I read earlier this year). It includes profiles of designers, a description of the design process, selections of fashion made with the fabric from many eras, and a history of the company.

I appreciate that each pattern lists its designer and year, and thought it was a smart design choice to display them as they are on the roll of fabric. Although there's a huge range in the type of patterns they make -- graphic, geometric, hand drawn, monochromatic, rainbow -- for the most part they all feel like they belong together. Their philosophy, apparently, is "empowering contradictions."

They seem to have a well-spread sampling across the years (though there were a surprising number that I disliked). Some patterns feel very of their time, which makes sense that decorative elements might be tightly synced to the aesthetic of the era. Interestingly, my favorites were mostly from the 2000s.

[Book Grocer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchase Marimekko: In Patterns here for just $20!

This book is an amazing overview of Marimekko designs. Page after page you are treated to the marvellous patterns and colours Marimekko has to offer. A great reference book for any textile, illustrator or graphic designer and a must-have for any fan.

Alicia - The Book Grocer

[Eva Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed the book from the library, expecting something else (as the title is “in patterns”).
The book presents a look in Marimekko’s fabric prints, which some of them I find extremely beautiful. But again, not what I expected. Probably would make a great coffee table book.

[Amy in the Desert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of gorgeous patterns to droll over. Great book!

[Lorenzo Diaz campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

60 años de colorida historia hacen de esta firma Finlandesa una referencia clave en el mundo del diseño y la moda.
Nacida de una inquietud esta firma se ha consolidado a una realidad global marcando en sus 60 años de trayectoria momentos e hitos claves para la historia del diseño. El centro de esta marca gira en torno a dibujos, patrones y texturas brillantes, atrevidas y con paletas de colores vivos.
Con muchas y ricas imágenes en grandes formatos este libro nos muestra la historia de esta casa a través de las valiosas colaboraciones, primero de la mano de audaces pioneros y hoy en día colaborando con maestros de la expresión visual y plástica. A través de sus productos el libro nos cuentas además sus procesos creativos y productivos, las variantes que con el tiempo ha introducido y su incursión en el mundo de la moda y de los objetos para la casa.
Textos ligeros y sencillos ponen las palabras justas ahí donde hacen falta, en el lugar donde las imágenes carecen de voz para contar una historia de visión, atrevimiento y propuestas de gran vanguardia.
Me declaro fanático de esta marca por culpa de mi madre, quien desde los años sesenta hizo hasta lo imposible por hacerse de telas y prendas que llenaron nuestra infancia y la casa en la que vivimos. Su vanguardia hace que las propuestas de los años 50 y 60 sean vigentes, su modernidad hace de esta firma, joven a sus 60 años, un ejemplo a seguir y observar de cerca.

[Kerfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw this in the library I took it right out, expecting to find a history of Marimekko in pages and pages of colorful prints. But I was disappointed.

There are certainly plenty of illustrations, but they seem flat and unexciting. Is my memory of all those years of beautiful and inspiring textiles simply a false one?

A selection of designers who are working/have worked for the company are featured along with the patterns they designed. But mostly it just seems like one long and expensive advertisement.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book of pattern. I enjoyed the history to start, and hope I could fall into the the Marimekko target market; "people who are interesting the past and looking to the future. These are people who refuse to get bored, who are surrounded by an atmosphere of vitality, and who are ready to think in new ways.
Pretty good vision for life really.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures of repeats. Will buy. An excellent reference.