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Friday, September 18, 2009

...from Finland with Love,

On display now in Harvard Square, Cambridge MA in the old Design Research building on Brattle St. The contents of this exhibit will be rotated periodically. I highly recommend visiting at night as the lighting is great, as pictured below.
(CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO VIEW IT LARGER)


MARIMEKKO From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Marimekko is a Finnish company based in Helsinki that has made important contributions to fashion, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. They are particularly noted for brightly-colored printed fabrics and simple styles.

Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia, when Armi asked some artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles. In order to show how the fabric could be used, the company then designed and sold a line of simple dresses using their fabric. Viljo had been involved in an unsuccessful oilcloth factory, which they converted into a clothing-fabric factory.

Marimekko was first introduced to the United States by the architect Benjamin C. Thompson, who featured them heavily in his Design Research stores. They were made famous in the United States by Jacqueline Kennedy, who bought eight Marimekko dresses which she wore throughout the 1960 US Presidential campaign.

In the mid 1960's, Crate and Barrel began a relationship with Marimekko, which continues to this day, utilizing their designs on textiles sold in their stores. Crate and Barrel also uses Marimekko patterns as display backdrops in their stores to add color and seasonality.









3 comments:

  1. That looks so fun! I wish I could see it in person. Hope you are doing well and that everything is starting off good at your new job!!! Much Love from MN!!!

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  3. Megan, it is really neat and is planned to be a revolving exhibit. I think every month or so they will be changing the display! Come visit!

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