Marimekko’s power flower

It is one of the most recognized flower designs in the world, so it’s no surprise that this Finnish brand’s iconic Unikko print celebrates 60 years of success and joy. We can’t wait to add the celebratory range to cart.

Conceived by the visionary fabric artist Maija Isola back in 1964, it has not only endured the test of time but has also evolved into a symbol of creativity and joy. Little did she know that her joyous, colour-bursting flower would spark such instant recognition.

A luminary in the realm of print design, Isola embarked on her illustrious career with Marimekko in 1949. Over nearly four decades, she crafted over 500 patterns, each bearing her amazing signature blend of innovation and elegance. However, this Unikko flower would etch her name into design history books.

‘We wanted to reflect Marimekko’s design legacy by highlighting two equally meaningful design aspects of Marimekko - the dress as a canvas and bold patterns bringing joy to people’s everyday life.’

From its beginning, the esteemed Finnish design house famed for its fabrics printed with outsized, bright motives stood for free-spirited bohemianism and optimism. Starting as a textile brand that soon morphed into a globally successful fashion and home-furnishing label, its fan base numbered artists and fashion icons representing progressive values. From the glamourous Jackie Kennedy who sported Marimekko shift dresses during the presidential campaign in the 1960’s to artist Georgia O’Keeffe.

At its inception, Unikko defied convention. Marimekko's founder, Armi Ratia, believed the true essence of flowers couldn’t be captured in print, believing they could never capture the essence of real flowers. Isola, however, challenged this notion, and rather than replicating nature, she abstracted it, giving birth to Unikko—a bold, expressive interpretation of a flower that we all know and love today.

While resembling Unikko, the new prints today exhibit a distinct individuality in their aesthetic, offering a fresh perspective on an old favourite. Rebekka Bay, Creative Director at Marimekko says the print is celebrated in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection in more ways than ever, including scale, placement, colouring, and techniques. ‘We wanted to reflect Marimekko’s design legacy by highlighting two equally meaningful design aspects of Marimekko - the dress as a canvas and bold patterns bringing joy to people’s everyday life.’

This celebratory collection fuses feminine silhouettes with modern utilitarian workwear with vibrant prints rendered in invigorating colours inspired by Unikko—Scandinavian minimalism, and utilitarianism at its best. From timeless A-line dresses to playful co-ord sets and swimwear there is something for everyone. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability, many pieces have been crafted entirely from recycled or 100 percent organic materials.

It's truly amazing the power of this flower and how it still transcends its origins. After all, the company was founded to bring joy and since the 1950s their dream has been to empower people to be happy just as they are, which is still their mission today. When you think about Marimekko’s clothes, the silhouettes are freeing, the patterns are open-minded, and the colour combinations are optimistic. This is still the case today.