In Shanghai this week, Finland’s national carrier announced an inspired, strategic partnership with fellow Finnish export brand Marimekko
November 1st, 2012
Not content with playing host country for the 2012 World Design Capital, Finland this week reinforced their commitment to “Embedding Design in Life” – extending the Finnish affinity for design into 2013 and beyond.
With Helsinki currently the world’s design epicentre; abuzz with creative programs and displays of smart design thinking, the announcement that Marimekko one of the worlds most famous textile and fashion design houses has joined forces with the national airline, means the design dialogue now reaches far beyond Finland’s borders with every departing flight.
The cooperation between the two brands sees two A340 aircraft repainted featuring Maija Isola’s iconic “Unikko” floral print from 1964. Onboard the aircraft a range of textiles, utensils and decorative elements have also been redesigned to incorporate the distinct patterning of Marimekko’s collections.
Currently in Australia ahead of Marimekko’s first Australian boutique opening in Sydney, Marimekko CEO Mika Ihamuotila, says:
“Finnair is a natural partner for Marimekko, as in my opinion it has been the first airline in the world to lift up design and place it strongly at the center of its service,”
Equally enthused by the pairing is the airline’s CEO Mika Vehviläinen:
“Finnair has a strong design heritage, and this cooperation brings our design thinking to a new level, our goal is to become a design airline, and bring our customers unique experiences for all five senses. Cooperation with Marimekko is an important step towards this target.”
Already flying between Helsinki and major Asian hubs, the first of the “Unikko” A340’s is a strategic positioning of both brands in a market that has impressively expanded for both parties.
Finnair’s access to Europe from their Helsinki hub has secured them rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region – whilst Marimekko has always enjoyed a strong following in Japan, in recent times the demand in Chinese markets has flourished – leading to this design collaboration being first announced at this week’s Shanghai Design Week.
Finnair
Marimekko
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
This new collectiion of timber tables, stools and benches is both customisable and colourful
The city of Sydney has served has a source of inspiration for Intuit’s Sydney workplace. Designed by Gensler, the branded environment is fun and flexible and reflects the company’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Leading the field in terms of ergonomics, this high-end office furniture from Buro is also designed with the evolving needs of the modern workplace in mind.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.