Finnish textile and clothing design house Marimekko will arrive in the heart of New York's Flatiron District, when it opens its flagship store in October 2011 in the "toy building" on the corner of 5th Avenue and Broadway at 200 Fifth Avenue.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Marimekko was born out of the desire to bring happiness to everyday life. Over the years, famous fashion and style icons have helped establish Marimekko prints to be some of the most recognizable and artistic designs worldwide.
The new nearly 4,000 square foot flagship store in New York will be an experience-rich meeting place in which Marimekko's varied colors and design idiom will lead from one inspiring mood to the next. Conceptually, the store will mirror the recently opened flagship store in Helsinki. While the whole range of Marimekko products will be available at the store, the newest products will be principally showcased each season.
Even now before the store has opened its doors, Marimekko's bold patterns and colors have arrived to the Flatiron District. The storefront is featuring a custom piece of art designed by Marimekko designer and freelance illustrator Aino-Maija Metsola. For her piece, Metsola was inspired by culturally adapting Marimekko prints and colors arriving in the lives of New Yorkers. She drew reference from the Flatiron District and the artwork depicts an atmosphere of everyday life in New York with parks, birds, squirrels, people, magnolias, milk shakes and blossoming cherry trees.
Vibrant and cheerful, the purpose of the artwork falls in line with Marimekko's mission to bring happiness and joy to one's every day. Marimekko's goal was to maintain and respect the integrity of the beautiful area while lifting the spirits of those in the neighborhood. Method directed the video to show the installation process.