The Story Behind Marimekko's Only Canadian Store in Vancouver

Marimekko is known throughout the world for its luxurious, colourful, and unique designs – and Vancouver is home to the only Marimekko concept store in Canada.

Established in 1951 by Armi Ratia in Finland, the products and designs are created in Finland and are shared with the world. They have 150 stores, including locations in Norway, United States, Denmark, Japan, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, and more.

Celebrating its 70^th anniversary last year, Marimekko is recognized by the iconic poppy and “is an established brand that has great quality that everything is made to last decades and to be passed on,” says Nateish Wilman, the General Manager of the Marimekko store in Vancouver.

Marimekko at 851 Homer Street in Vancouver (Image: Lee Rivett)

Located at 851 Homer Street, you can find all the classic Marimekko collections. The location has been home for just over a decade, but the concept store has been in Vancouver since 1998.

“We have actually worked with Marimekko for almost 20 years, it was previously owned by a couple who loved Marimekko,” says Wilman. When the store first opened, the owners were only offering Marimekko’s table wear collection, but after a few years of working for Marimekko, they reached out and offered the brand’s full collection.

The store is a smaller space, but Wilman said they carry a range of Marimekko products. You can find home wear, clothing, bags, accessories, bedding, bath, and blankets.

Neighbourhood Shop

The team of three have a strong connection with the surrounding community.

“We know our clients names and there is only three of us who work here, but we carry the most beautiful brands. It is a lovely balance for us that we have this incredible design with all of this history, but it is still just a neighbourhood shop,” says Wilman.

When asked about expanding to other cities in Canada, Wilman said maybe down the road, but right now they feel very fortunate to be able to share Marimekko products and its history with its customers.

Vancouver was decided as the concept store because of its large Finnish population and it shares some similarities of Finland.

“I think it is kind of funny. You might not think Finland and Vancouver are similar, but Finland can be so rainy and grey and so you bring in all these happy looking colours and that is the same here,” says Wilman.

Collections

Currently the store is in the process of obtaining the new summer collection, but Wilman says this collection will be different than usual.

“There has been a big focus on the fit of the dresses which is cool. So, we have really noticed that they are a lot more wearable, and it is easier to find the size and what will work for you. The creative director has also introduced some sweet, more subtle detail,” says Wilman.

As for customers favourite collections, it depends on Seasons says Wilman. During summer months, customers are mostly buying dresses and in the winter months, customers focus on being cozy with home accessories.

“For myself, I probably go with the home wear,” says Wilman. “I really like the bed and bath. The quality of the textiles are just so beautiful, so when you curl up in them you can just feel that luxury and know they will last forever.

Marimekko collections can be seen even on Television shows such as Suits, Modern Family, Grace and Frankie, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

History of Marimekko

Marimekko began in 1949 when Armi Ratia started designing patterns for women’s clothing and she had her first fashion show in 1951, placing her brand on the spotlight. A few years later in 1954, the Marimekko logo was created.

The idea of Marimekko was to bring long lasting clothing that would be different and stand out, and Ratia succeeded. For example, in 1964, the well known Unikko (Poppy) pattern was born.

After Ratia’s death in 1979, Marimekko still thrives and starts to expand worldwide, including opening its first store in China in 2010 and continues to expand.

Sustainability and Long Lasting

Marimekko is also creating new ways to be sustainable, one idea is using recycled fabric for its products. The Vancouver store will be participating in these new plans soon. The Marimekko website makes it clear being sustainable is important to the brand and they are passionate about reducing its footprint.

“So much of what we consume is so disposable and that is really the opposite of Marimekko”, says Wilman. “It is about getting that classic beautiful design that will last forever, and every piece has the name of the artist who made it, so it is a cool connection to the history or Marimekko when you get a new piece,” says Wilman.