Design is one of Finland’s most renowned exports, and it takes many shapes. Phones, adorable trolls, jewelry, interior design, and textiles are just a few. One of the most iconic and easily spotted textiles in the world is the Unikko pattern from Marimekko.
Today, Unikko can be enjoyed in so many ways: trays, cups, bags, coin purses, shower curtains, pillows, and anything DIY with just the textile itself. The bold poppies by Maija Isola seem new and fresh every year, though they come from a bold history. According to the Embassy of Finland website:
“Unikko was born in 1964 after Marimekko’s founder Armi Ratia had publicly announced that Marimekko would never print floral patterns, because she thought that flowers were more beautiful in nature than on fabric. However, designer Maija Isola paid no heed to Ratia’s decree and – perhaps inspired by the poppies growing in her yard – painted a red Unikko along with an entire series of floral patterns in protest. Unikko looked new, graphic and distinctive, and once Ratia saw it, she immediately included the design in Marimekko’s collection where it has been ever since.”
Now, the Unikko pattern is Marimekko’s focal design and a source of particular celebration this year as the design turns 50. For example, the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC is running an exhibition celebrating the anniversary of the Unikko pattern this month. Between 11-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, except Midsummer weekend, you can stop by the beautiful embassy (an incredible example of Finnish design in architecture) to view their exhibit.
I stopped in over this past weekend to visit both the exhibit and revisit the embassy itself. Don’t miss the wonderful coffee mugs with the mini Unikko print or the flowing dresses on display as well. The Embassy is located on Embassy Row right across from the Naval Observatory. If it is a nice summer day, I suggest walking along Massachusetts Ave and seeing some of the many embassies located in DC.
If you are like me and cannot get enough of the Unikko pattern but unfortunately are not in Finland at the moment, many Unikko products are available for online shopping. However, I highly recommend visiting a store if you can- they are wonderlands of beautiful design.
anchored & adrift 