Marimekko

Marimekko is a Finnish company that was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia. At the suggestion of designer Riitta Immonen, the Ratis’s, who were manufacturing boldly printed fabric, began making dresses from the fabric. The first dresses were designed by Immonen.

Marimekko is famous for their brightly printed textiles – large abstracts and floral fabrics used for home décor and made into simple clothing and handbags. In 1954, their copyrighted logo was created. The company is still in business.

The second label is a Design Research label. Design Research was the American representative for Marimekko at the time. Design Research was based at Harvard University and the head of the group was Benjamin Thompson, the head of Harvard’s Department of Architecture. The group’s original aim when it was formed in 1953 was to introduce better design into home furnishings. Clothing was added to their mission in 1959. Design Research closed in 1978.

Written by fuzzylizzie

from a 1968 kimono style wrap dress

Courtesy of marzilli vintage

from a late 1960s dress

Courtesy of kickshawproductions

from a 1974 dress

Courtesy of coutureallure

from a 1975 blouse

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a mid 1980s knit dress

Courtesy of coutureallurevintage.com

from an early 1990s sweater

Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a 2000s blouse

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from 2002 bolt fabric

Courtesy of midge

from a 2007 dress

Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a 2009 dress

Courtesy of midge

from a 2009 t-shirt

Courtesy of midge