The Finnish fashion and design house commemorates the 60th anniversary of its iconic print, Unikko, in tandem with its Spring/Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection.
Originating from the creative mind of Maija Isola in 1964, Unikko has transcended borders to become an international icon. With the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2024 collection in Thailand, the vibrant Unikko floral print will take centrestage across a myriad of Marimekko pieces throughout the year. Whether adorning ready-to-wear, accessories, home collections, limited edition collectables, or newly inspired prints paying homage to the spirit of Unikko, fans can anticipate more of this iconic print.
The collection is a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Unikko, Marimekko's most recognisable flower. To align with the abstract essence of the Unikko, Marimekko introduces five completely new explorations of abstract floral prints by Finnish artist Antti Kekki: Helakka (Bright), Kolmikko (Triplet), Malja (Toast), Nokturno (Nocturne), and Poiminto(Pickings).
Reflecting Kekki's signature papercut technique, the abstract floral patterns are reminiscent of the essence of Unikko, but are still highly individual in aesthetic. In addition to the abstract floral patterns of the season, different stripes bring a sense of rhythm to the otherwise abstract expression of the collection. Marimekko's archive lends Maalis (March), Merirosvo (Pirate), Patja (Mattress), and Vesi (Water) by Annika Rimala, as well as Piccolo by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi,
“The print is celebrated in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection in more ways than ever, including scale, placement, colouring and techniques. We wanted to reflect Marimekko’s design legacy by highlighting two equally meaningful design aspects of Marimekko, the dress as a canvas and bold patterns bringing joy to people’s everyday life. The collection explores our rich print and colour heritage, as well as the happy contradiction happening in the meeting between print, minimalism, and utilitarianism,” says Rebekka Bay, creative director.
For the collection, Marimekko merges feminine silhouettes with modern utilitarian workwear, both equally representative of the rich design heritage. The collection creates a joyful meeting between print, minimalism and utilitarianism with robust material qualities of washed canvas and heavy cotton-twill combined with breezy cupro and crisp colourful poplin in printed dresses and effortless summer layering styles.
With a new season, the delicate hues of spring foliage evolve seamlessly into a full bloom of cheerful florals. The seasonal palette creates a meeting point of opposite shades of the spectrum: harmonious tones of Dijon brown, ash grey, endive and antique white are fused with invigorating fuchsia, prism pink, tangerine, chlorophyll green and sodalite. The joyous colours of the season are inspired by the original colourways of the Unikko print.
The brand has incorporated more organic and recycled materials with products made from 100% organic cotton. The seasonal bags and accessories assortment also features recycled materials in new products. For example, all pieces in the new knitted bag series are made from 100% recycled polyester.
Marimekko has also introduced its closed loop production pilot, launched for Pre-Fall 2023 in collaboration with Marimekko's Portuguese manufacturing partner Pedrosa & Rodrigues. The drop features new styles made partly using leftover material and cutting waste from Marimekko’s production.
Throughout the year, Marimekko will introduce Unikko in dialogue with unexpected ideas and visual cues. As part of its seasonal collections, the brand will feature special limited-edition anniversary collectibles across product categories. Items range from iconic printed dresses to rare collector’s items, including a Unikko bowl, of which there are only 60 pieces available worldwide.
Unikko-inspired community activations will take place around the world, all throughout this year. To kick off the celebrations, Marimekko transforms Unikko into a unique artwork of light projected onto the façade of Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki, Finland. Titled “Unikko At La Louviére”, the artwork is a tribute to colours, the joy of life, and Finnish design and visual arts. Unikko-inspired celebrations continue at Copenhagen Fashion Week, where Marimekko revealed its Fall-Winter 2024 collection. The collection marks the final collection of the Unikko 60th anniversary year.
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Unikko and discover the Spring/Summer 2024 collection at Marimekko stores and online.
