Finnish design house Marimekko has struck a deal with experimental Sydney retailer and cafe Sorry Thanks I Love You.
To mark the 60th anniversary of its Unikko print design, Marimekko is launching a retail space for the next four weeks selling the brand's limited edition SS'24 collection across apparel, textiles and ceramics within an indoor garden setup.
Sorry Thanks I Love You will also be launching a Finnish brunch menu at its 100 square metre cafe for the duration of the event.
The partnership project is one in a series of international events that Marimekko is launching to mark the anniversary of its Unikko design.
“We at Marimekko have always appreciated beautiful design – whether it be in the form of printed textiles, art, or architecture,” Marimekko marketing manager Elly Winther said.
“We understand the importance of bringing joy through these mediums to everyday lives. In collaborating with STILY we will be able to bring all three of these elements to life. We are excited to present our Unikko 60th Anniversary collection in bold and joyful concept.”
The deal is the opening project in Sorry Thanks I Love You’s event program which will see them partner with the likes of Dover Street Market Paris and the UNSW’s Design Lab in the first half of 2024, with others in the mix too.
Sorry Thanks I Love You co-creator Caroline Ball said the partnership with Marimekko will drive the retailer’s experimental strategy.
“Whether it’s hosting free weekly yoga classes in our store after dark, constructing the world’s first 100% recyclable polystyrene pop-up store for Issey Miyake, or building a giant self-sustaining garden in the middle of Sydney’s busiest shopping mall for sustainable sneaker brand Veja, we are fascinated by experimenting with what ‘retail’ spaces can and should be.”
Marimekko sells clothing, bags and accessories as well as home décor items ranging from textiles to tableware. In 2023, the company's net sales totalled €174 million (A$288.41 million) and comparable operating profit margin was 18.4 per cent. Globally, there are roughly 170 Marimekko stores, including three stores across Australia.