First Look: Marimekko

By Mary Clare Glover

Comments () | Published May 7, 2007

In December 1960, Jacqueline Kennedy graced a Sports Illustrated cover clad in a cotton dress by Finnish design company Marimekko. For the next two decades, Marimekko’s colorful, brash prints were a staple in the closets and homes of Americans.

On Wednesday, Marimekko returns with a splash. Chevy Chase native Marni Frankel is opening a 4,000-square-foot store in downtown Silver Spring. In addition to clothing, the store will stock home accessories like bath mats, shower curtains, towels, coffee cups, and duvet covers in its signature patterns of oversized dots, floppy florals, and bold stripes. It will also carry reams of fabric in everything from sateen to linen. An onsite workroom will upholster furniture and create custom window treatments and bedding.
 
Manager Scott Vignola says the store plans to offer interior-design classes and host seminars with the Finnish designers behind Marrimekko’s iconic prints and patterns.

Marimekko | 8519 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring | 800-656-3587