Marimekko Corporation, Press release, 17 December 2010 at 10 a.m.
MARIMEKKO AND CONVERSE PARTNER IN SNEAKERS
Marimekko Corporation and Converse Inc., one of the world's most iconic lifestyle companies in men's and women's footwear and apparel, have entered into an agreement whereby Marimekko licenses its emblematic patterns to Converse's new women's-specific collection debuting in spring 2011. The collection, entitled "Converse ♥ Marimekko", features Converse's most popular shoe silhouettes and the following vibrant Marimekko designs: "Tarha" and "Pikkusuomu" by Annika Rimala, and "Kirppu" by Maija and Kristina Isola.
"We are excited about partnering with such an inspiring and iconic company as Converse. This enriching collaboration brings together two brands that both have a distinctive idiom and a unique heritage. The two companies have always walked their own path, and we also share the same unpretentious and joyful approach to life. We hope that this positive attitude will be transmitted to the people who will be sporting the Converses in the vibrant Marimekko designs," says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Creative Director of Marimekko.
The shoes will be sold globally from February 2011 onwards at selected Converse and Marimekko stores and specialty retail. More product-specific information will be available closer to the launch date.
Further information:
Marimekko Corporation
Päivi Lonka
Sales Director
Tel. +358 9 758 7430
Email: paivi.lonka@marimekko.fi
Converse Inc.
Karin Hesselvik
PR
Tel. +31 35 626 9958
Email: karin.hesselvik@converse.com
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications
Piia Pakarinen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
Email: piia.pakarinen@marimekko.fi
Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design house which through its timeless and individual, practical and beautiful products wants to create aesthetic experiences for every moment in life for people of all ages. The array of Marimekko design embraces household goods ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags, jewellery and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, the unparalleled patterns and colours of its printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. In 2009, Marimekko's net sales were EUR 72.5 million, of which international sales accounted for 27.3%. Marimekko products are available in roughly 40 countries. The company employs around 370 people. Marimekko's shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as "America's Original Sports Company"™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 51 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. www.converse.com
