IKEA and Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko collaborate on a limited collection
[Seoul – April 5] Global home furnishing retailer IKEA and Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko are teaming up to create a limited collection inspired by the Nordic sauna culture. The launch of the collection is planned for March 2023.
IKEA and Marimekko are collaborating to create a collection connected to the Nordic well-being culture, rooted in the sauna experience. IKEA and Marimekko will deep-dive into the self-care rituals of sauna and create a unique collection based on its essential elements. The collection will be full of happy contradictions between hot and cold, simple and bold, playful and calm. It will also mark the first time Marimekko has designed a set of prints exclusively for a collection with a partnering brand.
Sauna bathing is a beloved activity among many people living in the Nordic countries and an essential part of recreation, especially for the Finns. In 2020, UNESCO added Finnish sauna culture to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With this collaboration, IKEA and Marimekko will open the doors to the sauna culture by enabling people to be caring for themself and be closely connected to nature. The collection is planned to launch in March 2023 in IKEA stores worldwide.
Every year, IKEA collaborates with partners to bring various limited collections for creating a better everyday life at home. In the past, IKEA collaborated with the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh, Danish design company Hay, and Thai fashion brand Greyhound Original. All collaborations begin with IKEA’s curiosity or a challenge that needs to be solved. IKEA uses the learnings and knowledge gained through collaboration as the foundation for creating new and useful products that meet the needs of the many.
“We are looking into our Nordic design heritage and a fundamental part of our well-being culture. By combining Marimekko’s long history of making iconic prints and IKEA’s home furnishing knowledge, we want to spread the elements of this culture to help improve and bring joy to the everyday life of the many people,” said Henrik Most, Creative Leader at IKEA of Sweden.
“IKEA and Marimekko share a strong Nordic heritage and a democratic approach to design, and both brands are committed to bringing joy to the everyday lives of people. We together chose sauna culture as a starting point for this collection not only because of Marimekko’s Finnish roots but also because it reflects several of the positive aspects of the Nordic lifestyle – a sauna is typically a space to relax, enjoy, and be completely yourself,” said Rebekka Bay, Creative Director of Marimekko.
About Marimekko
Marimekko is a Finnish lifestyle design company renowned for its original prints and colors. The company’s product portfolio includes high-quality clothing, bags and accessories as well as home décor items ranging from textiles to tableware. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. In 2021, the company's net sales were EUR 152 million and brand sales of the products worldwide amounted to EUR 376 million. Globally, there are roughly 150 Marimekko stores, and online store serves customers in 35 countries. The key markets are Northern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and North America. The Group employs about 410 people. The company’s share is quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.