A Shout-Out to Marimekko

Today's Google Gadget is a very spring-y tribute courtesy of Marimekko.

Bold Scandinavian Design (not from IKEA)

Yea, it's here! Finally, my long-awaited access to the Marimekko design house products on Crate & Barrel. Now the tough decision - what to buy?

Shoe Disappointment

Last week was a long tough week for me at the little orange desk. Illness and home plumbing issues consumed all my free time.  I'm pleased to be back and happy to report that the Marimekko+Converse special edition shoe collection is now underway! But...it's a tad disappointing to me. Not only are the prints more subdued and less Marimekko-ish than I expected but the prices are astronomical. $85 for All-Stars?  No way!  Why couldn't they use a print that reflects the organic, colorful flowers that are iconic to Marimekko, or any organic print in general, or a few of the illustrated line art city scenes?  I feel like they went too "graphic/urban" and unfortunately looks like something that's already been done.  I'll be waiting to spend my Merimekko money on other things, like the lovely items at the Crate and Barrel SoHo store (and soon available online.) - l.o.d.

Converse.com

CB SoHo

Marimekko Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Show

Why do all the northern regions of the world do such a nice job at celebrating color? I found a great fashion video from Merimekko-land celebrating their Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Check it out.



Haute couture it's not but this is more my style anyway. The cuts are a little boxy for my liking but the prints are bold and eye-catching as always. Do I see a little of Pantone's 2011 color prediction, honeysuckle?

Marimekko also announced a new flagship store opening in Helsinnki on February 10. For those of us on this side of the pond, they have also amped-up their partnership with Crate & Barrel with a shop within the New York SoHo store. Online shopping for The Marimekko shop at crateandbarrel.com are coming this spring. All of this in addition to the earlier announcement about their Converse partnership makes for very interesting awareness expansion of their product lines. My prediction: Ikea won't be the only Scandinavian design shop for the masses for long. - l.o.d.

Bold Color for Gray Days

I spent some time on the Marimekko website today, satisfying my need for bold color pops amidst today's gray day. I understand why this Finnish textile company is so popular and relevant in their home country and abroad; the illustrative use of pleasing color palettes and natural designs are uplifting, whimsical, and celebrate nature. The textiles are perfect accompaniments for our northern long winter nights; a table adorned with a playful cover cloth, windows brightened with a graphic theme, and a pillow demanding focus in a room. As we spend a great deal of time inside nowadays, it's fun to see such boldness liven things up.

Plus, I found a great nugget of fashion info to look forward to.  In February 2011, Marimekko is partnering with Converse shoes for a global release of a women's-specific line called "Converse ♥ Marimekko". These Converse shoes will feature designs from Marimekko's fabric line "Tarha", "Pikkusuomu", and "Kirppu". The release is just in time to beat the mid-winter blues. I will be first in line! - l.o.d.

Marimekko's "Taste of Christmas" table