Marimekko has caused a bit of mania in Australia lately, and there’s about to be even more buzz…

The Finnish design house has partnered with Japan’s casual-wear kings, UNIQLO, for a nine-piece womenswear collection. The new garments range from sleeveless blouses to contrast-pocket tees, cropped pants, short-sleeved dresses, and even bags and sneakers.

Then there are the prints – all by Marimekko’s much-loved print designer Maija Louekari. True story: Maija joined Marimekko in 2003 when she won a design competition organized by Marimekko and the University of Art and Design Helsinki!!

Each UNIQLO x Marimekko ‘LifeWear’ garment comes in several different print options, including Maija’s: kaleidoscopic Tilkkutakki (patchwork quilt); hoofprint-inspired Polle (horse); Nonparelli (hundreds and thousands) in a VERY TDF-friendly palette; and Pompula (pompom), a design depicting flower pots, and one we’d expect to see on an illustrator studio visit.

They’ve also released more moody, illustrative florals like Kukkai Rakkaalle (flowers for the loved one) and Maija, which serves as a tribute to Marimekko’s iconic Unikko (poppy) that has been adorning designs since 1964.

Starting at AUD$19.95, the new UNIQLO x Marimekko collection is available online at Uniqlo.com or in-store (full collection available at Emporium, MidCity, Brisbane Queen Street, with selected items in all other Australian stores) from March 28th – just in time for you to pick up a new on-theme outfit for a visit to Marimekko: Design Icon 1951 – 2018!