Marimekko blossoms - with the Unikko pattern
"No flower patterns" was the credo of Marimekko boss Armi Ratia in the early 1960s. "A floral pattern can never achieve the beauty of a real flower" , Ratia was convinced. Until Maija Isola proved her wrong with her Unikko pattern.
The Finnish designer dared to dream. She found her inspiration in the beauty of the things that surrounded her. With bright colors, bold shapes and simple lines, she opened Armi Ratia's eyes, because a floral pattern can very well capture the beauty of a real flower! Today, Marimekko Unikko, which means "poppy" in German, is the best-known and most widespread motif from the traditional Finnish manufacturer Marimekko. Unikko stands for summer, sun and a good mood. And it is just as popular today as it was in 196 4.
Marimekko Unikko conquers the world of living
Marimekko Unikko can now be found on countless items, be it the Unikko cushion cover, the Unikko shower curtain, the Unikko bed linen ... The iconic design has even been spotted on credit cards, Manolo Blahnik shoes, televisions and parasols - either in bright red, black or more subtle shades. The floral motif simply fits everywhere. In the 1990s, the Unikko pattern was adapted to a different scale by Isola's daughter Kristina so that it could also unfold its full effect in a smaller format. These designs are called Pieni Unikko, meaning "little poppy".
Maija Isola