Marimekko

The 1970s

Marimekko’s production was modernised and expanded in the 1970s, licensing increased rapidly, and the company was listed on the stock exchange.

1970 The Décembre company was founded for the design and marketing of various small items and Marimekko’s canvas bags. Décembre’s head designer was Ristomatti Ratia, whose many bag designs have become world-renowned classics over the years. Marimekko acquired Décembre in 1983.

1972 The first foreign licensing agreements were signed in Japan and the United States.

1973/1979 A new Marimekko factory was built in two stages in the Herttoniemi district of Helsinki, with facilities for Marimekko's fabric printing press, finishing department and central warehouse.

1974 The Marimekko clothing factory in Kitee, East Finland, was established.

1974 Marimekko’s main retail outlet at 31 Pohjoisesplanadi in the centre of Helsinki was opened. The shop is still at this address.

1974 Marimekko listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

1974 Fujiwo Ishimoto began to design printed fabrics at Marimekko. His amazingly wide-ranging output has come to include well over 300 fabric designs.

1979 Marja Suna joined Marimekko as a fashion designer and created Marimekko’s first knitwear collection. Alongside her highly popular knitted garments, Marja Suna designed a variety of other clothing, from coats to T-shirts, during her twenty-five years with Marimekko.

1979 Armi Ratia died on
3 October.