Articles of the Week - number sixty-four - a Marimekko Collection

In 1951 Finnish designer Armi Ratia captured the zeitgeist with a dress that epitomised optimism and joy.

Seventy years later the design house is still going strong. From its factory in Helsinki come colourful and playful designs and artwork that translates into fabric, homewares and clothing. 

These three pieces from the collection are characteristic: Nanuk above, Pepe right and Porkkana below. The bold colours and simplified shapes of the printed motifs are immediately eye-catching and instant classics.