It all began in 1951 from a strong desire to create something new, one of a kind, sustainable and beautiful for the grey post-war Finland. Armi Ratia, the founder of Marimekko, commissioned young artists to create distinctive fabric patterns, which resulted in boldly coloured, non-figurative designs that revolutionised the tradition of textile printing.

An entire philosophy developed – the Marimekko way of living that focuses on joie de vivre, on the beauty and happiness of everyday life. Individuality, cherishing the enchanting diversity of personalities is one of the cornerstones of this philosophy that translates into modern designs with happy contradictions. Throughout its history, Marimekko has brilliantly mixed together traditionalism and radicalism, decorativeness and asceticism, the everyday and the celebratory, pure Finnish rustic and urban international styles. Marimekko’s way of finding joy in everyday life represents values that are perhaps more topical today than ever.

During the Furniture Fair in Milan, 22–27 April 2009, the joyful Marimekko way of life can be discovered at the Jannelli & Volpi store in an installation that will allow visitors to experience the diverseness and happy contradictions of the Marimekko lifestyle concept through both classic and new designs. The new Marimekko wallpaper collection by Jannelli & Volpi / Sirpi S.p.A. will also be presented in the showroom.

Marimekko installation in Milan at:
JV Store
Via Melzo, 7
20129 Milan

Open every day 22–27 April 2009
from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Public transportation to the showroom:
bus 60; trams 23, 29 and 30; metro MM1 Porta Venezia.