Fashion

Uniqlo, Marimekko and the Unapologetic Love of Prints

With its past few iterations, the UNIQLO x Marimekko collections have embodied everything I could have ever wanted in clothes. They feature bright and cheerful bold prints in classic silhouettes, comfortable to wear basically anywhere.

A Japanese fashion brand known for its ‘Lifewear’ pieces, UNIQLO brings a sense of style to otherwise utilitarian clothing. Their collections aren’t trendy, instead reveling in its simplicity. They go with most everything in your closet, and incorporate details that emphasize functionality. Just one example—their dresses come with pockets, something I know many other ladies celebrate.

On the other hand, Marimekko is known for their prints. The Finnish design house is all about the expression of joyful living, and they integrate that philosophy into fashion, accessories and home decor.

The two brands coming together became the ultimate collaboration, for me at least. Marimekko’s eye-catching patterns add just enough personality to UNIQLO’s Lifewear pieces. They’re perfect for adding a vibrant pop to your daily uniforms.

We are now three collections into this collaboration (please correct me if I’m wrong), and I remain hooked. The latest release builds on the previous floral and geometric patterns, adding soft shades of colors inspired by the Finnish seasons.

A Nordic Midsummer

“The collection was built around the idea of Nordic midsummer, a season characterized by so-called ‘nightless nights,’ nature’s summer awakening, and different heartwarming traditions.” Marimekko’s Director of Home Products and Print Design Minna Kemell-Kutnoven shared her thoughts on the collection with It’s Nice That.

“The flowers of midsummer, the warmth and light of our ‘nightless nights,’ as well as the picturesque aspect of the Finnish countryside can all be sensed in the season’s prints, in my opinion,” she continues. “Clothes have the ability to create moods, and we hope this collection will bring people around the world joyfulness, optimism, and a warm summery feeling.”

I am definitely excited about bringing new prints into the closet. The matching sets are always a great staple, but I’m especially eyeing the newly added camisole jumpsuit. The cozy oversized fit would look great with sneakers or heels, and the organic stripes it comes in brings a casual sophistication.

Sadly, the collection is yet to appear in Cebu’s UNIQLO stores, despite announcements on their app saying it’s available online and in-store. To be honest, I am both looking forward to and dreading when it does—my wallet is surely watching in trepidation.

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About Shari Quimbo-Ybañez

With more than a decade's experience in the publishing industry, Shari feels like she's been telling stories her whole life. When she's not weaving tales, she's consuming them online or in print, or creating culinary ones at home.

author-avatar

About Shari Quimbo-Ybañez

With more than a decade's experience in the publishing industry, Shari feels like she's been telling stories her whole life. When she's not weaving tales, she's consuming them online or in print, or creating culinary ones at home.

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