Currently on display at The Textile Museum of Canada is a comprehensive retrospective of one of Finlands finest: Marimekko. What started in 1951 as a small textile and fashion design company promoting bright colours and clean lines, has expanded into a multifaceted design company known the world over. The exhibition, Marimekko, With Love curated by Shauna McCabe, features a wonderful collection of early catalogues, promo shots, films, yardage and dresses, but it is the unique vision of co-founder Armi Ratia that makes the most impact. Her interest was not so much in economic success but rather in finding a beautiful way to live life, describing Marimekko in 1962 as a "cultural phenomenon that points the way to high-quality living."
Her legacy continues at the company today where they promote their products as "timeless, durable, and appropriate"and provide extensive information on social responsibility, accountable manufacturing sourcing and environmental impact. The company's core values are a lovely reminder of Ratia's lingering spirit : "Living not pretending, Fairness to everyone and everything, Common sense, Getting things done-together, Courage-even at the risk of failure, Joy"
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