“By bringing together two beloved Finnish design companies, we can create something truly special”: Marimekko teams up with Kalevala Koru

It’s been a standout year for revered Finnish design house Marimekko, which has celebrated the 60th anniversary of its most iconic print, the ‘Unikko,’ created by Maija Isola, throughout the year. The brand’s spring/summer ’24 and autumn/winter ’24 showcases marked the first taste of the festivities, followed by the ‘Unikko’-centric Marimekko Day in May, which filled the streets of Helsinki with the bold, vibrant floral print. More recently, the much-anticipated launch of Maridenim featured the motif subtly emblazoned on relaxed jeans and denim shirts.

But the party isn’t over yet. The celebration’s latest chapter is the label’s collaboration with fellow Finnish heritage brand Kalevala Koru. Set to release in October, the limited-edition collection transforms the ‘Unikko’ motif into sleek, recycled silver jewellery, showcasing the refined craftsmanship that Kalevala has been known for since its founding in 1937. “Both Kalevala and Marimekko are leaders in their own fields and strong innovators of Finnish design; Marimekko through the art of printmaking and Kalevala in jewellery design by expressing strong and sculptural stories,” says Aino Ahlnäs, the creative director of Kalevala. “The jewellery, hand-crafted in Kalevala Koru’s Helsinki factory, brings the ‘Unikko’ pattern to life in an entirely new way.”

Related: Print power: How Maija Isola grew Marimekko into a cult brand

Featuring everything from brooches and necklaces to ear cuffs and rings, the collection reimagines ‘Unikko’ in a modern, minimalist style while preserving the motif’s playful spirit. From more dainty numbers to statement-making pieces, the line-up boasts accessories for every taste.

“Together with Kalevala, we wanted to introduce ‘Unikko’ in a 3D form, simplifying it for the jewellery while ensuring it remains distinctly ‘Unikko’ and feels extremely contemporary,” explains Emmakaisa Kirves, Marimekko’s design director for ready-to-wear and bags & accessories. Shaping the flat, 2D flower into an artful, three-dimensional piece while respecting the original design was central to the collaboration. “In a project that pushed jewellery-making expertise to its limits, each piece was designed to be both well-fitting and aesthetically pleasing,” notes Ahlnäs. “Every curve of the petal, every nuance of the silver’s surface treatment, and the placement of the fastening mechanism required careful consideration.”

Not every day you see two Finnish design legends joining forces, and the collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both Marimekko and Kalevala. “To me, by bringing together two beloved Finnish design companies, we can create something truly special, even surprising to our customers,” Kirves says. “Together, we have created a collection that embodies the bold nature of ‘Unikko’ but also its optimistic essence.” Ahlnäs agrees, noting how exciting the joint project has been. “Through this collaboration collection, Kalevala and Marimekko look to the future and celebrate design and craftsmanship,” she says.