When people think of bold prints, vibrant colors, and joyful design, one name often comes to mind: Marimekko. This Finnish fashion and design house began as a small company offering color and creativity, and over the decades, it’s grown into a globally recognized design icon. But how exactly did a niche label from Finland go from the streets of Helsinki to the closets of international fashionistas and the sets of American TV?
Let’s take a look at Marimekko’s path to global stardom:
1. A Bold Beginning in Postwar Finland
Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia and born from a simple but radical idea: create clothing and textiles that celebrate individuality, freedom, and joy. Ratia invited young artists like Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, Annika Rimala and Maija Isola to break the mold of conservative postwar design and dream in color. This resulted in a plethora of abstract prints, vibrant palettes, and silhouettes that allowed women to move freely, both emotionally and physically.
2. Jacqueline Kennedy Puts Marimekko on the Map
Marimekko’s true international breakthrough came in 1960 when Jacqueline Kennedy, the previous soon-to-be First Lady of the United States, purchased seven Marimekko dresses to wear during her husband’s presidential campaign. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated wearing one of them, catapulting the brand into the American spotlight. Almost overnight, Marimekko became a symbol of progressive, modern style. Marimekko soon started to be regularly featured in international fashion magazines like Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Women’s Wear Daily.
3. The Iconic Unikko Print
Later on in 1964, designer Maija Isola created what would become Marimekko’s most famous motif: the Unikko (poppy) print. Ironically, Ratia had banned floral patterns and thought they were too cliché, but Isola challenged her with something bold and stylized. The print was so compelling that it not only changed Ratia’s mind but also became a lasting emblem of the brand. Even today, Unikko appears on everything from dresses to homewares, and it continues to evolve with new interpretations. The pattern even celebrated 60 years of enduring impact in 2024.
4. Pop Culture Moments and Media Fame
The aftermath of these global breakthroughs resulted in Marimekko enjoying frequent moments in the pop culture spotlight. In the early 2000s, the brand made a fashionable cameo on the hit TV show Sex and the City when Carrie Bradshaw wore a Marimekko Unikko bikini, a floral dress, and even had Marimekko curtains in her apartment. This helped reinforce Marimekko’s position as a cool, artsy label embraced by trendsetters, especially when worn by the NYC fashionista Carrie Bradshaw. Fabric patterns and homewares by Marimekko continue to make their way into the set designs of hit TV shows and films today, including Pretty Little Liars, Suits, Black-ish, Dexter, and more!
Marimekko has also since appeared in everything from editorial spreads to design museums, often celebrated as the face of Finnish modernism.
5. Collaborations and Global Reach
In recent years, Marimekko has expanded its reach through collaborations with global brands like Uniqlo, IKEA, and Adidas, introducing its prints to new audiences around the world. These partnerships have helped preserve the integrity of the brand while bringing its joyful aesthetic into everyday life, from sneakers to teapots.
Marimekko’s most recent collaboration in 2025 is with popular footwear brand Crocs. The iconic Unikko pattern decorates the classic Croc shoe in vibrant colorways for adults and kids alike, furthering their international recognition as a brand.
Marimekko’s rise from a small Finnish textile house to a beloved global brand is a story of bold choices, creative freedom, and cultural resonance. With roots in art and values around individuality and self-expression, Marimekko has proven that fashion can be more than trend - it can be timeless, expressive, and deeply human.
From the White House to Sex and the City, and from Helsinki studios to Tokyo department stores, Marimekko continues to inspire. And with every bold print and flowing dress, it reminds us that life is better in color!
