We interviewed Marimekko Creative Director, Ms. Rebekka Bay about the inspiration and the concept behind the Summer 2024 Limited-Edition Collection.
Please tell us about the collection inspiration behind the concept of “a joyful summer picnic”? How did you come up with the theme?
The collection perfectly captures the spirit and the joy we feel when being able to spend time outside during the summer season. The collection is a natural continuation of our New Year 2024 collection where we explored time outdoors – and cosied up – during the winter months. For the summer season we really wanted to evolve the idea of enjoying the outdoors with family, friends and loved ones.
Following the successful comeback of the previous New Year collection, this summer collection seems very vivid, with colourful and bold patterns. What made you choose these particular prints for the collection? What is the selection process to choose these prints out of more than 3,500 archive patterns you have for our collaboration?
We are always seeking inspiration in our vast pattern archive and are intrigued by the happy contradictions that are created when patterns are featured together, side by side. For this collection, we chose patterns from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The collection features the bold and graphical Melooni (melon) by Maija Isola, repetitive small scale Asema (station) by Pentti Rinta, and two abstract floral prints - Ruukku (flowerpot) by Maija Isola and Demeter by Katsuji Wakisaka. Striped patterns, such as Lirinä (sound of gurgling water) by Pentti Rinta and Galleria (gallery) by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi bring a sense of rhythm to the abstract floral patterns.
Please share with us the inspiration for the colour palette for these prints.
We wanted to capture the essence of a perfect summer day. The collection is a tribute to joyous, sun-filled summer picnics in the great outdoors with loved ones. We worked with sky blues, ranging from morning to evening skyscapes; reds, from soft pink to true red; and greens, from fresh grass to earthy shades of moss and brown.
Continuing from the previous collection, the summer collection gives us the sense of warmth and bonding with family, friends and loved ones, as depicted by the campaign visuals. Could you please share your thoughts on how that mirrors the collection and the broader collaboration?
Similarly to our earlier collections, we want to celebrate inclusivity and togetherness, celebrating and finding joy in everyday moments. The vibrant and colourful designs capture the everyday effortless philosophy of both our brands. We are excited to launch the collection for women, kids and babies.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
The new collection offers a wide array of breezy, comfortable dresses as well as skirts made from cotton and linen, along with hats, shoes, and bags for the finishing touch. One of my personal print favourites is Melooni (melon), which is included here in the perfectly effortless summer dresses. That will have to be my favourite, even though it is difficult to pick just one.
Please share with us your tips for the styling of this collection. Any mix and match recommendation for the different prints?
I personally do not think there are any limitations when it comes to styling these pieces. I believe it is all about the mood and a sense of individuality. All the items can be worn on their own, as a set, or be mixed and matched together for vibrant expression. At Marimekko, we always mix floral prints with stripes and more graphic patterns as they all complement each other and create an interesting dialogue.
Where would you say are the perfect summer picnic places in Finland? What is your favourite tradition?
Finland has the most amazing archipelago with many small islands near Helsinki. These islands make the most amazing picnic spots, which make you forget that you are just a stone's throw away from the capital. I love the outdoors, both in and near the water. Whenever I am in Helsinki and have the opportunity, I love to go running by the sea in the mornings, hike in the forest, or take a boat to one of the many islands.
Rebekka Bay
About Rebekka Bay
Rebekka Bay was appointed Marimekko’s Creative Director in September 2020. In her role, she leads Marimekko’s design and innovation teams and is responsible for the company’s design strategy for fashion, bags, and accessories as well as home products. Rebekka splits her time between Copenhagen and Helsinki.