BEST KNOWN for its bold prints and neat tailoring, Marimekko, a fashion and lifestyle brand from Finland, recently unveiled its new concept store at Siam Discovery and used the occasion to launch its autumn and winter collection. Much of the focus was on its simple tunic dress, a favourite with the ladies, which looks as good for a day at the office as for a power lunch.
ML Chanika Patpongpanich, brand manager, talked about the highlights of the new collection, noting that Marimekko is a classic brand that often plays with prints from the past.
“Some of the prints we see today were created more than 50 years ago but still look great when they are mixed with contemporary designs and high-quality materials and cutting. For this latest collection, designers Katsuji Wakisaka, Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, Oiva Toikka and Joe Duke introduced elements that add an edge to the clothes, such as asymmetrical arrangements and pattern build-ups, inspired by the brand’s original designs.
Highlight pieces include a signature silk shirt, peony dress shirt, and the print-on-print total look. There are also shoes and bags that Marimekko fans will definitely want to wear in this upcoming winter.”
Straight from the Finnish wardrobe, the innovative ideas are translated through the fashion’s house trademark prints and interesting colour combinations. Creative director Anna Teurnell was fascinated by the surrealists’ investigation of the space between fantasy and reality, and how this dialogue could be combined with Marimekko’s inclusive and functionalistic design approach.
The print “Adam and Eve” with its blooming cityscapes was designed by Wakisaka in 1972. Duke’s “Taped Pansy” print is a picturesque flower print mixed with quadrangles that creates an interesting rhythm. “Pieni Pioni”, as the small peony pattern is known, is a small-scale version of Maija Isola’s floral Pioni from 1970.
The collection also includes a new bijou line designed by Ilenia Corti plus large scarves and shawls that add a chic touch to the season’s outfits. Boots and shoes come in black, burgundy and white and in leather and suede and offer the perfect complement to casual and festive attire.
Aniporn Chalerm-buranawong, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 led the fashion show, which wrapped with a champagne toast to officially open the store. The event was joined many of Thailand’s A-listers including Mayuree Chaipromprasith, Kleddao Panichsamai, MR Chantaraladda Yugala, ML Chanika Patpongpanich, Kuntinee and Nopmanee Krairiksh, Yumi Kiangsiri and ML Oradis Snidvongs as well as celebrities Kemisara Paladesh, Panida Iemsirinoppakul, Ploy Chariyaves, Pimlada-Sirima Chaipreechawit, Pattreeda-Nualtong Prasarnthong, Maneerat Kham-uan and Sopitnapa Chumpanee.
This source first appeared on The Nation Life.