Marimekko: The Art of Printmaking

by Laird Borrelli-persson

“[This] sumptuous book offers exuberant post-pandemic eye candy in its many photos and illustrations.”—Ann Landi, Wall Street Journal

Published on the 70th anniversary of the Marimekko brand, this book surveys the classic design collaborations, patterns, and vibrant textiles from the much-loved Finnish lifestyle design house

Marimekko held its first fashion show in 1951, where the clean lines and bright patterns made waves on the Scandinavian fashion scene. By 1960, Jacqueline Kennedy was wearing Marimekko, and the brand established itself as a global presence, frequently being featured in  Vogue , Elle , and Harper’s Bazaar . Over the past seventy years, Marimekko has created some of the most distinctive patterns in the design industry. Drawing on the wealth of Marimekko’s archives, this volume showcases over one hundred iconic patterns and includes never-before-seen imagery.
 
Four distinct sections guide the reader from the Marimekko philosophy and lifestyle; to its printing factory in Herttoniemi, Finland; on to a rich sourcebook of pattern; and finally to the brand’s ultra-sustainable, super-creative future. In-depth case studies are included throughout, showing how Marimekko collaborates with designers to bring their patterns from sketchbook to final print, and the means by which they are manufactured, from sketchbook to screenprinted fabric. This fully illustrated brand history and design resource is essential reading for any lover of print and pattern.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2021

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the biographical inclusion of this printmaking book. I had not known the history behind the Marimekko prints that I love. It was fascinating and the book is so very beautiful!

[Jess Tangri · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I borrowed this book I really thought that I would be reading about screen printing and textiles but this was just super heavy on the history and vision of the Marrimeko brand - reflecting this should have been obvious immediately. Anyways i found the history interesting, however also a little wanky.

I am immediately wary of any design, artwork or product that is made to be “anti-“ whatever their product is. I feel like it has to be done tastefully and with proper research behind the piece otherwise it feels to me to simply play into the consumeristic society that piece is trying to challenge in the first place.

I did really enjoy Armi Ratia’s history and her large focus on sustainability, the use of natural materials that are sustainably produced with fair and safe working environments and designs that transcend fashion trends. I think it is so important to be researching what fabrics you are using and how those fabrics are made as even some natural fibres (i.e., rayon) can be so heavily processed in such toxic chemicals that they are no longer considered natural nor sustainable and often have very poor health consequences on textile workers. I loved the later chapter on the future of marimekko and their use of technology and innovation of sustainable natural fibres. I really do believe this is where every brand should be endeavouring towards.

Personally, I do find Dior’s new Look and Cristobal Balenciaga more timeless than a marrimeko print because those silhouettes have been kept past fast fashion trends and recreated in a range of textiles, prints and designs. I do not know how timeless the unnikko poppy print is as it is not something I would ever want to wear myself (but I wouldn’t mind it in a teacup that being said).

All in all, not bad, but not particularly interesting nor informative.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I knew that Marimekko was a Finnish design house synonymous with vibrant patterns. What I didn’t know was how remarkable the company’s founder was. Armi Ratia was a visionary, forming a predominantly women-owned-and-operated business in 1951, with a focus on freedom, equality, and exuberance. She began printing the big, bold, beautiful patterns created by young, local artists on clothing as a way of uplifting the spirits of the Finnish people as they recovered from the Winter War. The timeless silhouettes and high quality of these garments made them popular with customers around the world. Over time, Marimekko’s catalog of patterns has grown to the thousands and has been featured on everything from backpacks to lumbar pillows. More than 70 years later, the company continues to attract new clients with its commitment to good design, ethical business practices, and environmental sustainability.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous inspiring book