Ruutu-Unikko is a new textile motif released by Finnish fabric house Marimekko, created in homage to its iconic Unikko pattern, which turned 50 last year.
Unikko, a motif so famous, it’s virtually become the de facto identity of Finland, was first introduced in 1964, when designer Maija Isola defied Marimekko’s ‘no flowers’ policy with her oversized stylized poppy illustration, unwittingly giving expression to what would become the company’s most popular print.
Ruutu-Unikko, which translates as ‘big square poppy,’ is a new iteration by Maija Isola’s granddaughter Emma, and ups the ante considerably with an oversized graphic featuring a pair of Unikko poppies emerging from a grid-based arrangement. Marimekko is making the new poppy print available in either a vivid multicolored scheme or dramatic black-and-white.
