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Collection by Miyoko Ohtake

Marimekko's Iconic Patterns

It's hard not to adore (and lust after) Marimekko's fabrics. In the early 1950s, as Finland continued its slow recovery from World War II, textile designer Armi Ratia seized the opportunity to bring hope and optimism to the country—in the form of brightly colored and boldly patterned fabrics and clothing. From the remnants of her husband Viljo’s oilcloth company, the couple launched Marimekko in 1951. Less than a decade later, Jackie Kennedy graced a December 1960 cover of Sports Illustrated in a pink Marimekko dress, and the company took off, gaining renown for its bright, modern, fashion-forward textiles and clothing. Here we take a look at some of Marimekko's most iconic and favorite patterns. Be sure to watch our Process slideshow that shows how these textiles are made.

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In 1964, Maija Isola designed Marimekko's most popular and most recognizable pattern in its collection. Unikko, which means poppy, follows Ratia's unconventional vision of presenting bold, bright patterns to the public. This pillow, sold at Marimekko Shops at select Crate and Barrel locations and at crateandbarrel.com, feature the Pieni Unikko print, which is a middle print between the original Unikko pattern and Mini-Unikko.
In 1964, Maija Isola designed Marimekko's most popular and most recognizable pattern in its collection. Unikko, which means poppy, follows Ratia's unconventional vision of presenting bold, bright patterns to the public. This pillow, sold at Marimekko Shops at select Crate and Barrel locations and at crateandbarrel.com, feature the Pieni Unikko print, which is a middle print between the original Unikko pattern and Mini-Unikko.
The Pieni Unikko print has taken on all kinds of color combinations since it was unveiled nearly 50 years ago. Shown here is dubbed option 560.
The Pieni Unikko print has taken on all kinds of color combinations since it was unveiled nearly 50 years ago. Shown here is dubbed option 560.
JOONAS
JOONAS
Though this colorful pattern, named Lappuliisa, was designed this year by artist Maija Louekari, we'd bet it's one that's here to stay. Louekari was inspired by her grandmother's vintage crocheted potholders.
Though this colorful pattern, named Lappuliisa, was designed this year by artist Maija Louekari, we'd bet it's one that's here to stay. Louekari was inspired by her grandmother's vintage crocheted potholders.
Louekari has been a prolific Marimekko contributor in recent years. In 2007 she created this graphic pattern called Ruutukaava.
Louekari has been a prolific Marimekko contributor in recent years. In 2007 she created this graphic pattern called Ruutukaava.
In 2009 she designed this Siirtolapuutarha pattern, which has been put to many applications. The textile is meant to tell the story of the growth of flower and vegetable beds in Finland's urban areas.
In 2009 she designed this Siirtolapuutarha pattern, which has been put to many applications. The textile is meant to tell the story of the growth of flower and vegetable beds in Finland's urban areas.
Here, Louekari's Siirtolapuutarha pattern appears on an eight-inch vitreous porcelain bowl.
Here, Louekari's Siirtolapuutarha pattern appears on an eight-inch vitreous porcelain bowl.
Her Siirtolapuutarha Räsymatto pattern features a whimsical, off-kilter pattern of dots. Here it's applied to a porcelain cup.
Her Siirtolapuutarha Räsymatto pattern features a whimsical, off-kilter pattern of dots. Here it's applied to a porcelain cup.
Here, the blue dots of Louekari's Siirtolapuutarha Räsymatto pattern brighten a white apron.
Here, the blue dots of Louekari's Siirtolapuutarha Räsymatto pattern brighten a white apron.
Designer Iiro A. Ahokas designed this Kirsikka pattern in 2007 inspired by cherries that had fallen to the ground.
Designer Iiro A. Ahokas designed this Kirsikka pattern in 2007 inspired by cherries that had fallen to the ground.
Miina Äkkijyrkkä's 2008 pattern Iltavilli, which means wild in the evening, has been interpreted on fabric as well as products like cups and the plate shown here.
Miina Äkkijyrkkä's 2008 pattern Iltavilli, which means wild in the evening, has been interpreted on fabric as well as products like cups and the plate shown here.
Gray
Gray