Finland has quietly been producing some of the best Formula 1 drivers of the past few decades, but Finnish design company, Marimekko, has been producing their trademark colorful prints in a far less quiet manner. Founded in 1951 and finding footing in the 60s — with Jackie Kennedy counting herself in as a fan! — the company has since expanded to become a well-rounded lifestyle label: they produce fabrics, clothing, bags, and home decor.
When we learned they would be releasing a capsule collection with Banana Republic, we had burning questions that needed answering. They were answered through email by Marimekko Design Director Banana Republic x Marimekko, Minna Kemell-Kutvonen; here’s a choice picking of questions and answers to quench curiosity about this trans-Atlantic collaboration!
How organic was the collaborative process between Marimekko and Banana Republic?
A true collaboration marries the best of both brands together in an exclusive collection offering for the customer. After an inspiring brainstorming session together, the Banana Republic team came to visit us and together we chose the prints for the capsule collection from our textile archives at the Marimekko House in Helsinki and then we worked the collection onwards from there. The collection’s five featured prints, created by three of Marimekko’s storied designers, each tell a unique story.
Banana Republic has become synonymous with conservative cuts and classic silhouettes, whereas Marimekko’s claim to fame has been megawatt prints. Was it difficult for Marimekko to implement its design philosophy alongside that of Banana Republic?
It was an incredible experience working with Banana Republic. The team really understands how to adapt iconic Marimekko prints and tell our brand story through a modern American style that works for the Banana Republic customer.
How does this collection with Banana Republic reflect the Marimekko DNA?
We want to inspire people through our colors, patterns, and art of print making to be bold and creative, and to express themselves. We believe in togetherness and a mutually enriching collaboration, and through the partnership with Banana Republic, the Marimekko prints and colors can inspire an even wider audience. We share with Banana Republic the same desire to empower people to live their life to the fullest.
What do American and Finnish fashion styles have in common?
Optimism and opportunity are strong influences in both American and Finnish culture that undoubtedly impact style and personal expression.
You mentioned that Marimekko designs are inspired by emotions. What emotions inspired this collection?
JOY. We want to inspire people through our colors, patterns, and art of print making to be bold and creative, and to express themselves.
What sets Marimekko patterns and prints apart?
Since the birth of Marimekko in 1951, our mission has been to bring joy to the everyday lives of people through our bold colours and patterns, our art of print making. In Finland, up in Northern Europe, the winters are long and dark, so we like to surround ourselves with strong, energizing colours 
Furthermore, Marimekko’s special design language stems from Finland’s geographical location in between East and West. On one hand you can see in it influences from Scandinavia – the clean, simple, graphic style – while on the other you can see the Slavic influence – the rich, ornamental shapes and bold colours. It is this marriage between these two stylistic directions that is in a unique way captured in our design language.
How do the designers behind Marimekko keep things fresh in the design department, and where do they look for inspiration?
We begin each season by coming together collectively as a group to discuss our ideas and recent inspirations. We encourage our designers to keep diaries and translate their passions and feelings into inspirational art work. In Finland, we have very long periods of light and darkness. Weather is a big part of our daily lives and it is these distinct seasons that mark time.
What are you most happy about with regard to the collaboration?
It was an incredible experience working with Banana Republic. We felt that the team really understood the essence of the Marimekko design philosophy, it was a lot of fun working together and I guess this can be seen in the Banana Republic Marimekko capsule collection that really marries culture with style!
The Banana Republic x Marimekko will be available in Indonesia at Banana Republic Senayan City in July 2014.
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