Scandinavian Style: Marimekko-Inspired Looks for Spring Fashion

Inspired by Finnish design house Marimekko’s sprightly designs on display at the Nordic Heritage Museum, bright colors and a playful mix of patterns are propelling spring fashion forward

By Nia Martin April 10, 2017

This article originally appeared in the April 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.

Visual panel, above: Maija Isola for Marimekko “Albatrossi” print (originally designed in 1967, reproduced 2000–2004), Finland

Photo Finnish
Our spring fashion feature was shot on location at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard (3014 NW 67th St.; 206.789.5707; nordicmuseum.org) using fabric backdrops from the museum’s new Marimekko, With Love exhibit. Highlighting the history and evolution of Finnish textile brand turned fashion innovator Marimekko, the museum’s retrospective comprises documentary materials as well as the textiles and designs themselves. The exhibit is on display through July 9.

Lisa Perry scalloped suede mustard coat, $1,795, from Barneys New York. Marimekko “Bettina Pieni Unikko” silk dress, $395, from Pirkko. Essie Day “North” hoop earrings, $48, from Velouria. Backdrop: Maija Isola for Marimekko “Kaivo” print (originally designed in 1967, reproduced 2000–2004), Finland

“Bengal georgette” silk dress, $4,300, and studded mid-heel pump in black leather, $1,190, both by and from Gucci. Cast “Herkimer” stud earrings, $28, and “Long Bar” ring, $38, both by and from Baleen.

Lisa Perry colorblocked black and white cotton/polyurethane raincoat, $1,095, from Barneys New York. Peserico black and white patterned cotton-blend crop pant, $368, from Butch Blum. Seaworthy “Jefa” gold earrings, $78.75, from Velouria. Backdrop: Maija Isola for Marimekko “Unniko” print in red, pink, orange and black (originally designed in 1965, reproduced 2000–2004), Finland

“New Flora” silk jacket, $3,980, and “New Flora” silk print skirt, $1,900, both by and from Gucci. Prada suede crisscross blue ankle-wrap sandal, $630, from Neiman Marcus. “Half Open Circle” stud earrings, $26, by and from Baleen.

Dries Van Noten “Dines” tiered silk drop-waist navy dress, $1,500, from Barneys New York. Givenchy leather high-top black and orange platform skate sneaker, $895, and Stella McCartney bird-embroidered charcoal and navy colorblocked virgin wool cardigan sweater, $1,045, both from Neiman Marcus. “Dual Circle” earrings, $22, by and from Moorea Seal.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby sleeveless paneled fit-and-flare bright coral cotton-blend dress, $395, from Neiman Marcus. Halogen “Cubist Rose” blue combo neck scarf (worn as a headband), $19, from Nordstrom. “Saturn” stud earrings, $32, by and from Baleen. Adorne “Zephyr” tassel necklace, $38, and Maslo “Gold Age” gold and cream bracelet, $28, both from Moorea Seal. Backdrop: Maija Isola for Marimekko “Unniko” print in navy blue, black, yellow and orange (originally designed in 1965, reporoduced 2000-2004), Finland