Marimekko CEO on modernising the brand while keeping Unikko-heritage alive

If you know Marimekko, then you are likely already familiar with the brand’s bold graphic poppy print, suitably titled Unikko – the word for ‘poppy’ in Finnish. Initially created by the brand’s designer Maija Isola, it has now become synonymous with Marimekko’s design language, and is recognisable on a global scale. Celebrations ahead of the iconic print’s 60th anniversary next year had already kicked off at the most recent Copenhagen Fashion Week, where the label continued its tradition of hosting open-for-all fashion shows. Here, the Unikko print was plastered head-to-toe on co-ord sets, summer dresses and palazzo pants, often sizably scaled up in vibrant hues of pinks, greens and blues.