Reviving a classic

Well-known Finnish textile and fashion design house Marimekko pays homage to its hometown of Helsinki (the 2012 World Design Capital) with a beautiful fabric design that dates back to 1951.

More than 60 years ago Finnish graphic designer, illustrator and artist Per-Olaf Nyström designed the Helsinki-Helsingfors pattern to commemorate the city hosting the 1952 Summer Olympics.

The beautiful illustration shows several of the city’s landmarks like the Old Market Hall, Helsinki and Uspenski Cathedral as well as the Klippan restaurant.

So when the honour of being 2012 World Design Capital fell to Helsinki, one of the Marimekko designers Mika Piirainen recalled having seen this old design and thought it a good idea to put the print back into production. The only problem was that the original print film was lost and all that was left was an old photograph showing the design. After much detective work the designer also managed to find a sample of the original fabric but no complete repeat of the pattern.

Using the photograph and the sample, textile design intern Heini Ruuskanen laboured to restore the film for the Helsinki-Helsingfors design. The restored classic has now been used on a new fabric range as well as on several Marimekko products such as trays, mugs and dishcloths.

Continuing the ode to Helsinki, they have created an interactive map of the city, that highlights some of the places that inspire their own designers – from urban cafés pulsating with activity to the natural beauty of nearby islands.

More information: www.marimekko.com