FASHION /
NEWS
December 15, 2016
Marimekko Exhibition Traces the History of Marimekko
Marimekko
Tracing 60 Years of Marimekko History
An exhibition focusing on Finland's iconic design house, Marimekko, titled 'Marimekko Exhibition—Design, Fabric, Lifestyle,' is being held at Bunkamura The Museum. Concurrently, the film 'The Queen of Fabrics' will be screened at the same venue.
Text by Kosaku Waseda (OPENERS)
Featuring Collections from the Marimekko Design Museum
Marimekko, Finland's leading design house, was founded in Helsinki in 1951 by Armi Ratia. Ratia studied textile design before gaining experience at an advertising agency.
Subsequently, talented designers gathered around her, and through excellent design and PR strategies, Marimekko grew into a global brand in the 1960s.
Many of Marimekko's signature patterns draw inspiration from traditional motifs and nature, featuring bold, colorful, and abstract designs. Clothing with simple cuts adorned with these patterns garnered significant attention.
© Marimekko 2016
Today, its patterns extend to home goods and interiors, enjoying immense popularity worldwide.
The 'Marimekko Exhibition—Design, Fabric, Lifestyle,' held on this occasion, traces Marimekko's 60-year history and is the first large-scale exhibition in Japan to showcase its distinctive designers, their work, and their achievements.
Next year marks Finland's 100th anniversary of independence, a significant milestone. To commemorate this, Marimekko has also unveiled a special pattern, 'Veljekset' (Brothers) (see top image). Inspired by Finnish folklore and the animals of the Finnish forests, this pattern was designed by young designer Maija Louekari.
In addition, over 200 items will be exhibited together, including approximately 50 fabric pieces, around 60 precious vintage dresses, original designer sketches, and materials from various eras, all drawn from the collection of the Design Museum in Helsinki.
©Bufo Ltd 2015
Furthermore, at the venue's cinema, Le Cinema, the film 'The Queen of Fabrics' will be screened, directed by Jörn Donner, who was an executive at early Marimekko.
The film features characters reminiscent of Maija Isola and Annika Rimala, prominent designers from Marimekko's early days. A highlight is the fusion of old and new Marimekko designs, not as a mere recreation of the past, but as interpreted by contemporary designers.
With a packed schedule of exhibitions and film screenings ahead of Finland's centenary, this year is truly worthy of being called a 'Marimekko Year'.
Marimekko Exhibition—Design, Fabric, Lifestyle
Exhibition Dates | Saturday, December 17, 2016 – Sunday, February 12, 2017
Closed | Sunday, January 1, 2017
Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last admission 6:30 PM) Fridays and Saturdays until 9:00 PM (excluding December 31)
Admission | ¥1400 for adults on the day, etc.
Venue | Bunkamura The Museum
2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
The Queen of Fabrics
Screening Dates | Saturday, December 17, 2016 – Thursday, December 22, 2016
Screening Time | 7:25 PM onwards
Price | ¥1200 (¥1000 with Marimekko Exhibition ticket stub)
Venue | Bunkamura Le Cinema
2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
http://www.bunkamura.co.jp/
Inquiries
Marimekko Exhibition
http://marimekko-exhibition.jp/