Cover Marimekko’s Bar Unikko injected some cheer into the neighbourhood
Marimekko’s Bar Unikko injected some cheer into the neighbourhood
1 / 1
Tatler chats with Marimekko’s Minna Kemell-Kutvonen about celebrating heritage and the future of prints in the digital world
Founded in 1951 in Helsinki, Marimekko has evolved from a fashion label known for its exuberantly printed dresses to a lifestyle brand whose library of 3,500 (and counting) patterns has graced practically everything one can wear or own in one’s home. In Singapore, some of its fashion and home offerings are available at its Ion Orchard boutique. But perhaps Marimekko is better known locally for its collaborative collections with Uniqlo and Ikea, which have infused the city-state with joy and colour, rain or shine.
This year, Marimekko celebrates the 60th anniversary of one of its most popular prints, Unikko.
Don’t miss: A design lover’s guide to Helsinki
Above The floral print being utilised in a neon sign and floor covering at the cafe
Above A joyful vignette of a cafegoer
The floral print being utilised in a neon sign and floor covering at the cafe
1 / 2
Brand founder Armi Ratia once believed it was not possible to capture the true essence of real flowers in prints, which explains the absence of floral patterns in Marimekko’s early collections. Created by Finnish artist Maija Isola in 1964, the Unikko print represents a bold abstraction of flowers that is far from photorealistic, but nonetheless has captured the hearts of consumers worldwide.
At Milan Design Week 2024, Marimekko collaborated with Apartamento magazine for Bar Unikko, a pop-up cafe that saw a corner eatery at Via Stoppani dressed floor-to-awning in Unikko.
Read more: 9 fashion forward home collections from Milan Design Week 2024
Above The limited-edition Unikko espresso cups
Above Minna Kemell-Kutvonen
The limited-edition Unikko espresso cups
1 / 2
With colourful espresso cups in hand, Tatler Homes sat down at Bar Unikko with Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, the brand’s design and product development director for home products and prints, to find out more.
How does Finnish design differ from Scandinavian designs?
It stands out by not being as minimalistic as other Scandinavian designs. It often incorporates elements from Eastern European folk and handicraft styles, making it more unique. Finnish design is also known for its thoughtful use of materials and its blend of various craftsmanship techniques, particularly in wood architecture and furniture.
How's your typical day at work?
It is filled with team meetings, collection reviews, and explorations of new designs and solutions. It’s a balance of creative and technical works, where we also consider global consumer needs and how they differ across cultures. I lead the home and commercial design team; we manage an archive with over 3,500 prints—it’s a fantastic resource for our collections. We also collaborate with designers and artists to create new prints.
In case you missed it: Milan Design Week 2024: Meet 8 talented designers representing Singapore
Above Created by Maija Isola in 1964, Unikko is one of Marimekko’s most popular prints for homeware
Created by Maija Isola in 1964, Unikko is one of Marimekko’s most popular prints for homeware
1 / 1
What is the future of print design in our digital world?
Great question—print design captures specific moments through unique compositions and colours, essentially serving as snapshots of time. The future of prints lies in their ability to evoke strong aesthetic and emotional experiences.
At Marimekko, we aim to infuse joy into everyday life with bold prints and colours. Our products range from home decor to fashion, embodying the principles of Finnish and Scandinavian design, which focus on solving everyday problems beautifully. These will be constant, but the medium will evolve to include digital ones today.
Above A flatlay of Marimekko's 60th anniversary collectible products featuring the Unikko print, one of the brand's most popular prints
Above A mug featuring the floral design
A flatlay of Marimekko's 60th anniversary collectible products featuring the Unikko print, one of the brand's most popular prints
1 / 2
Are there any new technologies or developments in the world of prints that excite you?
3D printing technology is particularly intriguing. It allows us to explore new dimensions beyond traditional 2D surfaces, like creating three-dimensional printed objects, which could revolutionise how we think about and use prints in various products.
How can the colour-shy dip their toes into the world of prints?
I encourage people to dream more and embrace creativity—bring little joyful elements into your space, like a colourful cup or a printed cushion.
The theme of this year’s Milan Design Week was Materia Natura. What’s your favourite material?
Wood. It’s such a versatile material! You can use it for architecture and furniture; you can also print on it and even derive textiles from it. It’s an inspiring material that has an important role in our future.
Credits
Images: Marimekko
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
