Marimekko and Converse have partnered for the first time to debut a women’s specific collection for spring 2011 combining Converse’s most popular silhouettes – such as Chuck Taylor All Star High and Ox – with Marimekko’s signature pattern designs. A selection of Marimekko’s classic prints by some of its most influential designers that embrace Marimekko’s bold, vibrant styles were chosen for the Converse collection.
The Marimekko patterns featured in the sneakers include Tarha from 1963 and Pikkusuomu from 1965 by Annika Rimala and Kirppu from 1980 by Maija and Kristina Isola. Annika Rimala’s modern and original Marimekko designs adorned the covers of international fashion magazines as early as in the 1960’s. In 1967, she was chosen as one of the most influential fashion designers in the world. Maija Isola, important reformer and forerunner in the design of printed fabrics, designed over 500 fascinating fabric prints for Marimekko through her career – one of them being Kirppu, co-designed with her daughter Kristina Isola.
"We are excited about partnering with such an inspiring and iconic company as Converse. This enriching collaboration brings together two brands that both have a distinctive idiom and a unique heritage. The two companies have always walked their own path, and we also share the same unpretentious and joyful approach to life. We hope that this positive attitude will be transmitted to the people who will be sporting the Converses in the vibrant Marimekko designs," says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Creative Director of Marimekko.
The Converse ♥ Marimekko collection will be available starting from February 2011 at premium retail outlets, selected Marimekko stores and at www.converse.com.
Check out a video introducing Converse ♥ Marimekko here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV9b_288DnU
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Marimekko:
Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, +358 9 758 7328, tiina.alahuhta-kasko@marimekko.fi
Converse:
Keith Gulla, +1 646-563-7318, keith.gulla@converse.com
About Marimekko
Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design house which through its timeless and individual, practical and beautiful products wants to create aesthetic experiences for every moment in life for people of all ages. The array of Marimekko design embraces household goods ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags, jewellery and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, the unparalleled patterns and colours of its printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. In 2009, Marimekko’s net sales were EUR 72.5 million, of which international sales accounted for 27.3%. Marimekko products are available in roughly 40 countries. The company employs around 370 people. Marimekko’s shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. For more information, visit Marimekko on the web at www.marimekko.com .
About Converse
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 58 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.