Marimekko
Finnish company founded by Armi and Viljo Ratia for printed fabrics and clothing, known for Maija Isola’s Unikko and Vuokko Nurmesniemi’s striped Jokapoika shirt.
Armi Ratia and her husband Viljo had a printing works for oilcloth, and Armi asked young artists to design patterns for fabric. Marimekko was founded to sew dresses in the fabrics and show how they could be used.
Vuokko Nurmesniemi, Maija Isola and Annika Rimala gave Marimekko its bold visual language. Jacqueline Kennedy bought Marimekko dresses during the 1960 election campaign, and Unikko of 1964 is still printed.
Printed Marimekko, the designer’s name, the pattern name and year in the selvedge.