Seth Doane is reporting from Finland, where he's visiting the headquarters of Marimekko, a renowned design house. Marimekko is famous for its bold and colorful designs, which can be found in many Finnish homes. The company was founded 75 years ago by Armi Ratia, who wanted to add some color to post-war Finland. Today, Marimekko is a global brand, partnering with companies like Target, IKEA, and Uniqlo.
One of the inspirations for Marimekko's designs is the community gardens in Finland. There are about 60 community gardens around the country, where people can tend to their own plots of land. The gardens are a great source of inspiration for designer Maija Louekari, who has been working for Marimekko for 20 years. She draws a lot and gets inspiration from nature, including the little blue flowers called sinivuokko.
Marimekko's designs are not just limited to fabrics and clothes. The company has also created a range of homeware and fashion accessories. The designs are often inspired by nature, including seagulls, stones, and bouquets. Marimekko's bold graphic designs have become a staple of Finnish design, and the company continues to be a source of inspiration for designers around the world.
