Spring has Sprung at Marimekko

I met up with Mother Nature the other day for coffee to discuss the weather. She and I have always been pretty close, but I have to admit that I don’t always trust her. For example, sometimes she’ll suggest that I bundle up: then, as temperatures rise, my big down feather coat and a wool scarf gradually begin to serve as a portable sweat lodge. Conversely, she’ll hint at sandals and sundress then blindside me with a blizzard. She can be quite a trickster.

“So, Spring,” I said, sipping my coffee. “Is it really going to arrive and stick around?”
“Patience, my friend, patience,” she replied, smirking enigmatically, then downed her espresso in one impatient gulp.
What am I supposed to do with that? The birds are starting to chirp, the days are getting longer yet it’s still chilly – I’m wearing earmuffs and flip flops at the same time.

I logically know Spring eventually arrives every year, but this time around, the suspense is killing me. So I headed over to one of my favorite Upper East Side shops, Kiitos Marimekko, where I knew I’d get a good dose. It’s located on 3rd Avenue between 72nd and 73rd Streets.

This Finnish brand, which as been around since 1951, started off selling textiles with iconic, bold patterns, and now offers clothing, accessories, and items for interior design. Everything they sell is bright and much of it is smattered with oversized flowers.

In fact, passing through these doors is like entering some kind of fantastical botanical garden, maybe one you’d see in cartoons. This is what is considered a Marimekko lifestyle concept store and is the only one like it in New York City. Indeed, spring has sprung here: an orange and fuscia shift dress glows like the sun itself. The small sofa at the entrance is blooming with flowery and geometric throw pillows. I’m pretty sure that any item you pick up here will raise your psychological temperature at least a few degrees.

Okay, full disclosure: over the years, I’ve been slowly building a small Marimmekko empire of my own, including a polka dotted shoulder bag, a pair of Converse-like sneakers, a coin purse, a potholder, etc. I have brought friends into the fold. Every time I go, I try to limit myself to one purchase, which requires extreme self control.

This time, I took a few deep breaths before darting around from display to display in an excited, zigzagged blur. I had scoped out some items on their website first, and spotted an intriguing black and white mousepad depicting a city scene. I also identified a few things to include on our wedding registry/wish list including tea towels in one of their popular patterns called Kevatjuhla, which depicts cows who appear to be galloping (perhaps toward their nearest Marimekko shop?)

Pleasant shopgirls Emily and Lydia told me that customers are a mix. Many of them have known about the fabric and the clothes for a long time. They also have lots of interior designers coming in and people buying gifts for friends.

Owner Josie Cotzas was a manager at a Marimekko store on 56th Street in 1989 when that store closed due to overhead expense. “As the store’s existence came to a close, I felt that I simply couldn’t let it die. This product is like no other and it has a loyal customer base.” This led her to start a mail order business with a colleague and eventually find retail space. They have been in this current location on 3rd for six years. She enjoys working with the variety of products – both clothing and items for the home.

Indeed, you really could outfit your entire life with items from this tiny shop. A wall of towels will dry in style for $9-$65. The paper napkins (above) will brighten up any “tablescape” for $6-$12.

I can attest that the canvas bags (left) both work hard and play hard for $54-$75. The hot pink “Unnikko Kinto” toiletry case travels well for $52 and the kid-sized rain boots make a splash. They are currently on sale for $35.

Alas, I purchased that nifty pad for my mouse and he’s gliding it across it right now. It’s actually one of the least spring-like things in Marimekko. I suppose I’ll just have to stop in again soon. I think I’ll bring Mother Nature with me…just in case she needs a little inspiration.