Marimekko Corporation, Press release, 18 September 2015 at 7:00 a.m.
Marimekko showcases its unique point of view on fashion by showing its spring/summer 2016 ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week on 4 October 2015. The presentation, taking place at Palais de Tokyo, will be Marimekko’s debut at one of the most notable fashion events in the world. Previously Marimekko has shown its collections in conjunction with fashion weeks in Tokyo, New York, Stockholm and Copenhagen.
The collection to be shown in Paris is the first one designed completely under Creative Director Anna Teurnell, who joined the company in July 2014.
“The spring/summer 2016 collection pays homage to strong, visionary women of Marimekko: Armi Ratia, who founded the company in 1951, as well as designers Maija Isola, Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi and Annika Rimala, who had a significant role in creating the brand’s aesthetic in its early years,” says Anna Teurnell, Creative Director.
“During the past year we have worked heavily on developing the fits and materials of the ready-to-wear line in order to create even more inspiring Marimekko collections that capture the essence of the brand – bringing joy to everyday moments through bold prints and colours as well as functional and timeless design, and empowering people to walk their own path in life. I’m proud to show the result of that work: practical, yet flattering, inspiring and beautiful garments – clothes that make you feel strong.”
Marimekko reinforces its positioning in Central and Western Europe
One of the aims of the Paris presentation is to build further international recognition for Marimekko among fashion influencers and to reach out to potential retailers, such as premium department stores, other multi-brand stores and e-tailers, in its key market areas Europe, North America and the Asia-Pasific region.
The brand’s own retail presence in Europe is also strengthened on 18 September as the company’s e-commerce expands to cover many of the most important Central and Western European countries. In addition to Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the United States, Marimekko products are now also available online in France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium. The customer experience in the existing e-commerce markets in Northern Europe has also been revamped.
“At Marimekko, we are excited about our historical premiere at Paris Fashion Week as well as the coinciding e-commerce expansion in Europe in accordance with our 2015 store opening plan announced earlier,” says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, President of Marimekko.
“While our key markets concentrate on Northern Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region, we want to strengthen our foothold in parallel also in the Western and Central European market through the expanded ecommerce and an aiming at a a stronger presence in selected department multi-brand stores. Hence, our presentation in the global Paris fashion arena supports us in building relationships with key buyers and opinion leaders both in Europe and in our key focus markets. Marimekko is one of the world’s first real lifestyle brands, and we believe that our distinct design approach is very relevant in the world today – perhaps more than ever before.”
Further information
Asta Halme, Head of Communications, Marimekko
+358 9 7587 233
asta.halme@marimekko.com
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Marimekko is a Finnish design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company’s product portfolio includes high-quality clothing, bags and accessories as well as home décor items ranging from textiles to tableware. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. In 2014, brand sales of the products worldwide amounted to EUR 187 million and the company's net sales were EUR 94 million. More than 140 Marimekko stores serve customers around the globe. The key markets are Northern Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group employs about 500 people. The company’s share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com