Marimekko gets colourful with men's everyday wear 

When Alexander Stubb, Finland's Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, met Marimekko's CEO Mika Ihamuotila a couple of years ago, he asked if Marimekko could also bring its famous flair for colour to men's professional wear. The Minister felt that especially Finnish men travelling abroad deserved to wear a strong Finnish design brand that would add a spark of colour to sober suits and shirts.
 In the summer of 2011, Mika acted on Alex's suggestion. He called together his team and told them about his idea to create a new men's accessories line inspired by Marimekko's textile patterns. It would also be the first step towards the renewal of Marimekko menswear collection. Everyone loved the idea. Each season Marimekko comes out with new, ever more colourful Mari dresses, but now it was time to remember the men out there.
 Mika collected a sample of patterns from Marimekko's legendary print archive and gave them to Marimekko's design team, who kick-started the process. No frills. No fuss. In a few months, the team came out with a range of men's ties and handkerchiefs, with Annika Rimala's Papajo and Karakola prints taking centre stage. The new accessories also come in a stunning assortement of colours - from bright pink to forest green.
 From Mika to Alex - and to other men as well.