The company began in 1951 in Finland with its founders Vilijo and Armi Ratia. First they designed simple dresses by asking artist friends to add graphics to their fabric. Eventually they were displayed in a Milan department store overseen by the display manager who happened to be Giorgio Armani!. When they were introduced to the United States they were noticed by Jackie Kennedy who bought eight dresses and wore them all throughout the 1960 Presidential campaign. Of course as a well known icon of fashion, people were quick to follow.Over the years the company has had a few ups and downs but their relationship with Crate and Barrel which started in the 1960's still remains strong and ever expanding. In 2007 the current owner Mika Ihamuotilo took over and the company continued to grow with clothing and interior design and were even featured on "Sex and the City" being worn by the character Carrie Bradshaw. Marimekko designs can be seen everywhere, shoes, purses, dishes, wallpaper, the fabric itself can be used in endless ways. the designs are bold, graphic and colourful. Take a look below, maybe you have some marimekko or have seen it and didn't know the name behind it. Now you do!