Marimekko Corporation, Press release, 13 September 2016 at 9.00 a.m.
For Marimekko, the year 2017, the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence, will be a year of bold patterns. We want to contribute to building a successful future of innovation for Finland by doing things together open-mindedly. In addition to introducing products designed in celebration of the centenary, Marimekko will encourage participation in and create opportunities for bold actions and innovation, even in some unexpected ways.
Bold new ideas and innovations
According to Armi Ratia, the company’s founder, Marimekko could equally well be music, poetry, a flower shop or ice cream. Inspired by this notion, we will invite the new generation of creators to challenge the conventions of traditional textile and clothing industry and produce new innovative ideas and solutions for the future. To this end, we will launch a collaboration with Slush, Europe’s leading event for technology and start-ups, and Junction, the largest hackathon in Europe, produced by Aalto Entrepreneurship Society (Aaltoes). More information about the collaboration will be released in conjunction with Slush 2016.
Being creative together
Throughout its history, Marimekko’s aim has been to encourage people to be themselves and express themselves freely. During the centenary year, Marimekko will take an even more active role in supporting creativity in the spirit of doing things together, which is one of Marimekko’s core values. In collaboration with the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation, we will organise a workshop for young people in different circumstances to encourage creativity. Results of the workshop will be presented in the course of the centenary.
Patterns to celebrate the anniversary
Marimekko’s prints and colours as well as its straightforward lifestyle have been part of the lives of many people for decades. It is important for us to foster and continue the story of the Finnish design heritage, which is unique in the world, as well as to strengthen our position as a forerunner in print design. To celebrate the 100-year-old Finland, we will launch a pattern entitled Veljekset (brothers) created by Maija Louekari, one of Marimekko’s younger generation print designers. The design was inspired by Finnish folk tales and it depicts wildlife inhabiting the forests of our exotic northern country. The anniversary pattern will be accompanied by a variety of other new designs and new versions of beloved Marimekko classics. The celebratory collection will be available in over 150 Marimekko stores as well as the shops of many other retailers worldwide starting January 2017.
During the centenary year, Marimekko will implement several projects related to design and art in collaboration with notable partners in Finland and Japan. These events will provide an opportunity to explore Marimekko’s Finnish design heritage and its contemporary manifestations. Details of the events will be announced closer to 2017.
“Bold patterns for Finland. This encapsulates the fundamental theme of our centenary programme which is strongly based on doing things together. Collaboration cultivates an atmosphere of openness and trust – a prerequisite for boldness and creativity. It also supports courage to view traditional things from new and unusual perspectives, which is necessary for the creation of future success stories,” says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, President and CEO of Marimekko.
Further details about the anniversary projects and events will be announced at www.marimekko.com.
Additional information: Asta Halme, Communications Tel. +358 9 7587 233 asta.halme@marimekko.com
DISTRIBUTION: Key media
Marimekko is a Finnish design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company’s product portfolio includes high-quality clothing, bags and accessories as well as home décor items ranging from textiles to tableware. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. In 2015, brand sales of the products worldwide amounted to EUR 186 million and the company's net sales were approximately EUR 96 million. More than 150 Marimekko stores serve customers around the globe. The key markets are Northern Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group employs about 500 people. The company’s share is quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com
