WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND… MARIMEKKO IS REBORN

If you think you have been having 60’s flashbacks, you’re not alone. The war and all its accoutrements (think Richard Nixon) is top of mind. That does not mean that Wall Street execs are going to drop out and live in communes, but it does mean that a certain amount of nostalgia is ready for prime-time...

I have mentioned in previous newsletters that Marimekko prints are going to be hot again. Now I have proof. A Marimekko store just opened in South Beach, Florida and they plan new stores for Orlando, Silver Spring, Md. and Oxford, Miss.

It turns out the name was bought by Kirsti Paakkanen. “Paakkanen bought the ailing company in 1991 and began turning it around. The company's net sales for 2006 were 71.4 million euros, 6.3 percent higher than 2005. Exports and income from international operations increased 35 percent last year.”

The stores carry the signature bright upbeat fabric, fashions and home furnishing. But I have not heard about hats – someone might want to check this out. (The owner of the South Beach store is a lawyer named Cristina Dominguez.)

The former owner was Luminaire and Arango- and for historical reference, it has been 30 years since the Marimekko had its crowning retail glory. My, how time flies when you’re having fun.