Some sixty years ago, Marimekko revolutionised the textile industry in Finland with its bold and brilliant, unconventional prints. At first, Marimekko was a phenomenon. Then it grew into an outlook on life: courageous, egalitarian and positive. Its strikingly inventive patterns and clever use of colour translated into strong contemporary collections of home décor, clothing and accessories. Ever since, it has flourished in the boundary between art and design.
Marimekko celebrates a rich and colourful history in Australia – its groundbreaking designs first arrived here in the early 1960s. Now, following the recent opening of stores in New York, Boston, Hong Kong and more, Marimekko brings its striking point of view to Sydney and Melbourne in October-‐November. Both locations, the Sydney flagship and the Melbourne store, will feature the entire range of Marimekko products, from signature fashions to home furnishings.
The 300 sqm Sydney flagship is located in the heart of the city at 66 King Street adjacent to Louis Vuitton and Apple. The store was designed by Marimekko’s store design team and the Tokyo architecture firm IMA who are behind, among others, the Marimekko flagships in Helsinki and New York. Both lower level and mezzanine maintain the art deco integrity of the building and neighbourhood while elevating its mood. With eight-‐metre ceilings and great natural light, the store will showcase the whole world of Marimekko at its best.
The Melbourne store is in the fashion heart of the city at 576 Chapel Street. With over 200 sqm of space on one level, Marimekko will bring even more colour to an already vibrant area.
“We are thrilled to open two unique sites. The King and George Street precinct is burgeoning with innovative brands and we are happy to bring Marimekko’s bold and joyful designs there. The opening of these two stores is a significant step for us as we aim to build Marimekko a stronger presence in Australia,” says Paul Alvarez, Retail Manager of Marimekko Australia.
Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-‐quality interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in approximately 40 countries. In 2011, brand sales of Marimekko products worldwide amounted to approximately EUR 170 million and the company’s net sales were EUR 77 million. The number of Marimekko stores totalled 90 at the year end. The key markets are North America, Northern Europe and the Asia-‐Pacific region. The Group employs around 500 people. The company’s share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com