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
