On a beautiful afternoon in Manchester , the surrounding hills and valleys are awash with vibrant colors . Looking through the windows of the Marimekko storefront on Main Street , the distinctive tones , shades , and silhouettes are every bit as enchanting . Bold and striking prints , textiles , clothing , accessories , and home goods line the walls and shelves , providing local residents and visiting vacationers with the opportunity to explore a fanciful demimonde of forward-thinking design . Marimekko ’ s fetching sartorial and home décor offerings blend form and functionality in stunning ways , reflecting the free-spirited , progressive philosophy that has defined the brand since its earliest days .
It ’ s been ten years since the only Marimekko outlet in North America opened in Manchester , and the company ’ s passionate retail team has continued to refine its services and product selection to meet the evolving preferences of its clientele . Throughout the past decade , the Manchester outlet has built a resilient following that mirrors Marimekko ’ s enduring , global reach on a smaller scale . “ People have traveled long distances just to shop here ,” says Marimekko ’ s Manchester Store Manager , Kelley Chase . “ The store has become a destination in itself , and we have been able to diversify and expand the inventory and elevate the customer experience . Our store truly highlights that Marimekko is a lifestyle brand that offers something for everyone . We now carry things that serve local residents , such as bedding and kitchen items . It ’ s all been possible thanks to the help of our team members here , Aly Morgan , Ann Jareckie , Paige Mann , Elizabeth Paxson , Tove Wainwright , and Molly Murphy-Major .”
Though the radiant print patterns that adorn Marimekko ’ s dresses , shirts , skirts , mugs , plates , pillows , tablecloths , shoes , handbags , and bedding sets certainly command attention , the brand ’ s true colors are beautifully manifested through the customers ’ lasting emotional and personal connections with the products . “ We ’ ve had customers bring in vintage dresses and other pieces that they ’ ve owned for decades ,” says Chase . “ It makes our day every time we get to hear their stories .”
Regardless of whether a customer is a Manchester resident or a visiting vacationer , the staff at Marimekko ’ s Manchester outlet always greets them with a warm and joyful reception . Upon arrival , customers will find many of Marimekko ’ s most recognizable prints used in a variety of classic and newlyreleased products . A walk through the store isn ’ t just an enjoyable and unique retail experience – it also serves as an immersive tour through the history of the brand ’ s evolution and product offerings .
In 1949 , Viljo Ratia was looking to take his Helsinki-based printing company , Printex , in a new direction . His wife , Armi Ratia , eventually became the founder and driving force behind Marimekko . Initially , she got her start in the industry by commissioning promising , young artists to design new textile patterns for Printex . Customers who come to the Manchester outlet will see a wall full of bolts of fabric sold by the yard in the back of the store . The textiles can be cut to custom specifications by Marimekko Manchester ’ s staff using the same hand- manchester life magazine 2023 25